GIA India and GJEPC to Elevate Gemological Education in India

MUMBAI, India – April 23, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) India signed a “Memo of Understanding” (MOU) on March 25 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’s standards in gemological research, academics and laboratory services such as diamond grading, gemstone identification and treatment identification. GIA is a multi-national organization 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.