GIA India organised the Knowledge Webinar ‘September Birthstone: Sapphire’ for members of the gem and jewellery trade across India. More than 150 participants attended this webinar to learn important information about the gemstone.

GIA India Instructor Deepa Srinivasa shared insights on the sources, history and quality factors of sapphire. The webinar also taught the participants information about laboratory-grown gems and simulants, along with a few care and cleaning tips.

“This was the first GIA Knowledge Webinar I attended, and I learnt so much about the origins of sapphires and the various factors affecting its colour and other information about its gem species,” said Satvik Kamath, who works in the Operations department at Abharan Jewellers Pvt. Ltd., Udipi, Karnataka. “This will help me be more knowledgeable when talking to customers, especially in the case of sapphires because it is commonly sold as part of Navratna in India.”

"The GIA Knowledge Webinar was very helpful. I have gained a lot of knowledge on sapphires and I’m confident it will help us in our business,” said Arjun Soni, Proprietor, Mohanlal Sureshchandra and Sons, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

“I believe learning should never stop. As leaders in gemmological education and pioneers in offering eLearning courses in the industry, GIA India is committed towards sharing knowledge to ensure public trust in gems and jewellery,” said Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India.

“This knowledge webinar on September birthstones is an effort in that direction. GIA India team is thankful to all the webinar participants for their desire to keep learning, even as the industry is gradually recovering from the business impact of COVID-19.”