The International Institute of Gemology (IIG) celebrated its 32nd Convocation Ceremony in Andheri MIDC, Mumbai on 11th August with 150 graduates, their families, industry leaders, alumni and faculty members gathering to mark the milestone.
Held under the theme “Human Brilliance in the Age of AI”, the ceremony highlighted the changing demands of gems and jewellery education as technology reshapes the industry. Graduates received recognition across disciplines including gemmology, diamonds, jewellery design, CAD, jewellery manufacturing and retail.
The event also marked IIG’s 60-year legacy through a specially curated film tracing the institute’s journey in gems and jewellery education.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), attended as Chief Guest and highlighted the role of skilled talent in India’s ambitions for a Viksit Bharat. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat is built on the strength of a skilled, capable and confident India. The gems and jewellery industry has an important role to play in this journey, particularly as the sector moves towards greater technology adoption, innovation and global competitiveness,” Bhansali said.
“Seeing 150 young professionals graduate from IIG is encouraging, as they represent the skilled talent that will shape the next phase of our industry. I am confident that their knowledge, creativity and commitment will help take India’s gems and jewellery industry to greater heights,” he added.
Rahul Desai, Managing Director, IIG, focused on the relationship between human expertise and artificial intelligence. “Human intelligence will always transcend artificial intelligence,” he said, stressing the need for institutions to continually update their curricula and expose students to current technologies and industry practices.
Gunjan Sapra, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Jewellery Design at IIG, extended the discussion to jewellery design, highlighting the growing importance of technological fluency while emphasising the continued role of human creativity and judgement.
Student projects in diamonds, gemology and jewellery were also showcased. One of the highlights was a virtual reality project demonstrating live gemstone identification by AI alongside a human expert. The projects were viewed by Bhansali during the ceremony.
The event also saw the launch of IIG’s new book, Gemstone Fundamentals, following last year’s Diamond Fundamentals. The publication combines gemstone theory, storytelling and sales-oriented learning to expand IIG’s educational resources.
Three additional initiatives were launched: IIG America, marking a new step in the institute’s international expansion; IIG CONNECT, an alumni app designed to maintain engagement across the IIG community; and Season 4 of the IIG podcast, Loupe Insight, focusing on luxury and developments shaping the sector.
The evening culminated in the conferment of certificates to the 150 graduates. Academic honours and trophies were also presented to recognise outstanding achievement, with SVAR Gems serving as Trophy Partner.