GIA (Gemological Institute of America) together with its Mumbai Alumni Chapter undertook promoting knowledge on the ‘Navratna’ gemstones, in a seminar entitled “Healing Power of Navratnas and the Romance of Gemstones”. At the seminar held at GIA’s Mumbai campus in the Bandra Kurla Complex, an interactive session was led by Indira Bhojwani, director of Pure Skies Jewels.

She spoke on the nine basic gemstones traditionally used in India, often referred to as Navratnas, exploring the properties of healing associated with them. She also emphasized on the gemstone dimensions and proper metals for retail jewellery purposes.

“The navratnas are an important part of Indian retail jewellery, and we are thankful that Ms. Bhojwani shared details about each gemstone with our alumni,” said Manoj Singhania, education director of GIA in India and the Middle East. “The seminar was beneficial to retail jewellers who learned how to market birthstones more effectively to clients.”

Bhojwani, an astro-gemologist and heritage jeweller has been in the retail jewellery industry for more than 15 years. Her passion for gemstones and period jewellery has seen her conducting events for corporations that focus on preserving the heritage of Indian jewellery. The GIA seminar concluded with traditional Indian palm readings and Bhojwani prescribed gemstones to audience volunteers.