The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced yesterday that it  will soon introduce its “internationally recognised” Graduate Diamonds (GD) Diploma programme  in Surat. GIA described the diamond city as “a major consumer market for gems and jewellery and home to many well-known jewellery brands”.

The seven-week programme, which combines theory and hands-on practical learning, commences on May 26; with experienced instructors teaching the programme. It will also   “allow professionals and aspiring professionals from in and around Surat easy access to world-class gemmology education”, GIA said. 

Participants will be taught the GIA-created 4Cs (Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight); how to assess the quality of a stone and how to grade diamonds in the D-Z colour range.

“Students will learn how to use gemmological instruments to grade and identify diamonds; how to detect synthetics, treatments, simulants and fracture-filled diamonds; and how to confidently speak the language of diamonds to suppliers, vendors and customers,” GIA said in a press note.

Further, GIA will facilitate hands-on learning through regular market visits to    manufacturing facilities and retail houses so that students gain an understanding of day-to-day business. “Students have a unique opportunity to experience the journey of a diamond from mine to market,” GIA said. 

Currently, the Institute conducts its GD programme in various cities like Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, etc.