THE “virtual” inauguration, at the click of a mouse, of the new Gemological Institute of India (GII) National Research Center, diamond grading laboratory and education facilities took place at Y.B. Chauhan Auditorium in Mumbai on October 12. It’s a joint project of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Diamond Exporters’ Association Limited (DEAL), Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), and the Gem and Jewellery Exporters Association (GJEA). The complex housing all the three centers in 4,500 sq. feet is located at Opera House. It boasts of latest technology and sophisticated machinery along with the latest version of HIG and is the only research center recognized by SIRO (scientific and industrial research organisation).

S.N. Menon (IAS), Secretary to the Minister of Commerce, was the Chief Guest of the function; R.M. Premkumar, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra presided over the function; Bakul Mehta, Chairman of GJEPC; Rajiv Bhandari of De Beers; Nirupa Bhatt of Rio Tinto Diamonds; Kaushik Mehta of BDB, K.T. Ramachandra, Rajendrakumar Shah and Arvind Parekh were among the many present.
The dignitaries toured the lab and class rooms on the projector. Bakul Mehta said: “I have no doubts that this center will be a success and will prove to be a matter of pride for the industry.” Kirtibhai, Chairman of GII, underlined the importance of confidence and trust in the industry, said: “India is an emerging market for studded jewellery. This involves retaining consumer confidence in diamonds and stones, since this business is based on trust.”

Nirupa Bhatt spoke about the emotional and financial inputs that go into the purchase of diamonds while Rajiv Bhandari highlighted the importance of Forever Mark, DTC technology, which will help identify pure unadulterated diamonds. S.N. Menon spoke about the economic importance of the industry. He addressed the macro economic issues and quoted that the sector plays an important part in the countries development; it has provided employment to 4.2 million people from the lower sections and amounts for 17% of exports. He promised to render all possible help to the sector.