The founder of the International Gemological Institute (IGI), Marcel Lorié, died in Belgium on Friday 17th at the age of 80.

Marcel Lorié, the father of Roland, started the laboratory in 1975 and served as its chairman since then. He founded IGI at the age of 50 and was extremely proud to see the company he started with a staff of three evolve into a worldwide authority on certifying and evaluating diamonds and gemstones, according to a release issued Friday.
He is survived by his wife, Mignon Lorié; a son, Roland Lorié; a daughter, Carole Lorié-Low; and eight grandchildren.

“When my father started the IGI, the majority of the diamond community did not even know what certificates were, and only stones over 2 carats were certified,” said Roland Lorié in the statement. “Most people did not think a lab in Antwerp would work. He was ahead of his time.”
Established in Antwerp, New York, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Toronto, Los Angeles, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Cavalese and Seoul, IGI is the world's largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute and is renowned for its quality services, extensive experience and know-how.

The Europa Star team sends its sincere condolences to the Lorié family and our thoughts are with you through this difficult period.