Sparkle 2011, an international exhibition directed at promoting the diamond industry had the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) participate as its ‘Knowledge Partner’. The trade body conducted a series of seminars and informed on aspects of diamonds, coloured stones, pearls and sales.

“GIA has had a longstanding association and ties to the diamond industry in Surat,” said Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of GIA in India and the Middle East. “This is the third consecutive year that we have participated at Sparkle and we hope this initiative will continue to provide relevant gemmological education to a wider scope of the trade community there.”

Sparkle 2011, took place between December 16-19, 2011 at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre, in the state of Surat, which is the hub for diamond cutting and polishing for the Indian gem and jewellery industry. The event was part of the Vibrant Gujarat programme organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

GIA has built an acrtive presence in Surat since 2008, promoting education and conducting classrooms at the Surat Diamond Association office, along with providing lab services and reaching out to trade centres across the state, including Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Palanpur, Mehsana, Navsari and Rajkot.