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The AGTA is a leading industry force in the promotion of colored gemstones and provides education and research as an integral part of their mission and purpose. In 2002, the AGTA selected tanzanite as a December birthstone, adding it to a list of birthstones unchanged since 1912. Gabriella Endlin, Technical Director of the Tanzanite Foundation comments, "We are extremely gratified to enter into this strategic cooperation with the American Gem Trade Association and its Gemological Testing Center. Their support of our vision for a universal, consistent tanzanite grading system is essential. The AGTA has the expertise and market positioning to play a key role in achieving this unprecedented goal." AGTA GTC Laboratory Director, Dr. Lore Kiefert said, "I am very excited about this collaboration. The Tanzanite Foundation's vision is something very well worth sharing, and we are proud that Tanzanite Foundation has selected us to do so. Tanzanite is consistent in its properties making it a perfect gemstone to receive a grading report. We are looking forward to a continued collaboration with the Tanzanite Foundation." The Tanzanite Quality ScaleÔ grades according to specific standards under the 4 C's criteria of Carat Weight, Color, Clarity and Cut. A fifth "C" stands for Confidence. Tanzanite Quality ScaleÔ grading certificates issued by AGTA GTC will provide the assurance that the tanzanite inspected is accurately graded, authentic and of natural origin, from the world's only known tanzanite source situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa.