Mumbai hosts GIA Board of Governors meeting

Mumbai became the first ever host venue for a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Board of Governors meeting, outside the GIA U.S.-based headquarters. The meeting was recently held in Mumbai with Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA; Thomas Moses, senior vice president of Laboratory and Research of GIA; and David Tearle, vice president and chief financial officer of GIA representing the Institute’s management at the gathering. The Indian counterparts attending included members of the Indian gem and jewellery trade - the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), Bharat Diamond Bourse and the Export Promotion Council for the EOUs and SEZs (EPCES) presented an industry overview.

“We are pleased that India was chosen as the first international location to host the Board of Governors meeting,” said Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of GIA in India and the Middle East. “This demonstrates the importance of the Indian market to GIA, and a commitment to delivering world class services to the gems and jewellery community.”

During their visit, the Directors found this an opportunity to interact with members of India’s gem and jewellery trade bodies as well as the industry leaders in the diamond city of Surat and the coloured stone city of Jaipur, where they toured manufacturing units, retail outfits and IIGJ Institutes in Mumbai and Jaipur.

“India is a significant global leader in the industry. Working alongside the trade community here is an integral element of GIA’s global campaign,” Baker said. He also expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended. % % The GIA Board of Governors’ wealth of knowledge guides the Institute in its mission to protect the public trust in diamonds, gems and pearls through education programs, laboratory services and research discoveries. The governors come from various industry backgrounds, including gems and jewellery, legal and compliance, finance, management and marketing. Susan M. Jacques, president and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, serves as the chairperson of the board.