{{International Gemological Institute Worldwide (IGI)}}, the world's leading diamond, gemstones & jewellery certification institute, celebrated its 30th anniversary at an exclusive, gala event in Mumbai on October 25, 2005. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the "{{Diamond of India}}" award to {{Amitabh Bachchan}}. %% Established in 1975 in Antwerp, World Diamond Centre, IGI over the last thirty years has been the pioneer in assessing the uniqueness of diamonds, gemstones & jewellery certification and education. It now has operations in 10 major centres - Antwerp, New York, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Toronto, Los Angeles, Dubai and Israel. Mumbai was chosen as the city to host the 30-year anniversary celebrations, as it is the fastest growing market for IGI Worldwide, since establishing its presence in 1999. %% To mark this special occasion, IGI set out to find the perfect "Diamond of India" - Someone who was distinctive and unique. Bachchan was chosen as the recipient for his {{Outstanding Contribution}} to the Indian Film Industry and Society at large, his phenomenal popularity with Indian and International audiences and his contribution to social causes over the last three decades. %% The specially created "Diamond of India" award by noted sculptor {{Arzan Khambatta}} was presented to Bachchan by the top management of IGI-worldwide, {{Roland Lorie, Marc Brauner, Jerry Ehrenwald}} & MD IGI-India {{Tehmasp Printer}}. The IGI award was given after an eloquent introduction by renowned Radio Host Ameen Sayani and an audiovisual presentation profiling Big B's achievements on and off screen. %% Speaking on the occasion Roland Lorie, Chief Executive, {{IGI Worldwide}} said, "We are delighted to host our 30-Year Celebration event in Mumbai, our fastest growing market. India accounts for 60% by value and 85% by volume of the Global Diamond Trade. It has a special place in IGI Worldwide and having a very special person like Amitabh Bachchan with us today to receive the "Diamond of India" Award, has made this a truly memorable occasion for all of us at IGI across the world". %% {{Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director, IGI}} India added, "The Indian Diamond Industry has doubled in the past six years. The Industry and consumers have reposed immense faith in IGI certification, leading to confidence in diamond buying, resulting in rapid growth for the diamond and jewellery business." %% In his acceptance speech, {{Amitabh Bachchan}} said, "It gives me immense pleasure to be here today to receive this unique award. I am sure Indian consumers are now confident about buying diamonds and jewellery with Global Certification from IGI." %% The elegant evening in a sophisticated Black and Diamonds Setting brought together a distinguished audience of CEOs, heads of jewellery companies and industry leaders to commemorate this historic occasion at a sit - down dinner with International European cuisine. %% Starting its India operation in 1999, IGI India has played a pioneering role in setting standards and acceptance of the need for certification, both with retailers and consumers. By certifying some of India's leading jewellery brands it has contributed to the growth of the diamond and jewellery industry substantially. At its two state-of-the-art laboratories at Opera House and Seepz, over 120 qualified gemmologists identify and grade hundreds of diamonds, gemstones and mounted jewellery pieces everyday.