GIA India to Launch Classes in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, Andra Pradesh, India – May 4, 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.”

For further information and registration, e-mail dimple.sondhi@gia.edu or visit www.giaindia.in or contact Imran Shareef at 040 – 23321687 / 09989877768.