Two leading educational institutes in the gem and jewellery - GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) have come together to promote gemological education in India. Donna Baker, President and CEO of GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and Vasant Mehta, Convener - National Technical Education Committee of GJEPC and Chairman of the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect at a gathering that hosted GIA’s Board of Governors and leaders in the gem and jewellery industry.

The Agreement allows GIA to conduct courses at IIGJ campuses throughout India, which currently span Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur, with further plans of opening IIGJ campuses in Kolkata and Chennai. IIGJ is a Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) project sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

“GIA is proud of its longstanding collaboration with GJEPC,” said Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director - GIA India & Middle East. “World-class educational opportunities empower the industry. This agreement will help us reach small and large manufacturers and jewellers across India by bringing GIA education right to their doorsteps.” The MoU is expected to strengthen GIA’s presence in India’s gem and jewellery industry, extend its commitment to bring the highest standards of education to India and further build an alliance with the trade.

“Vasant Mehta noted, “In order to support the requirements of our growing businesses, technical education is essential. IIGJ was born out of this very need; and with GIA’s partnership, we intend to develop the back end further by providing skilled manpower to trade members across the country.”

GIA has been active in promoting gemological education in India. It offers comprehensive training and respected professional credentials from its state-of-the-art campus facilities. Courses covering diamonds, coloured stones, pearls, jewellery design, sales and more are available at 25 locations throughout India. Its tutorials also cover a wide variety of instructional formats.