The US-based Women’s Jewellery Association’s (WJA) India chapter was formally launched at the IIJS at the GIA stall by Kendra Weinman President of the WJA. Witnessing the launch was an impressive gathering of the leading lights of the industry including Vasant Mehta, chairman GJEPC and Vinod Hayagriv, chairman GJF, James Courage CEO of the Platinum Guild of India, Kathryn Kimmel Vice President Marketing, GIA. There was a strong contingent representing the GJEPC including Sanjay Kothari, Hemant Shah, Shishir Nevatia and Pankaj Parekh. The members of the WJA India chapter also attended as did several industry members from different companies like Sucheta Khandwala of Hammer Plus, Jay Parikh of Ketan Bros and Hemal Choksi of Interjewel, a company which was also the sponsor of the press kit on the occasion. Nirupa Bhatt, founder President of the WJA India Chapter and MD of GIA, India and Middle East managed the event in her inimitable style which made it both relaxed but meaningful. Sneha Mehta kicked off the event by presenting a brief introduction. %% Kendra Weinman unveiled a Board launching the India chapter, and also cut a cake to celebrate the launch. The dignitaries all gave brief speeches congratulating Nirupa Bhatt, President of the India Chapter and praising her for setting up the WJA India chapter. Kendra and Kathryn both provided interesting insights to the WJA itself. %% Founded in 1983, WJA is the pre-eminent association of professional women in the jewellery, watch and related businesses. The aim of the Association is to create a platform that will provide tools to empower women to achieve their highest goals in jewellery, watch and related businesses and vocational pursuits.