MUMBAI, India – Jan. 23, 2010 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) India, working in association with the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery, Jaipur (IIGJ), has announced plans to offer GIA’s Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma course in Jaipur from Feb. 1–5.

The A.J.P. diploma programme is designed to empower the entire sales team, including supervisors. The course content includes an in-depth study of diamonds, coloured stones and jewellery. The result is that the A.J.P. graduate acquires the critical product knowledge his or her customers expect from their trusted jewellers. In addition, the A.J.P. covers the jewellery sales process so graduates will be able to sell jewellery with knowledge and confidence.

Nirupa Bhatt, managing director, GIA India/Mideast Region, said, “Our vision is to make GIA’s Diamond and Coloured Stone classes available to important gemstone cutting and trading centres such as Jaipur. GIA India plans to reach across 15 cities in the country in 2010.”

With the A.J.P. diploma offered in Jaipur, jewellers will have the opportunity to access world-class gemological education locally, added Bhatt.

The A.J.P. classes will be held at the Hotel Park Prime in Jaipur. Registration closes on Jan. 28.

To register for the classes and to get more information, please contact: Amrita Mehta for GIA India in Mumbai on 022-4085 1500 or amrita.mehta@gia.edu.

GIA India’s Web site address is www.giaindia.in. It is located on the 10th Floor Trade Center, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 051.

MUMBAI, India – Nov. 5, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) India recently held a graduation ceremony for students who completed coursework for several different GIA Education programmes, including Graduate Gemologist (G.G.), Graduate Diamond (G.D.) and Graduate Colored Stones (G.C.S.).

Milan Parikh of Mahendra Brothers, and a GIA Alumni Association member, presided as Chief Guest at the graduation ceremony and presented the diplomas to the students. He shared his own market experiences, discussed industry expectations of jewellers just entering the field, and predicted what the graduating students can anticipate on the road ahead.

“Being a GIA graduate, I appreciate GIA India’s efforts to impart quality training and provide relevant skills and counsel to aspiring professionals in India,” Parikh said. “GIA India’s state-of-the-art facility and innovative new initiatives will help its students succeed—and ultimately benefit the entire Indian gem and jewellery industry.”

Neeraj Jain, a graduating student, said, “High achievement is a triangle of knowledge, skills and attitude. Good skills and a positive attitude are built within a person, and are very important to any employer. But the right knowledge specific to the gem and jewellery industry is also essential, and that is given to us by GIA.”

The GIA accredited diploma programmes are internationally recognized as the hallmark for professional credentials. “In the 26 weeks of the Graduate Gemologist programme, students master GIA’s international standards of grading diamonds and colored stones. The GIA International Diamond Grading System™ has been established as the industry standard, and is used as such by the trade in India,” said Manoj Singhania, GIA India school director.

GIA India also conducts a variety of courses, lab classes and seminars to provide practical information to help people in the trade upgrade their existing grading, selling and buying skills. These seminars are specifically tailored to the Indian market, to enhance expertise in all areas of diamonds, gemstones and jewellery.

Nirupa Bhatt, GIA managing director of GIA India and Middle East, added, “GIA programmes on diamond and colored stones are internationally applauded. At GIA India, we offer both programmes to aspiring students who want to build prosperous and important careers in our vibrant industry.”

For more information about GIA India, contact giaindiainfo@gia.edu or visit www.giaindia.in.

GIA India is located on the 10th Floor, Trade Center, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400 051.

MUMBAI – October 15, 2009 – GIA India held its first graduation ceremony for a jewellery design class on Oct. 1. Queenie, a well-known jewellery designer and former Miss India, presided over the event as Chief Guest and Avinash Mahtani of Lalchand Dhalamal Sons officiated as Guest of Honour to give the diplomas to the graduates of GIA India’s Jewellery Design Batch of 2009.

Nirupa Bhatt, GIA managing director for India and the Middle East, said, “Jewellery design is critical for the growth of the gem and jewellery industry. Design is the imagination’s spark made visible, and from which any jewellery piece is made. The work done by this group of graduating students is impressive and each one of them has potential to be successful. GIA strives to bring this caliber of trained talent to the industry.”

Through the nine weeks of GIA India’s intensive Jewellery Design Programme, each student learned all aspects of jewellery design, including jewellery artistry, illustration, rendering, and application of traditional drafting techniques.

At the graduation ceremony, both Queenie and Mahtani gave personal, career and marketing advice to the students. For example, Queenie advised the graduates to design what will sell in the marketplace and please the consumer, rather than create beautiful pieces that remain on the shelf.

Mahtani, a GIA Graduate, said, “The students’ designs were aligned with the jewellery trends of today, which are unique yet still very wearable. Most of the designs showed a good understanding of the use of large and small diamonds at appropriate places. I am confident these students will go far and their GIA Education will help them achieve their goals.”

Last month, a GIA in-house jewellery design contest was organized where students created and displayed designs based on various themes including bridal, earrings, Oscar red-carpet earrings, rings, bangles, bracelets, and pearls.

The contest was judged by over 250 GIA staff members who voted for the best design in each category.

Niyati Mehta received three awards: Best Design/Overall, Best Design/Pearl and Best Design/Earrings. Laxmi Sruthi V. was honored for work done on Best Design/Bridal. Ridhi Gala had the Best Design/Ring, while Sapna Ishrani won for Best Design in the Bangle and Bracelet category. Anju Jadhwani received the nod for Best Design/Oscar Red Carpet.

The contest jury’s choice for Best Design was received by Muskaan Malhotra for a beautiful necklace.

A catalogue of jewellery designs will be launched shortly showcasing the unique and creative designs presented by each student.

To get more information or learn how to register for courses, contact giaindiainfo@gia.edu or visit GIA India’s Web site at www.giaindia.in

GIA India is located on the 10th Floor, Trade Centre, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400051.

MUMBAI, India – Aug. 31, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recognizes that its graduates – who number more than 70,000 active members worldwide – are a vital component in the Institute’s efforts to increase gemological education and set professional standards for the entire gem and jewelry industry.

GIA India has launched a “Business Excellence Series” for its alumni to help achieve that goal. GIA President and CEO Donna Baker, with Managing Director (India and the Middle East) Nirupa Bhatt, made the announcement about the new program recently to more than 70 alumni who attended a recent special forum at the GIA India Laboratory.

The new Business Excellence Series will host discussions and seminars focused on providing opportunities to the alumni to network and communicate. This will help create an environment where GIA India Alumni can learn and share their experiences so they can take their careers and businesses to the next level, and encourage even greater growth in the industry.

By staying abreast of cutting-edge information and communicating it to others in the industry, GIA Alumni can help enhance consumer confidence.

“The best way to inform and educate the industry is to ensure that more of GIA’s extensive research, education and other resources are shared,” Baker said. “The Business Excellence Series forges new ways the Institute, alumni and the trade can work together to benefit everyone, including the general public.”

There are more than 2,000 GIA graduates in India – with more than 50 percent in Mumbai – the majority of which are from the gem and jewelry industry, according to Manoj Singhania, Director of GIA India Education. “The Mumbai alumni chapter is very active and over the past year it has launched several initiatives to make the Mumbai alumni network even more vibrant and meaningful. We are also making concentrated efforts to energize other GIA Alumni chapters in India, such as those in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Delhi and Jaipur.”

“We believe creating an environment for ongoing learning and sharing will lead to individual professional development, networking opportunities and solid industry growth,” Singhania said.

MUMBAI, India – Aug. 6, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) today announced a new Diamond Sealing Service that is now available to customers. The service is offered for D-to-Z diamonds that carry a GIA Diamond Grading Report or a GIA Diamond Dossier®, and colored diamonds holding a GIA Colored Diamond Grading Report.

Donna Baker, GIA president and CEO, made the announcement with Nirupa Bhatt, GIA managing director for India and the Middle East, at the IIJS Show in Mumbai.

The new service seals the diamond with its key grading information in a credit card-sized, tamper-resistant package. The sealed package keeps the stone, its report number and its primary gemological details such as report date, shape and the Four Cs, together in a secure, easy-to-display packet.

The sealed package contains multiple security features, including the GIA hologram. The packet shows that the diamond has been graded by GIA and the information in it matches the stone, which will help prevent attempts to misrepresent the item and its report.

The Sealing Service can be ordered at the time of grading for a fee of US$9 per stone. A diamond can also be resubmitted for the Sealing Service for the US$9 charge, with an additional grading fee applied.

Baker said, “GIA has been vigorously offering a wider array of services to accommodate the needs of its many different customers throughout the industry and the general public.”

“As we continue to expand globally, we’re providing additional options and finding more opportunities to help solve customer problems in that market,” she added. “In particular, we are interested in offering services that promote worldwide industry standards and reinforce consumer confidence.”

Bhatt said, “As the world’s largest diamond cutting and manufacturing center, India is also a clearing house for many diamond markets, some of which increasingly request this type of benefit. We are pleased to offer it to all our clients in this region and around the world.”

The Sealing Service can be requested at all GIA Laboratory or take-in locations worldwide, as well as online through GIA’s client portal, “My Laboratory.”

For more information, please visit the GIA Web site at www.gia.edu.

MUMBAI, India – June 11, 2009 – Prabir Chatterjee, managing director of Adora Jewellery, presided as Chief Guest at GIA India’s graduation ceremony on May 29 to present diplomas to students who successfully earned their GIA Graduate Diamonds credentials.

In his comments to the students and attendees, Chatterjee said, “GIA's education courses are a boon to the trade and lend structure to the entire Indian gem and jewellery industry. Students trained through GIA emerge as thorough professionals.”

Graduate Harsh Jain said GIA’s Graduate Diamonds diploma programme helped build his confidence in grading diamonds. “I now have the knowledge, skills and experience to work with ease,” he said. “The GIA Mumbai Campus provided all of the learning tools I will use to flourish in the exciting world of gems and jewellery.”

Manoj Singhania, school director of GIA India, said the Graduate Diamonds diploma programme is presented as “an all-around approach to diamonds as a subject, with a unique blend of theory and practice.”

Anjali Kumar, another graduate, said this approach “brings tremendous self-confidence in my new capabilities, as well as a global platform from which to rub shoulders with the best people and companies in the industry.”

The graduates were given a tour of the GIA India Laboratory after the ceremony and said they were impressed with the state-of-the-art equipment and strict grading techniques and methodologies adhered to by the Laboratory.

Nirupa Bhatt, managing director for GIA India and the Middle East added, “I compliment the students graduating here today for their dedication and perseverance during their seven weeks on campus.”

GIA conducts a variety of courses, seminars and lab classes in many jewellery centers in India. All offer invaluable practical knowledge and upgraded skill sets in gems and jewellery. A 19-week Graduate Colored Stone diploma programme begins July 2 at the Mumbai campus. Any Graduate Diamonds diploma holder who completes that course will earn a GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma.

GIA has also launched a number of courses specifically tailored to the Indian market and the industry’s challenging economic conditions.

To get more details or learn how to register, contact giaindiainfo@gia.edu or visit GIA India’s Web site at www.giaindia.in.

GIA India is located on the 10th Floor, Trade Center, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400 051.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India – May 15, 2009 – To stress the importance of India to the plans of GIA India, Nirupa Bhatt, managing director, GIA India/Middle East made a special appearance at the “Core Strengths – United in the Untied World Conference”, held May 5 by the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, an industry trade body sponsored by the Government of India, in Chennai.

Bhatt spoke on an important topic for the Indian industry– the family business and education. Bhatt said, “A family-owned business built by the family’s forefathers has a history and tradition is followed in all day-to-day functions. Growth and success depend on the business model. The gem and jewellery industry has been built and led by family-owned businesses who have earned the trust and goodwill of many generations. The family business model can be rightly proud of its legacy but a word of caution is due.”

“Customers everywhere are becoming increasingly educated and aware of their many options when making purchase decisions. This is especially true for luxury items. Electronics have made significant inroads as gifts and aspirational goods. In today’s increasingly competitive era, there is no place for complacency. The market is ruthless. We cannot rest on past laurels,” Bhatt said.

She cited other successful industries, such as pharmaceuticals and high technology, which have evolved as a result of continuous product development and research. According to Bhatt, “The gem and jewelry industry has also evolved but the pace must be much faster and broader.”

Bhatt later met with leading retailers from the city and offered to help them in their education and training initiatives. Based on the enthusiastic response received, GIA India will be launching its Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) programme in Chennai in June.

In addition, there is a growing demand for GIA’s “customized batches” that allow organizations to identify the topics of interest. Then these customized workshops are conducted by GIA at the retailers’ or manufacturers’ convenience and in their own locations.

Bhatt added, “Education is essential for business persons deeply involved in their family businesses but who still wish to arm themselves better to face new challenges and seize new opportunities in the highly dynamic new global business environment. Upgrading skills for yourself, your family and your staff enhances your organization’s capabilities and prepares them for competition. Training is not an expense, it is an investment.”

Babu Emmanuel, managing partner of OKJ Jewelry Store and president of MJDMA, said, “In many family businesses, the predecessors would spend time and money building a successful empire. Some generations might not have utilized these resources properly and would have trailed. But when these issues are reflected and discussed on a platform through people who have contributed their time and might in researching, are made available to family found businessmen. Among such people whom I had encountered Mrs. Nirupa Bhatt. She with her extensive research and studies can definitely pass on good information and motivate the family business man of today. That is my view.

GIA India has on several occasions stated its intentions of making its courses more accessible by going to six cities in India by 2010. It has surpassed that goal, and is now offering now offering courses in over ten cities in India including Jaipur, Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad and Cochin.

GIA is a global, nonprofit gemological research and academic Institute that focuses on the science of gemology. Its mission is to ensure the public trust in gems and jewellery. The organisation performs research on gems and shares that knowledge with its students. It applies its discoveries in its laboratories and disseminates findings through public and trade outreach programs. It grades diamonds and coloured stones and offers educational courses to professionals seeking training in gemology.

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, GIA has 12 campus locations worldwide.

Established in 1931 by author, educator and visionary Robert M. Shipley, GIA has become known to many as "the Harvard of the gem and jewellery industry." More than 200,000 students worldwide have completed courses in GIA's gemology, jewellery manufacturing arts, and business programs, both on campus and through distance education.

MUMBAI, India – May 15, 2009 - Rajiv Mehta, chief executive officer (CEO) of Dimexon Diamond Ltd., a leading global diamond business with a presence all across the value chain, presided as Chief Guest at GIA India’s recent Graduate Diamond Diploma program. Mehta presented the diplomas to the students and spoke with the graduates and their family members. He answered their many questions about how to start a diamond jewellery business and generously shared his own experiences.

Mehta said, “It has been a great experience to represent Dimexon at the GIA India graduation ceremony today. Once again, GIA reaffirms its leadership position in the diamond jewellery industry through its grading and education programs. This effort of creating the world's best platform for learning gemology will go a long way in attracting and preparing the future generation for the diamond jewellery industry.”

Abhishek Doshi, a graduating student, said, “GIA helped me to identify the 4Cs accurately, and so much more. A GIA Education helps an individual, even one new to the industry, gain valuable knowledge on diamonds. The curriculum follows a systematic way to educate students."

According to Nirupa Bhatt, managing director for GIA India and Middle East said, “The GIA programs on diamonds and colored stones are internationally applauded. We offer both programs to students aspiring to make a career in gems and jewellery industry.”

“GIA India has, for the first time, introduced the morning Graduate Diamonds batch on a part-time basis at our Mumbai campus to help working professionals pursue GIA studies in the morning and continue to pursue professional interests in the daytime. A home study program has also been introduced for Graduate Diamonds, where a student can complete the course in six months and have the benefit of a one-week Laboratory program on campus.”

Bhatt continued, “GIA India conducts a range of courses, seminars and Lab classes that are invaluable for gaining the practical knowledge or upgrading skill sets needed in today’s gems and jeweller industry. GIA India has also launched a number of courses specifically tailored to the Indian market.”

To get more details or learn how to register, contact giaindiainfo@gia.edu or visit GIA India’s Web site at www.giaindia.in.

GIA India is located on the 10th Floor, Trade Center, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400 051.

MUMBAI, India – May 5, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) India held a commencement ceremony April 10 for students who have earned the Graduate Diamond (G.D.) diploma.

Pratish Popat, partner with Jasraj Kalianji, served as Chief Guest and presented the diplomas. He shared his own experiences with the students, the expectations the graduates will face from the industry, and what to anticipate on the road ahead.

“GIA's G.D. diploma is regarded as the industry's most prestigious academic and professional credential in diamonds,” Popat said. “The new campus at GIA India’s Bandra Kurla Complex reflects the high standards of GIA Education internationally. Offering world-class facilities and qualified instructors, GIA India Education is the starting point for aspiring students who want to forge a career in gems and jewellery or for professionals seeking updated capabilities and greater opportunities.”

Miten Shah, a graduating student agreed and said, “An education from GIA gives us a head start in today’s competitive gem and jewellery business.”

The graduation ceremony was followed by a GIA India Laboratory tour, which according to Shah, left the students and other visitors in awe over the scale of operations and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

The Laboratory tour concluded with a “Question and Answer” session with Matthew Hall, director, GIA India Laboratory; Nirupa Bhatt, managing director, GIA India and the Middle East; and Manoj Singhania, school director, GIA India.

“GIA’s accredited diploma programmes are recognised internationally as hallmark professional credentials,” Singhania said. “In the Graduate Diamond course, which lasts up to seven weeks, students master GIA’s International Diamond Grading System by working with real diamonds, under the trained eye of a professional instructor. Other courses that are in high demand include the Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) and the Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma programmes.”

GIA India conducts a variety of courses, seminars and Lab classes that are invaluable for gaining practical knowledge or upgrading skill sets in gems and jewellery. The organization has also launched a number of courses specifically tailored to the Indian market and which reflect the industry’s current challenging economic conditions.

To get more details or learn how to register, contact giaindiainfo@gia.edu or visit GIA India’s Web site at www.giaindia.in.

GIA India is located on the 10th Floor, Trade Center, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400 051.

CARLSBAD, Calif. – May 8, 2009–The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will present, for the first time, two pearl classes in Dubai. Both classes will run next week.

The first conference is a two-day Pearl Class that will run May 12-13, from 9 am-4 pm. It will be held with the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group at the Dubai Gold Land Building. The class costs USD 225 for DGJG members and USD 250 for non-members.

Students finishing the class will receive a GIA Letter of Completion.

The second workshop is a one-day Pearl and Bead Stringing class. It will be held May 14 from 9 am-4 pm. Again the venue will be with the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group in the Dubai Gold Land Building. The class costs USD 150 for DGJG members and USD 175 for non-members.

Students completing this class will also receive a GIA Letter of Completion.

According to Judith Anand, GIA’s manager –Dubai Laboratory Services, “Once GIA established a presence here in Dubai, we wanted to quickly begin offering our classes to the people of Dubai and the surrounding region.”

“Because pearls are very important in Dubai, we offering some of our pearl classes first. Other GIA educational opportunities will follow,” Anand said.

GIA Dubai is located in the Dubai Airport Free Zone.

If you would like more information on the classes, please call +971 4 2149618 or e-mail judy.anand@gia.edu or dubailabinfo@gia.edu.

HYDERABAD, Andra Pradesh, India – May 1, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced today that GIA India plans to offer a Pearl Grading Lab class and a Retail Jewellery Management (R.J.M.) business course, and is now taking registrations. The Pearl Grading Lab class will be held on May 18-19, while the R.J.M. course will be available on May 21-23 and May 24-25 at the Golconda Institute of Diamonds in Hyderabad.

“Hyderabad has a large population of professionals who are discerning customers,” said Nirupa Bhatt, managing director, GIA India/Middle East. “The programs have been offered based on the significant number of retail businesses with large showrooms and multiple locations, and the need to meet their demand for educated retail sales associates. Hyderabad is also the pearl capital of India, creating significant potential for our offerings.”

GIA’s Pearl Grading class provides all the product knowledge people need to buy inventory, build confidence and increase profits. In this hands-on class, participants will practice with cultured pearls graded by the GIA Laboratory, learn how to evaluate cultured pearls, and talk about the beauty, value and quality of the merchandise.

Retail Jewellery Management is an introductory course for counter staff to learn retail business management, store display and security. This important class helps participants acquire product knowledge, along with the skills and confidence to close more sales.

Bhatt added, “GIA is taking world-class education to key Indian markets to align local skills with international standards. As India moves up the value chain and becomes a vital jewellery consumption market, retail becomes an important area requiring educated personnel. GIA India aims to fill this need.”

Vikram Kabra, director of Kabra Jewellers and a GIA alum, said, “We are always ahead with a GIA education.”

GIA is a global, nonprofit gemological research and academic Institute that focuses on the science of gemology. Its mission is to ensure the public trust in gems and jewellery. The organisation performs research on gems and shares that knowledge with its students. It applies its discoveries in its laboratories and disseminates findings through public and trade outreach programs. It grades diamonds and coloured stones and offers educational courses to professionals seeking training in gemology.

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, GIA has 12 campus locations worldwide.

Established in 1931 by author, educator and visionary Robert M. Shipley, GIA has become known to many as "the Harvard of the gem and jewellery industry." More than 200,000 students worldwide have completed courses in GIA's gemology, jewellery manufacturing arts, and business programs, both on campus and through distance education.

Mumbai, India - Apr. 20, 2009 - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) India signed a “Memo of Understanding” (MOU) on March 25th with the Gem and Jewellery Export Council (GJEPC) to promote greater gemological education throughout India, and develop and retain talent in the industry.

“The purpose of this agreement is to build a structure upon which our two organisations can significantly raise gemological education standards in India, and therefore strengthen the industry here. GIA India’s accredited diploma programmes are recognised internationally as hallmark professional credentials,” said Nirupa Bhatt, GIA Managing Director, India and Middle East.

Under the new agreement, GIA India will work with the GJEPC to develop courses that establish and meet heightened requirements for the Indian gem and jewellery industry. GIA India will introduce and conduct gemology courses at all GJEPC institutes, using well-trained faculty able to speak English, Hindi and Gujarati. GIA India will also make its international course curriculum available to all GJEPC institutes and provide the appropriate course materials. In addition, GIA will admit GJEPC graduates to GIA for higher studies.

In return, the GJEPC will actively promote the programmes, obtain the necessary clearances and permissions to conduct the courses whenever required, and extend administrative support for enrollment and operations.

Both GIA India and GJEPC will take responsibility for the progressive relevance and quality of the programmes and take all necessary steps to implement them expeditiously and in good faith.

Donna Baker, GIA president and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are happy to establish this type of joint working relationship in India. We feel confident that the new initiative with GJEPC will help the diamond and gemstone industry here become even more assertive and powerful. Through education, this already strong industry can continue to grow, which will benefit a great many people throughout India and beyond.”

Vasant Mehta, Chairman of the GJEPC, said, "India has established itself in a leadership position in the global gem and jewellery industry with world class manufacturing facilities. GIA’s presence in India in education and grading services has offered opportunities to enhance our skill base. The MOU between GIA India and GJEPC to partner on the education front will allow students and professionals across India to take advantage of several courses offered at different institutes run and managed by GJEPC. My colleagues and I are convinced that we will be able to expand our talent pool which will eventually help us expand the market."

The GJEPC is an industry trade body sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. Established in 1966, GJEPC has a membership of over 5,500 gem and jewellery manufacturers and exporters. The Council is engaged in trade facilitation, certification, research and education.

Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s largest nonprofit, independent institute for gemological research and education. GIA sets the world standards in gemological research, academics and laboratory services such as diamond grading, gemstone identification and treatment identification. GIA is a multi-national organisation with headquarters in Carlsbad, California, and four research centers, six GIA Laboratories–including one in Mumbai–and 13 campuses across the globe.

GIA India was established in 2004. Its Web site address is www.giaindia.in and it is physically located on the 10th Floor Trade Center, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 051.

Mumbai, India - Mar. 31, 2009 - GIA India Education is moving to a new address on the 10th Floor, Trade Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Bandra (East), Mumbai 400051, effective April 1, 2009.

Nirupa Bhatt, managing director, GIA India and Middle East, said, “Being strategically located at Mumbai’s newly developed business area in the BKC, our education staff will be accessible to all students from the western and central regions of Mumbai. With state-of-the-art classrooms and professionally managed education programs, this education centre promises a pathway to a great future for aspiring individuals in the field of gems and jewellery.”

GIA Education came to India in 2004 and invested substantially in setting up operations at Nariman Point. This move to a new destination comes after five years of successfully conducting GIA Education programs in Mumbai.

In June 2008, GIA India Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. was launched and began providing speedy, efficient diamond grading services from the same Trade Centre destination at BKC where GIA India Education is moving.

Both GIA India Education and GIA India Laboratory grading services will now be offered under one roof, allowing students even more practical and comprehensive exposure to the world of gemstones.

“GIA India Education will also offer the best in gemmological education beyond the big metropolitan areas to small and medium-size towns across India. We want to attract more students to a career in the gem and jewellery industry. We will also work towards localising our courses and making them more relevant for manufacturers and retailers,” said Bhatt.

“We want to specifically work with retailers to empower their sales teams with product knowledge of gemstones and a basic understanding of design and merchandising in order to meet the customer’s need for information, and therefore build their business,” said Bhatt.

To know more about GIA India, visit www.giaindia.in or e-mail giaindiainfo@gia.edu.

Mumbai, India - Mar. 28, 2009 - GIA India participated in the recent South India Jewellery Show (SIJS) 2009 as its education partner. Among other activities, GIA India launched its Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma programme in Bangalore.

Nirupa Bhatt, GIA’s Managing Director (India & Middle East), was the Chief Guest at the SIJS Inauguration ceremony and gave the keynote address to the show attendees after lighting the ceremonial lamp.

In her address Bhatt said, “Bangalore has emerged as a significant market for diamond jewellery and we want to offer GIA India’s world-class services in grading and education. We are very pleased to be here and look forward to an open exchange of information with our colleagues. Sharing experiences can only benefit the fraternity.”

GIA India later held a seminar on “Building Consumer Confidence,” which was attended by more than 65 people. Bhatt talked about the importance of GIA’s mission to ensure public trust through standardisation and education.

GIA India also offered its Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma (A.J.P.) for the first time in Bangalore. According to Bhatt, “Until now, students aspiring to a gemological education from GIA had to travel to the United States. Today, GIA India can deliver that same high-quality education in this country. The professional credentials available through a GIA education, are revered worldwide. GIA, as the world's foremost authority in gemology, brings an incomparable knowledge base developed over more than 75 years to Bangalore.”

The A.J.P. course was held at the Hotel Grand Ashoka. The A.J.P. is an internationally recognized diploma that certifies its holders have furthered their product knowledge and know how to increase business with proven retail sales techniques. Business owners, retail professionals and consumers greatly benefit from this course. A graduation ceremony was held on 26th March 2009 for the participants and Mr. G.V. Sreedhar, Hon. Secretary - The Jewellers’ Association (R), Bangalore was the Chief Guest for the occasion. He observed, “The feedback on the GIA program is excellent from all participants. We would like to help bring many such useful programs for the Bangalore Retail community in future, with the help of GIA.”

Mr. Sunil Potdar, President - Jewellers Association of Belgaum (Karnataka) one of the participants says, “Attending this program was a good decision. This course has put aside many myths about the trade and I would like to see GIA India conduct such courses in our city for the jewellers.”

Meeta Verma, Director - Amber echoed the sentiment, “Joining GIA’s AJP Program was a good experience. I have learnt a lot about gems and sales techniques in this course.”

Bhatt added,“The A.J.P. diploma programme was our first offering in Bangalore. During our participation in the SIJS show in Bangalore, we had several requests from the Jewellers’ Associations to conduct programmes for their members in their respective cities. To meet the demand, we plan to conduct courses in a number of cities like Mysore, Kochi, Coimbatore, Trichur and Chennai. We will also offer more customised programmes to meet the requirements of individual retailers.”

For more information on GIA India courses to be held in Mysore and other cities please contact The Art of Jewellery in Bangalore at +91 80 25201687 / 88 / 89 or email gia@artofjewellery.com.

To know more about on GIA India, visit www.giaindia.in or e-mail giaindiainfo@gia.edu.

Mumbai, India - Mar. 26, 2009 - GIA India held a graduation ceremony on March 13 for four students who successfully completed the Graduate Diamond (G.D.) diploma programme. At the event, the graduates received their professional credentials, GIA's G. D. diploma, which is a coveted document in the international gem and jewelry industry.

Vishal Pahlajani, founder and member of Jewel World, and Manoj Singhania, GIA India Education director, presented the diplomas.

Pahlajani, a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) who studied at the Institute’s World Headquarters in Carlsbad, California, shared his sentiments on the current market situation during the event. Pahlajani said the Indian jewellery market should see a positive turnaround in six to nine months and that the current market slowdown is partly due to the inflated gold prices. He also said that while the Indian jewellery market should surge forward by the year’s end, international business may take up to two more years to bounce back.

“It’s been a great experience at GIA India,” said Rushabh Nipun Shah, a graduating student. “What I’ve learned here would have been difficult for me to learn elsewhere. The atmosphere and the instructors were pleasant. I made a number of new contacts who may help me achieve my future career goals.”

Chetan H. Data, another graduating student, agreed. “I enjoyed the way we studied at GIA India; it was a wonderful experience. When one is a part of the jewellery industry, one should take GIA courses.”

For more information on upcoming GIA India courses, please call +91 22 4085 1500, email giaindiainfo@gia.edu or visit www.giaindia.in.

Mumbai, India - Feb. 19, 2009 - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), an independent, nonprofit educational and research organization, is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. It is headquartered in Carlsbad, California and has 13 locations worldwide.

GIA as the world's foremost authority in gemology brings an incomparable knowledge base developed over more than 75 years. The GIA Laboratory offers its impartial grading services for diamonds, and the results appear on the GIA Diamond Grading Report™, considered the world’s most trusted and comprehensive analysis a diamond’s quality. The GIA Laboratory also provides professional identification and grading services for other gemstones.

GIA India’s accredited Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Diamonds Diploma Programs are recognized internationally as hallmark professional credentials. The programs are targeted towards the individual who wants to become successful professional in the international diamond and gemstone industry. Until now, students aspiring to a gemological education from GIA had to travel all the way to the United States. GIA India will deliver the same quality of education. The professional credentials GIA graduates have earned, are revered worldwide.

GIA India’s key objectives this year is to increase the accessibility of GIA courses to the different gems and jewellery manufacturing and retailing centres in the country such as Jaipur, Bangalore and Kolkata.

GIA India as the Education Partner at the South India Jewellery Show (SIJS), 09 will conduct seminars and launch The Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma for the first time in Bangalore.

The AJP course is an intensive five-day programme with simple and short modules. It aims to further your product knowledge while increasing your business with proven retail sales techniques. An internationally recognised diploma in just 5-days, the course equips you with knowledge, techniques and methods to create a win-win situation for both, you and your customer! Business owners, retail professionals and consumers will benefit greatly from this course.

The course will be held from March 23rd to 27th 2009 at the Hotel Grand Ashoka. To sign up for the classes and/or details contact: 022-2287-0846 or mail us: dimple.sondhi@gia.edu. For more information you can also contact The Art of Jewellery in Bangalore at +91 80 25201687 / 88 / 89 or mail us: gia@artofjewellery.com. To know more about on GIA India log on to www.giaindia.in or mail us: giaindiainfo@gia.edu.

Download Print Version

Mumbai, India – Jan. 19, 2009 – For the first time ever, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), in association with the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ) plans to offer two gemological courses in Jaipur.

GIA India has announced that each of the two weeklong classes, the intensive, in-class Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P) diploma program and the Diamond Grading Lab Class, are taking registrations now for the classes that will begin the first week of February. The AJP class will begin Feb. 2, and the Diamond Grading Lab Class will begin Feb. 9.

Nirupa Bhatt, managing director, GIA India/Mideast Region, said, “GIA India plans to focus on education this year, with the goal to reach six cities within the country, including Jaipur and Kolkata, by the year 2010. Looking at the huge talent pool of people interested in gemology in India, as well as the immense opportunities in the gemstone industry throughout the country, we hope to train some 2,000 professionals each year.”

“GIA’s diploma programs are recognized internationally as hallmark professional credentials. The programs are targeted towards individuals who want to become successful professionals in the international diamond and gemstone industry. GIA entered India in 2004 and invested substantially in setting up operations. GIA’s 78 years of intellectual property based on advanced research and education is priceless, and we plan to further enhance and strengthen our educational infrastructure to offer the best gemological education possible.”

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a global, nonprofit gemological research and academic institute that focuses on the science of gemology. Its mission is to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry by setting and maintaining global standards for evaluating gemstone quality. The organization performs research on gems, shares that knowledge with its students, applies its discoveries in its laboratories and shares the information through public and trade communications outreach programs. It grades diamonds and colored stones and imparts educational courses to professionals seeking training in the same.

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, GIA has 13 campus locations worldwide.

GIA India uses the same systems, processes, technology and methodology that GIA uses globally to provide world-class research and laboratory services to the domestic diamond industry. GIA India has a fully furnished and well-equipped laboratory and facilities to provide internationally recognized, high-quality training for their students. GIA India also plans to run customized batches of training programs for corporate clients.

Bhatt said, “Skilled professionals will be crucial to the industry’s growth. GIA is taking world-class education to key Indian markets to align local skills with international standards. Moreover, there is a tremendous need to attract and train fresh talent who will play a significant role in rejuvenating the industry. GIA India aims to help bridge the gap and fulfil this need.”

Established in 1931 by author, educator, and visionary Robert M. Shipley, GIA has become known to many as "the Harvard of the gem and jewelry industry."   More than 200,000 students worldwide have completed courses in GIA's gemology, jewelry manufacturing arts and design, and business programs through distance education and on campus curriculums.

The Web site for GIA India is www.giaindia.in; and the e-mail address for the GIA India school is giaindiainfo@gia.edu.

The venue for the two classes will be the Hotel Park Prime in Jaipur. Registration closes on Jan. 27. To sign up for the classes and/or details contact: Dimple Sondhi for GIA India in Mumbai on 022-2287-0846 or dimple.sondhi@gia.edu. You can also contact Abha Gupta with the JPDC in Jaipur at telephone 0141 2570439 or on e-mail at jpdcjaipur@gjepcindia.com

Download print version

Download GIA Jaipur Mailer

View GIA Jaipur Expo Poster

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Dec. 12, 2008 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced today that, effective immediately, it will reduce the cost of the GIA Diamond Dossier® service by up to 12 percent on diamonds weighing up to 1.49 cts.

In addition, for a limited time starting Jan. 1, 2009, GIA is offering two new volume-based programs.

First, for clients who qualify for this offer, GIA will supply customized grading report sleeves specifically designed to highlight the manufacturer’s or retailer’s brand name (see example).

Also, qualifying customers can get personalized inscriptions on their diamonds for 25 percent less than the usual fee. These inscriptions can be tailored to include the client’s brand name or logo.

To get more information about the special Diamond Dossier pricing, go to GIA’s fee schedule page on http://www.gia.edu/gemtradelab/31548/fees.cfm#diamond_dossier.

For more information about these offers, call the GIA Laboratory Customer Service in New York at (212) 221-5858, ext. 3724, or in California at (760) 603-4500, ext. 7590.

Download print version

View small customized report sleeves

December, 2008 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a global, nonprofit organization that focuses on grading diamonds and coloured stones and imparting certificate courses to professionals seeking training in the same.

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, GIA has 13 campus locations worldwide. The Indian campus began in 2004. Looking at the huge talent pool and opportunities in India, GIA’s management has identified education as their key objective in India this year.

Nirupa Bhatt, managing director, GIA India, said, “GIA entered India in 2004 and invested substantially in setting up operations. GIA’s 78 years of intellectual property based on research and education is priceless. We plan to further our educational infrastructure and offer courses across the gems and jewellery manufacturing and retailing centres in the country such as Jaipur and Kolkata. We aim to train 2000 professionals per year across India.”

GIA’s accredited Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Diamonds Diploma Programs are recognised internationally as hallmark professional credentials. The programmes are targeted towards the individuals who want to become successful professionals in the international diamond and gemstone industry.

GIA India uses the same systems, processes, technology and methodology that GIA uses globally to provide world-class service to the domestic diamond industry. GIA India has a fully furnished and well-equipped laboratory and facilities to provide international quality training for their students. GIA India also plans to run customised batches of training programs for corporate clients.

Bhatt said, “Skilled professionals will be crucial to the industry’s growth. Moreover, there is a tremendous need for fresh talent who will play a significant role to rejuvenate the industry. GIA India aims to help bridge the gap and fulfil this need.”

Established in 1931 by author, educator, and visionary Robert M. Shipley, GIA has become known to many as "the Harvard of the gem and jewelry industry."   More than 200,000 students worldwide have completed courses in GIA's gemology, jewellry manufacturing arts and design, and business programmes through distance education and on campus curriculums.

Download print version

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) India education center has released its schedule for its Diploma courses for the first quarter of 2009.

On Campus Courses

TheGraduate DiamondDiploma programme enable students to master GIA’s International Diamond Grading SystemTM by working with real diamonds, under the trained eye of a professional instructor. The on campus course, which lasts up-to 7 weeks will commence on 22nd January 2009, and end in the midst of March 2009. The second batch begins on 19th February 2009; enrolled students will graduate in the second week of April 2009. To help students understand concepts better and for maximum exposure greater emphasis will be placed on practical sessions.

GIA’s Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma programme focuses exclusively on product knowledge and proven retail sales techniques. This enables retail professionals to respond to consumer’s queries and educating them with right information thereby resulting in more sales. The AJP is a five-day course commencing on 19th January 2009.

GIA India also conducts “Lab Classes” which are short courses for students who would like to gain practical knowledge in grading. Lab classes on Gemology or Identifying Diamond Stimulants and moissanite are for a day. Weeklong Diamond Grading Lab classes are scheduled in Jan, Feb and March for the learners from Industry.

Download print version

GIA India held the graduation ceremony on December 19th 2008 for ten students who received the most coveted designation in the International Gem and Jewelry Industry – GIA's G.G. The diploma programme combines the Graduate Diamonds (G.D), the Graduate Colored Stones (G.C.S) and the Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P) Diploma programmes. Mr. Sanjay Kothari – Ex- Chairman – GJEPC – was the chief guest on the occasion and presented the Diplomas. GIA India M.D. – Ms. Nirupa Bhatt and Director Education – Mr. Manoj Singhania were among others who attended the ceremony and shared with the students the paths ahead and expectations from the industry.

Mr. Sanjay Kothari observed that “To have a foresight into what Indian Gem and Jewellery Industry holds in 2015 the students must go through the KPMG 2015 Visionary Guide published by GJEPC and alos available in CD form as the same was very educative and informative. "

Mr. Manoj Singhania – Director – Education GIA India, believes that, “Graduates passing out from GIA campus can proudly hold their head high with the Coveted G.G. Diploma they had received and create a niche of their own in this competitive Gem and Jewellery Industry.”

Mr. Shrey Goyal, a graduating student affirmed,quote “GIA India is a great Institute which has given me confidence and nurtured my talent to fight and face challenges in the Industry.” unquote

Adherence to quality in learning requires dedicated staffing, industry-relevant curriculum, mentoring and specialised equipment. Ms. Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director, GIA India averred, “ Being committed to our goal of carving highly successful professionals in the competitive market of Gem and Jewellery Industry, GIA India Education creates a mark of its own through the unparalled educational experience the students enjoy through the G.G. Program. Such a solid educational foundation paves way for the students to surge ahead confidently realizing their dreams as Gem and Jewellery Professionals or self-entrepreneurs contributing to their personal growth in particular and add value factor to their future employers or associates at large.”

Download print version

Mumbai, India–September 30, 2008 GIA India Laboratory, Mumbai announced the launch of free pick up and delivery of goods from and to Opera House, Mumbai. This facility aims to ease transportation of goods to the GIA India Laboratory.

Three local shippers have been appointed by GIA India Laboratory: Malca-Amit, B.V.C. Group and Rapaport Shipping Service. The shippers will, pick up a “sealed box” of goods, from GIA customer’s offices and deliver the box to GIA’s Bandra Kurla location for servicing. After servicing, the “sealed box” will be returned to the customer’s office via the shipping company.

The phone numbers of each of the shippers in Mumbai are as follows:
Malca-Amit: Mr.Oommen Mathew 6637 6146/47/48/49/50 or 98190 39398
B.V.C. Group: Mr. Jalaluddin 23808080/84
Rapaport Shipping Services: 6627 2608 or 97699 30061

Diamonds may also continue to be sent to Rapaport GIA LabDirect® (+91-22-6637-6633) for grading at GIA Laboratory India and other international GIA Laboratories.

Currently, GIA India Laboratory is limiting intake from each client to 75 stones per day for grading services. At this time, diamonds from 0.15 carat to 1.99 carats are serviced locally to the extent of the Mumbai laboratory’s capacity. Diamonds, larger than 1.99 carats, diamond submissions that exceed its local capacity, or for services other than Diamond Grading or Diamond Dossier will be forwarded to a U.S. laboratory for servicing.

Clients can register on-line on GIA’s My GIA portal tool, which will give clients the interactive means with which to view results and allows for the most prompt servicing.

Tom Moses, GIA Senior Vice President for Research and Laboratory and Nirupa Bhatt, GIA’s managing director for the India and Middle East region said, “We look forward to this next phase in expanding our Mumbai business and will keep the industry informed as to when the GIA India Laboratory is fully operational.”

Download print version

Nirupa Bhatt, MD, GIA India Laboratory appointed as Chairperson, Sub Committee Quality and Standardisation , FICCI Gem and Jewellery Committe.

The primary objective of this committe will be to promote use of technology in manufacturing and production to moderniz and upgrade current practices.

Says Ms Nirupa Bhatt “ India has the potential to be the global manufacturing hub for cutting and polishing of diamond and gemstones as well as jewellery manufacturing. However in order to achieve this it is imperative for the companies to be able to be recognised for consistency in quality. This is only possible if companies follow modern techniques and practices. Standards and technology together can become the enabler for achieving this. “

Download print version

Manoj Singhania, named GIA India’s new director of education in May, says he will work with companies and industry members in India to show them how the Institute can meet their specific needs as a prime source for quality gem and jewelry education.

“The Indian market has a great appetite for quality education. With the growing number of professionals needed in the gem and jewelry industry here, the GIA course portfolio and teaching methodology is the right answer to cater to these requirements,” Singhania said. “I have a firm belief that the GIA India Education team will be able to reach out to all aspirants in the next couple of years.”

Singhania worked at Aptech Ltd., a leading information technology (IT) education conglomerate in India, with presence in over 20 countries and leadership in several countries including China and Vietnam, before coming to GIA. The company specializes in retail training in the areas of IT, multimedia and animation, hardware and networking, and aviation and hospitality.

He filled several roles at Aptech in the 11 years he was there, including regional head in East and West India, country manager for Aptech Own Centers and brand head for N-Power. Singhania also helped launch the N-Power brand, which marked Aptech’s foray into high-growth hardware and networking training in 2007.

“We are pleased that education at GIA India will be led by Manoj,” said Nirupa Bhatt, GIA’s regional director for India and the Middle East. “He has successfully operated in a very competitive IT environment and understands education. His business acumen and ability to remain focused will take GIA education to greater heights.”
Singhania formerly owned his own manufacturing and marketing company and studied finance and marketing at business school in India. He said his focus areas include business directions and development, operations and channel management.

“It is a great feeling working with GIA, an institution with a legendary past that commands respect in the world of gemology,” he said. “I will definitely put my best foot forward to live up to the expectations.”

CAPTION: Manoj Singhania
CREDIT: Photo courtesy of Manoj Singhania

Download print version

Carlsbad, Calif. – May 22, 2007 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) today announced that its Board of Governors, here for a biannual governance meeting, has approved plans for GIA to expand its global footprint. The organization will now initiate efforts to strengthen its international presence with new state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers as well as educational facilities in Southeast Asia, southern Africa, and other regions across the globe. In addition, GIA will add diamond grading services to its existing world-class laboratory and research center in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to Ralph Destino, chairman of GIA, expansion is necessary to deliver on GIA’s mission of upholding the highest standards in gems and jewelry. “The plan will allow GIA to address the rapidly growing significance of gemological centers around the world, while also responding to requests from regional government and trade leaders alike for a stronger global presence.”

GIA already operates 14 education facilities, four research centers and three laboratories throughout North America, Asia, and Europe, with an additional education center in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) scheduled for completion next year. According to Donna Baker, president of GIA, the new international expansion plans will allow GIA to bolster its grading, research, and educational offerings in several significant industry centers.

“This milestone announcement comes following intense market analysis and strategizing,” said Baker. “We will focus on offering each geographic market a total presence – complete with education, research, and laboratory operations. Our goal is to meet the growing demands of the world’s expanding markets while retaining our commitment to the highest standards of gemology.”

Each laboratory will be fully staffed to support GIA customers on both a regional and international level. According to Baker, GIA is also looking closely at other major industry centers, beyond Southeast Asia and southern Africa, for further worldwide expansion.

“We have our global strategy defined and we are confident in our ability to deliver on our mission, while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism,” said Baker.

Download print version

Carlsbad, Calif. − Oct. 8, 2007 − The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) today announced that Nirupa Pandya Bhatt will join the Institute as its Managing Director for India and the Middle East, effective January 1, 2008.

According to Donna Baker, president of GIA, Bhatt will be responsible for GIA expansion in India, Israel and Dubai, providing on-site management and in-country guidance for the set-up and operation of the India Laboratory, the Dubai School and similar future projects, including GIA educational offerings in Israel. Bhatt will provide direct oversight to the GIA schools in Dubai and India and their respective school directors.

“We are delighted to have Nirupa join GIA,” said Baker. “She is a leader of tremendous stature and goodwill in our industry and brings superior personal and ethical strengths and organizational capabilities to the Institute. In her new role, she will help our organization further its mission to protect the public by establishing and expanding GIA’s international standards in India and the Middle East.”

GIA’s well-regarded research work will be leveraged by Bhatt and her team in the GIA India Laboratory to help identify and disclose the gemological character of diamonds, whether natural, treated, or synthetic, thus ensuring the public trust in gems and gemology on an increasingly global scale.

“In asking Nirupa to join our team,” said Baker, “GIA is demonstrating its deep commitment to furthering the reach of its mission in India and the Middle East. GIA intends to expand its presence further in that part of the world – and who better than Nirupa to usher these plans into reality?”

On Oct. 5, Bhatt was recognized by the Gem & Jewellery Expert Council (GJEPC) at the 34th annual awards meeting for her distinguished service to the gems and jewelry industry.

Prior to joining GIA, Bhatt rendered exceptional contributions to the gems and jewelry trade. She was most recently with Rio Tinto Diamonds (RTD) – owner of Argyle and Diavik Diamond Mines. Among other duties, she was responsible for managing and initiating programs to support RTD customers and production including the Indo Argyle Diamond Council (IADC) and Business Excellence Model (BEM).

The IADC is widely acknowledged in the industry for changing the perception of Indian jewelry in the United States, and as a significant boost to the country’s jewelry exports.

The BEM is a Rio Tinto initiative for an industry-specific certification process towards operational standards for diamond and jewelry manufacturers and retailers. Its purpose is to help ensure continuous improvement in the four major areas of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.

Bhatt has received many honors for her achievements including the “Doyenne of the Year” award from the U.S.-based Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association (IDCA) in 2002; the “Eminent Personality of the Year” award from The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council in 2003; and the Women’s Jewelry Association’s (WJA) “Award for Excellence” under the category of Special Services & Education in 2005.

Download print version