GIA India Holds Special Course in Bangalore

MUMBAI, India – Feb. 20, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is collaborating with the South India Jewellery Show 2009 (SIJS) to offer seminars and hold a special, one-time course for its Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma for the first time in Bangalore on March 23–27.

GIA, the world’s foremost authority in gems and gemology, is an independent, nonprofit research and educational organization focused on the science of gemology. GIA is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. It provides advanced gemological research, education, gemological laboratory services, scientific instruments and communications outreach to customers worldwide. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, GIA has two educational campuses in the U.S. and 13 others around the world.

Nirupa Bhatt, managing director, GIA India/Mideast Region, has stated that a key objective this year is to increase the accessibility of GIA educational courses for the gem and jewelry manufacturing and retailing centers in the country such as Jaipur, Bangalore and Kolkata.

Bhatt said, “GIA’s A.J.P. course is an intensive five-day program with simple and short modules. Its purpose is to build product knowledge while increasing business acumen with proven retail sales techniques. This internationally recognized diploma program equips graduates with the knowledge and proven methods to create win-win situations for both the sales personnel and customers. Business owners, retail professionals, and consumers will all greatly benefit from this course. The A.J.P. is one of GIA’s most popular programs.”

This special A.J.P. course will be held from March 23–27 at the Hotel Grand Ashoka. To sign up for the classes or get information, contact dimple.sondhi@gia.edu or call 022-2287-0846. Interested individuals can also contact the Art of Jewellery in Bangalore at gia@artofjewellery.com or call +91 80 25201687 / 88 / 89. To learn more about GIA India, visit www.giaindia.in or email giaindiainfo@gia.edu.

According to Bhatt, “GIA India began investing heavily in 2004 to provide gemological education to our citizens in India. GIA’s 78 years of knowledge and intellectual property based on advanced research and education is priceless. It is our goal to strengthen and expand our educational offerings in India.”

Bhatt added, “GIA India’s accredited Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Diamonds diploma programs are recognized internationally as hallmark professional credentials. Until now, students wanting such an education from GIA had to travel to the United States. Now, GIA India will deliver the same quality education here.”