GIA India has launched a “Business Excellence Series” for its alumni to help them promote the gemological education and setting professional standards for the entire gem and jewellery industry. The initiative was announced by GIA President and CEO Donna Baker, with Managing Director (India and the Middle East) Nirupa Bhatt, to over 70 alumni who attended a recent special forum at the GIA India Laboratory.

“The best way to inform and educate the industry is to ensure that more of GIA’s extensive research, education and other resources are shared,” Baker said. “The Business Excellence Series forges new ways the Institute, alumni and the trade can work together to benefit everyone, including the general public.”

The GIA believed its graduates are a vital component in promoting the Institute’s efforts. The new Business Excellence Series will host discussions and seminars focused on providing opportunities to the alumni to network and communicate. This networking will enable knowledge sharing amongst GIA India Alumni to advance in their careers and businesses, in turn bringing growth in the industry. By staying abreast of cutting-edge information and communicating it to others in the industry, GIA Alumni can help enhance consumer confidence.

There are more than 2,000 GIA graduates in India – with more than 50 percent in Mumbai – the majority of which are from the gem and jewellery industry, according to Manoj Singhania, Director of GIA India Education. “The Mumbai alumni chapter is very active and over the past year it has launched several initiatives to make the Mumbai alumni network even more vibrant and meaningful. We are also making concentrated efforts to energise other GIA Alumni chapters in India, such as those in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Delhi and Jaipur.”

“We believe creating an environment for ongoing learning and sharing will lead to individual professional development, networking opportunities and solid industry growth,” Singhania added.