IGI hosts ‘Know your Diamond’ seminar in Navsari, India

International Gemological Institute (IGI) recently conducted a seminar entitled ‘Know your Diamonds’ with Navsari Diamond Merchants Association, and intended for the members of the Association at Navsari. The seminar was held on April 25, 2010 and hosted Mr. Aagham Sanghavi, Director, Sanghavi Exports; Mr. C.R. Patil, Member of Parliament and Mr. Ranchhod Detroja, Ratnakala Exports as Chief Guests and around 850 participants. Mr. Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director, IGI – India said “With the gems and jewellery industry growing and changing rapidly, it is time that the gem & jewelry trade, institutions and associations work hand in hand to meet the challenges of an evolving industry. IGI organised this seminar with the Navsari Association to spread awareness amongst its members for certification and on trust with which they would feel confident of every purchase they make.”

The seminar focused on intricacies in diamond grading, quality of diamonds bought and a deeper knowledge on the 4 C’s, which highly affect the diamond price. Participants were also made aware on diamond certification and its importance. An IGI grading loupe for accurate grading as well as information manual on 4 C’s was presented to the participants.

Mr. Ramit Kapur, General Manager, IGI said –"Navsari is one of the largest diamond cutting centres in the world, where the awareness for diamond grading is at an intermediate level. IGI wishes to extend it's expertise to this upcoming diamond manufacturing centres through its various educational activities to bring it at par with the other manufacturing centres worldwide." Mr. Tarun Jogani, President, Navsari Diamond Merchants Association said, - “The initiative taken up by IGI to spread diamond awareness in smaller towns is noteworthy & will benefit the smaller manufacturers and traders by bringing all on a similar platform of knowledge.” IGI is also planning an eight-day course on 'Polished Diamond Grading' between 30th April’10 – 7th May’10 at Navsari.

IGI is the world’s largest independent laboratory for testing and grading gemstones and fine jewellery and India’s only ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited laboratory.