Founded in Singapore in 2001, NGI has established ourselves as a reputable provider of gemological laboratory testing services and gemmological training institute in Far East Plaza. With over 20 years of experience and cutting-edge testing instruments, our expertise lies in the identification of various gemstones, jadeites, and diamonds. Our commitment to integrity and impartial expert advice has garnered recognition, instilling confidence and assurance among buyers and sellers in the gem and jewelry industry.
Throughout the years, NGI has conducted courses accredited by Gem-A (UK) between 2002 – 2009, approved by WDA (Singapore workforce development agency) 2007 – 2010 and SkillsFuture Singapore, 2021 – 2023, caters to professionals seeking for the latest industry developments, as well as newcomers venturing into the captivating world of gemstones.
We are honoured to have gained the trust of a diverse range of clients, including gemstone dealers, jewelry brand owners, private gem collectors, and even government agencies. Our unwavering dedication ensures that we consistently provide clients with the highest-quality service possible.
Our Mission
At NGI, our mission is to safeguard and advance the integrity of gem testing science through our professional testing reports / certificates, which are well recognised both in Singapore and internationally. We strive to protect all stakeholders in the jewelry industry through our laboratory services, educational courses, and research initiatives.
Our Founder
Mr Zeng C G leads the institute. Under his leadership and commitment, NGI maintains its high standards of expertise and professionalism.
Mr Zeng embarked on his journey in the field of gemology in 1993. With a master’s degree in geology and a multitude of professional gemologist certifications from Singapore and various countries globally, he possesses extensive expertise in the field.
From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Zeng held the esteemed position of Registered Gemmological Tutor at The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, U.K., and he continues to be recognized as an FGA (Fellow of the Gemmological Association) to this day.
Furthermore, he served as the editor of The Singapore Gemologist for the Singapore Gemologist Society between 2001 and 2003, showcasing his commitment to the gemological community.
He co-authored a book “Diamonds and Diamond Appraisal” and has published numerous research papers in the International Gemological Conference (IGC) and the Journal of Gems and Gemology. In 2003, 2004, and 2005, he received the first and second prizes in the International Jewellery Photography (Gem-A, UK) competition for three consecutive years. Some of his award winning gem photos are used in current Gem-A’s teaching materials. Mr Zeng is also a qualified jewelry appraiser.
Our other gemologist
Ms Jean Chan, FGA, is passionate about gemology. With a Graduate Diploma in Gemology from Gem-A, The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, an ACLP, Advanced Certificate of Learning Performance for Adult Education from SUSS, and her experiences in bespoke jewelry consulting, gemological course development, and effectively bilingual (English and Mandarin) truly add value to NGI in providing excellent services to its customers and students.
Advisory Board
Prof. Zhou Zuyi,
School of Ocean and Earth Science. Former Chairman of the University Council of Tongji University.
Prof. Qi Li Jian,
School of Ocean and Earth Science, Tongji University.
Our Team
In addition to the aforementioned, our team is composed of dynamic and dedicated staff members who possess the necessary skills to handle high volume of gem testing and report production on a daily basis. Each team member brings their own unique expertise to the table, with backgrounds in various areas such as laboratory operations management in multinational corporations (MNCs), customer service in gems and jewelry industry, and proficiency in digital photography for art and jewelry. Together, we are fully committed to ensuring efficient gem testing and report generation within our fast-paced environment.
NGI was founded in Singapore in 2001 as a gem testing laboratory & gemological education institute
Equipped with standard and the most up-to-date gemological advanced testing instruments
Formed Advisory Board for offering gemological expert advice
Became member & committee member of Singapore Jewellers Association (SJA) & Singapore Gemologist Society
Stage 2
Growth and Expertise
(2005-2010)
Established itself as a trusted provider of gem testing services
Accredited as Allied Teaching Centre for Diploma in Gemmology by The Gemmological Association of Great Britain
Collaborated with Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute of Business (SCCIOB) to conduct course on Jadeite & Diamond Appreciation
Approved as a Training Organisation by Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) WSQ between 2007 and 2010 for Gemstones, Diamonds & Jadeites Identification courses
Stage 3
Industry Leadership (2011-2020)
Acquired latest state-of-the-art testing instruments, such as Raman spectrometry, EDXRF to enhance accuracy and efficiency in analysis
Became industry leader in gemstone, jadeite and diamond identification
Became approved dealer for diamond and gemstones testers from the manufacturer such as Presidium & Gemlogis
Stage 4
Innovation & staying abreast with times (2021-present)
Approved as a Training Provider for SkillsFuture Singapore funded courses on Gemstone, Diamond & Jadeite Identification
Re-design NGI website to provide comprehensive information
Improve efficiency of lab operation by re-design current process adopting web-based and cloud-based technology