The Gemological Institute of America’s India division held the first-ever graduation ceremony for its maiden batches of GIA Graduate Diamonds Diploma Program (Blended) at its Mumbai and Surat campuses. Amish Turakhia, GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG®) and Managing Partner, R. Kirti and Company, was the chief guest at the Mumbai Campus. Also present at the Mumbai campus were Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India, and Apoorva Deshingkar, Senior Director – Education and Market Development. As a part of the graduation ceremony in Surat, Forum Javeri, Director – Lab Operations, GIA India, presented the diplomas to the students.

Speaking to the students, Amish Turakhia said, “You all are fortunate to learn from the best institute in the industry. It is important that all of you conduct yourselves with integrity and uphold the legacy of the institute. The GIA alumni community is also a great platform to network and build lifelong relationships. We are all brand ambassadors for GIA.” Addressing the students, Sriram Natarajan said, “GIA offered its first correspondence course in 1931. Through the years, the model of education evolved with rich eLearning materials delivered online, and now, we’ve delivered world-class diamond education through the blended format. As the world’s foremost authority in gemmology, GIA is pleased to offer the GIA Graduate Diamonds Diploma Program (Blended) in India. We will continue to bring such globally-recognised courses for the growth and development of talent in the Indian gem and jewellery industry.” Apoorva Deshingkar said, “We are proud of our GIA Graduate Diamonds Diploma Program (Blended) students. The blended structure of the programme is a step in the right direction to provide students, working professionals, and gem and jewellery enthusiasts the opportunity to pursue a course with minimal disturbance to their work life.”

The Graduate Diamonds Diploma Program (Blended) is a perfect balance between theory and practical components, providing the flexibility to study the remote portion of the programme where you want while continuing to meet your commitments. The comprehensive twelve-week programme aims at providing the technical expertise needed to grade, buy, and sell diamonds with the insight of a seasoned professional. The diploma programme also explores the GIA diamond grading procedures to assess the 4Cs and how they affect diamond value. Esha Rajendra Mutha, now a GIA Diamonds Graduate, added, "It was a great learning experience. The programme offered remote and classroom sessions that helped me fulfil my commitments. I would also like to thank all the instructors for being patient and helping me with all my doubts.”