A MOU was signed between London-headquartered Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories (SGL) and Nepal Gem & Jewellery Association to launch SGL’s laboratory in Kathmandu, Nepal. The facility will mark the first international laboratory to enter the Nepalese market and form a strategic alliance with an association.

The last few years has witnessed a growth in gold and diamond consumption in Nepal, setting a ground for a number of jewellery companies to start operations there. Nepal Gem & Jewellery Association (NEGJA) is the largest jewellery trade body under the Nepalese Commerce and Industries ministry representing key organisations from the country. NEGJA also conducted the first ever jewellery fashion show .

The MOU was signed by Mr. Manish LalPradhan, President of NEGJA and Mr. Chirag Soni, Director of SGL in the presence of Dr. Minendra Rijal,Minister of Industries & Telecommunications of Nepal and other distinguished associates and members of the Nepalese jewellery fraternity.

“We welcome SGL to bring in certification and standardisation of the immense gem resources available in Nepal, to create a benchmark for Nepali jewellery in the international market and also create product transperancy for our domestic as well as international customer”, said Mr.Pradhan.

‘Nepal has mines for a whole lot of gemstone varieties which are indigenous and bringing in authentication will create a canvas for all of us to deliver transparency to the trade and transactions. Diamond jewellery is also becoming an increasingly important category and we see a huge surge in the coming years in this segment’ said Mr.Soni.

SGL operates laboratories in Dubai and nine locations in India.