Gemological Institute of America (GIA) India and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s (GJEPC’s) regional office-northern region presented a seminar on synthetic diamonds in New Delhi on June 30th. The speaker, Nirupa Bhatt, MD, GIA India & Middle East, spoke about the importance of disclosure and ensuring that diamonds are checked by a credible gemmological laboratory because it is not possible to visually distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic diamonds. This is important to sustain and enhance customer confidence.
The seminar was presented at an event on export promotion organised by the GJEPC for 75 members from the micro, small & medium enterprises (MSME) segment.
At the outset, a detailed presentation on the Indian gems and jewellery industry and the GJEPC’s activities was given by K.K. Duggal, regional director of trade & policy, GJEPC. Bhatt later spoke about GIA’s activities, properties of natural and synthetic diamonds and their detection, etc.
Dr. P.G.S. Rao, director, ministry of MSME, was the chief guest at the seminar. He offered insight on all the schemes being announced and implemented by the Government of India to strengthen the MSME segment, which is the backbone of the Indian economy. Schemes such as registration of a manufacturing unit (under Udyog Aadhar Scheme), getting finance to run the unit (under Mudra Yojana Scheme), procurement of raw material (under raw material assistance scheme), skill development scheme, MDA/ MAI schemes and CFC scheme were also mentioned by Dr Rao.
“The supply of synthetic diamonds has increased in recent years. The trade is eager to gain more knowledge on synthetics and GIA is here to help them understand the important aspects of natural and synthetic diamonds as well as the importance of disclosure to help build consumer confidence,” said Bhatt. “As a public benefit institute, GIA India’s goal in organising such seminars is to educate the trade and ensure public trust in gems and jewellery.”