GIA expands its services in Zambia

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has expanded its scope of services in Africa, with the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the largest university in Zambia - University of Zambia (UNZA). This tie-up will offer those interested an opportunity to study GIA’s Accredited Jewelry Professional intensive (AJPi) program. three-course AJPi program teaches polished diamond quality; how to translate jewelry design, style and manufacturing features into consumer language; the basics of colored stone identification; how to explain treated, synthetic and imitation stones with full disclosure; and jewelry selling techniques.

UNZA will select 20 students for the five-day AJPi class held on the UNZA campus. Professor Stephen Simukanga, vice-chancellor of UNZA. “GIA is a venerable leader in the global gem and jewelry industry, which makes this an invaluable learning opportunity for the local residents; and we encourage them to pursue it by applying”.

GIA will be providing a grant of $25,000 to meet the requirements for instructor, curriculum and materials. The lab is also giving two specialized gemological microscopes to the university. Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA said, “As two organizations dedicated to excellence in education, we look forward to serving the local community by sharing our gemological knowledge and resources. This program is part of GIA’s expanded effort to help bring the broader benefits of the gem trade to people in the places where gems are produced.”

GIA services have been active in Africa, through education campus and laboratory in Botswana, a laboratory in Johannesburg, diamond, colored gemstone and jewelry arts education at other facilities in Africa. GIA is accredited by the Government of Botswana, and has provided classes in Gaborone to further the country’s goals of increasing local employment and added value services from its diamond production.