By Mauricio Minotta

The Institute hosted a reception in Mumbai to inaugurate the grand opening of GIA India. Some of the region’s top leaders from the gem and jewelry industry were present for the July 20 celebration, which honored Rosy Blue N.V. and Dimexon-Eurostar as Founding Benefactors of the Endowment Fund for Education in India.

Director of GIA India Deepak Bagai opened the reception and welcomed about 175 attendees. He praised the Institute’s foresight for opening a new school in Mumbai, where the gem and jewelry industry has steadily grown over the last several years and has become a major player in the world market.

“The huge growth of diamond manufacturing in India over the past three decades is well-known,” said GIA Vice President of Education Brook Ellis, who also attended the reception. “More recently, its retail jewelry industry has made enormous strides.

“We are pleased to be here in Mumbai to offer GIA courses so students in India can learn what is accepted as the world standard for the industry,” he said.

Patrick B. Ball, director of Education Training, spoke highly of GIA’s alumni in India, saying their knowledge of gemology and the industry make them a great source of information and leaders in the industry.

“If you really want to know what GIA Education is all about, talk to the graduates here in India,” he said. “They can tell you all about the benefits that come with receiving a GIA diploma, because they’ve experienced it firsthand.”  

Director of Development Jerry Buckley addressed the group and acknowledged representatives from Rosy Blue N.V. and Dimexon-Eurostar. Each received plaques to honor their $1 million donations to the Endowment Fund for Education in India.

Vishal Mehta, of Dimexon-Eurostar, and Russell Mehta, of Rosy Blue N.V. accepted the plaques on behalf of their respective companies. Established earlier this year, the Endowment Fund for Education in India will provide future scholarships and additional benefits, Buckley said.

“The event marks the start of an exceptional new facility that will grow to meet the needs and expectations of the industry in India and the surrounding region,” he said. “We are delighted by the warm and encouraging welcome received from so many business leaders and our alumni.”