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Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Zonal Development Commissioner delivered the convocation address during the 41st Convocation organized by Gemmological Institute of India held in Mumbai on 3rd December 2022. Shri Ramniklalbhai Shah, Partner and Founder of M/s. Venus Jewel was the Guest of Honor.

Gemmological Institute of India (GII) is a well known entity in the field of imparting educational programs pertaining to the Diamond, Color gemstone and Jewellery sector. Besides being a reliable Gem testing institute GII also houses a state of the art Research and Development wing that is unmatched in the Industry. GII has been imparting Training and Development in the Industry since 1971. Over five decades GII has trained large number of students in gemology and grading, who, equipped with the GII certificate have been instrumental in the growth and evolution of the sector. Cutting edge courses and training programs of GII covers a vast module such as fundamental aspect of gems and diamonds, mining to marketing, characterization and use of advanced instruments and techniques. Practical training in laboratory in the presence of experts on determining qualify of gems, diamonds and studded jewellery forms an important aspect of GII modules.

The 41st convocation was held on 3rd December in Convention Hall, Bharat Diamond Bourse. GII presented Diploma

Chief Guest, Shri Shyam Jagannathan arrives at the venue accompanied by Shri Mehulbhai Shah

certificates to qualified students and “Best Performance” appreciation awards to students, and “Star Mitra” Awards to the valuable clients of GII. The program was well attended by members from the gem and jewellery industry, students, GII employees, GII and BDB trustees and others. The Program began with the rendition of our National Anthem post which Dr. A V R Reddy, CEO, GII welcomed Chief Guests Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Zonal Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman and Diu, Guest of Honour, Shri Ramniklalbhai Shah, Partner and Founder, M/s. Venus Jewel, Shri Anoopbhai V. Mehta, Chairman, GII and Shri Anupbhai Zaveri, Managing Trustee, GII and other rustees of GII, invitees, colleagues and students. He spoke about Shri Shyam Jagannathan, his many achievements and vast experience over 25 years. He thanked him for accepting to deliver the convocation address. Dr Reddy also added that Shri Ramniklalbhai Shah, has helped the business to grow adhering to ethical practices offering quality products, pricing and most importantly ’employee care’.

Trustees, Industry leaders and guests attended event

Address by Shri Anoop V. Mehta, Others in the picture L-R are Anupbhai Zaveri, Shyam Jagannathan, Ramniklalbhai Shah and A.V.R Reddy

Shri Anoop V. Mehta, Chairman, GII in his address congratulated all the students for successfully obtaining the GII diplomas. He thanked Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Development Commissioner, and Shri Ramniklalbhai Shah for accepting to be chief guest and guest of honor respectively, for this important program. He was appreciative that Shri Shyam Jagannathan would address students, Alumni and younger colleagues of GII and urged fresh diploma holders to become ambassadors of GII and wished them well in to become good entrepreneur. He also urged youngsters to make an effort to emulate Ramniklalbhai in ethical practices.

Shri Shyam Jgannathan, in his address expressed gratitude for being amongst GII fraternity and a part of 41stConvocation function as a Chief Guest. He spoke to fresh diploma holders about the Current Gem and Jewellery Industry’s Growth, its contribution to National GDP. He assured GII to extend al

Address by Shri Shyam Jagannathan

l possible support so as to facilitate speedy and accurate testing services to Gem and jewellery industry.

Guest of Honor ShriRamniklal Shah told that he was overwhelmed to be Guest of honor for the convocation ceremony and conveyed that they started Venus jewel when global belief was that India did not have the capacity & expertise. Today India is number one in Gem and Jewellery Industry. He emphasized that ethical values are important. He recollected how GII had started 50 years back and is happy that GII has grown well and established a name for itself.

Address by Shri Ramniklalbhai Shah

Fresh graduates received Diploma Certificates at the hands of Chief Guest Shri Shyam Jagnnathan and Guest of Honor Shri Ramniklal Shah. They also gave away merit awards to students and Star-Mitra awards to valuable clients who have been supporting GII since its inception. These awards were instituted by well wishers of GII and Gem and Jewellery Exporters’ Association (GJEA).

Diploma certificates and Merit Award given to Students by Shri Shyam Jagannathan and Shri Ramaniklalbhai Shah

Shri Anup Zaveri, Managing Trustee, GII proposed a vote of thanks. He congratulated students, award winners and GII employees for organizing the 41st convocation. Mr. Sandesh Mane coordinated the program with Mr. Maheshbhai Vaghani, Trustee and BDB Team. Mrs. Silvia Sequiera and Mr. Milind Varhadpande anchored the Function.

Jubilee Diamond is a magnificent colorless, cushion-cut diamond with a weight of 245.35 carats ranks as the sixth largest in the world. The original rough stone,  irregular octahedron shape weighed 650.80 carats which was found during 1895 in the Jagersfontein mine, Orange Free State. It was named Reitz in honour of Francis William Reitz, then President of the State.
Its largest piece   was   polished into a superb diamond of exceptional size and purity ( colour E and VVS2). The following year marked the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, so the gem was renamed as Jubilee to commemorate the occasion. Sir Dorabji Jamshedji Tata brought the diamond in the Paris Exhibition and gifted to his wife Lady Meherbai on their second marriage anniversary in 1900.

Dorabji Tata, an    iconic Indian industrialist and a great philanthropist  laid the foundation of India’s iron and steel industry.  Alongwith  the cotton mills founded by his father, these  formed the cornerstone of modern India. In 1924, after world war 1, shortage of money with Tatas treasury, resulted in employees unrest and survival of Tata industries became critical. Lady Meherbai gave all her jewellery including Jubilee diamond, which was then worth about a crore rupees, to pledge and obtain loans. He  obtained loan from the banks   and provided funding to industry to sustain. Even a single employee did not lose the job, as he was very concerned about the welfare of his employees in particular and human beings in general. His industries recovered very well and all the jewellery could also be released from the bank.

Unfortunately lady Meherbai died of cancer in 1931. The sudden and sad loss of his life partner had moved Sir Dorabji and being great philanthropist, he decided to initiate a research institute that would alleviate human sufferings from cancer and related diseases. He formulated a trust for the necessary funds. Sir Dorabji Jamsetji Tata died in 1932. Three years later, his heirs sent the Jubilee diamond for sale at Cartier’s and  in 1937 Cartier sold the Jubilee to M. Paul-Louis Weiller, the Paris industrialist and patron of the arts. Proceeds were added to the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. The Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) was founded by the Trust on 28 February 1941 in Parel, Mumbai, India. In 1952 the Indian Cancer Research Centre was established as a pioneer research institute for basic research—later called the Cancer Research Institute (CRI). In 1957 the Ministry of Health took over the Tata Memorial Hospital. In 1962 the administrative control of the Tata Memorial Centre (Tata Memorial Hospital & Cancer Research Institute) was transferred  to the Department of Atomic Energy. The Tata Memorial Hospital and Cancer Research Institute merged as the two arms of the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in 1966 and is a classic example of private philanthropy augmented by Government support with a mandate for Service, Education & Research in cancer.

Most competent doctors  and research scientists are working in TMC. Every year more than 64000 cancer patients are being treated. More than 70% of patients are  getting cured. It’s amazing to know that a diamond that was purchased as a marriage gift by Dorabji Tata to his wife later became instrumental in setting up of  a huge hospital in the service of   suffering cancer patients. The symbol of love for his wife became symbol of smile on the faces of patients.

Back to the Diamond:  In 1966 the Jubilee diamond returned to South Africa where it was featured in the De Beers Diamond Pavilion in Johannesburg. Robert Mouawad has since bought the Jubilee, which is now the largest item in his great collection. He is quoted as saying, “If we refer to the human contribution brought to a diamond, my favorite would be the Jubilee for its outstanding cut for the period”.

We can add that “Jubilee diamond has been  instrumental for alleviating  human suffering by paving the way for creating TMH.”

Sources of information:

1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Memorial_Centre

2. https://www.mouawad.com/en/diamond-diamond-gallery/jubilee

3. Tata Stories by Harish Bhat

Weight: 245.35 carats
Shape/Cut: Cushion Antique
Grade: E-VVS2

Lulo Mine is a diamond rich mine located in the  Northeast region of Angola. A big pink diamond weighing about 170-carat was discovered in Angola, Africa, named as  “The Lulo Rose” and is claimed to be the largest pink diamond found in 300 years.  Pink diamonds are rare and tested as Type IIa. It is believed to be the largest pink diamond mined since the 185-carat cut and polished “Daria-i-Noor” diamond, mined in Kollur Mine in Andhra Pradesh, India

Picture Source: Lucapa Diamond Company

This rare pink diamond is currently owned by Australia’s Lucapa Diamond Company with Angolan government as partners. The value of the diamond is still unknown, since it has to be cut and polished where it will lose about 50 percent of its weight, but owners are expecting to fetch a high price as a similar type pink diamond, “Pink Star” was sold for 71.2 million USD at Hong Kong auction in 2017.

Source:

• https://phys.org/news/2022-07-miners-unearth-pink-diamond-believed.html
• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-62316058

• We visited Surat along with 16 students from Diamond Grading and gemology batches on Saturday, 9^th July, 2022. Names are given in Annex -1 alongwith 4 photographs.  Shri Brijesh Kansara, Sr. Grader, GII and Shri Omkar Naik, Grader, GII accompanied the students on this tour.

•  In Surat, we reached Venus Jewels by 10:15am. Mr. Ankur Mehta from Venus Jewels gave presentation on Venus Jewels history and their grading system. Thereafter we visited the diamond manufacturing unit.  Students were explained about the planning, cutting and polishing besides detail of their grading system.

• Around 2:30pm we went to Lexus Softmac Company. Utpal Mistry Co-founder and Director gave presentation on diamond cutting machinery software.  It was followed by demonstration on the machine.

• Visit to both the factories are very useful and informative to students.

• GII records its appreciation and gratitude to Shri Arvindbhai Parikh, Trustee, GII for co-ordinationg with Venus Jewels and Lexus Softmac in Surat. GII thank to Mr. Hiteshbhai Shah, Venus Jewels and Mr. Utpal Mistry, Lexus Softmac for extending the hospitality, showing the facility and explaining to the students.  It is an extremely educative tour.

• Name of the students visited as under:
  1. Rahul Pandit
  2. Vishal M,
  3. G Aniketh,
  4. Aditya N D,
  5. Nimisha Jangid,
  6. R. T Yogesh Alwar,
  7. G Balu,
  8. Syam M. G,
  9. Siddhesh Salavkar,
  10. Mustafa Adib,
  11. Mohamed H,
  12. Aagam Shah,
  13. Aditya Shah,
  14. Karthik Jain,
  15. Ameenul Islam A R,
  16. Mohak Tripuri.

Mr. Ankur Mehta explaining about Venus Jewels to GII students.

Mr. Utpal Mistry explaining about Diamond Cutting Machinery to GII students.

Group Photo before Venus Jewels premises.

Group Photo before Lexus Softmac premises.

Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai is in the forefront of training and Education besides Testing and R&D. GII organizes seminars and Training programmes in Mumbai as well as outside Mumbai.

On the request of M/s Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers, Dadar, GII, organised a One day seminar for their clients on “Navgraha Gemstones” and “  Synthetic Diamonds ” on 1^st May 2022 in Nagpur.

Smt Silvia Sequeira, Head Education Dept., GII conducted a seminar on Navratna Gemstones and explained their identification, discrimination  from simulants and the various treatments performed on the precious stones.  Mr. Milind Varhadpande, Head Diamond Grading Dept., GII gave a talk on the difference between Natural and Synthetic diamonds and also their simulants.

The seminar was well attended and appreciated by their important clientele.  After the seminar, an interactive  session was   held which was mainly meant for  seeking  answers and clarifications to various queries. The questions were mostly related to treatments done on gemstones, specifically, Yellow sapphires & Emeralds, and also identification of Natural diamonds from their synthetic counterparts, mainly, when studded in jewellery.

Mr. Neel Pethe, Director, M/s. Waman Hari Pethe, took an active part in this session and  answered the questions with regards to the importance of buying certified goods. He stressed that an  impartial laboratory like GII whose expertise is world-class,  be approached for certification of the goods.

Smt. Silvia Sequeira and Mr. Milind Varhadpande delivering lectures in the Seminar.

A 310kg (1550000 carat) Blue Sapphire was unveiled on Sunday, 12^th December 2021 in Sri Lanka. The National Gem and Jewelry Authority of Sri Lanka certified the highly valuable gemstone and  said that the world’s largest corundum was found 3 months ago in Ratnapura  (gem city – located 85 km from   Columbo).  The Authority suggests that it might be sold in international market.  Gem pit owner put the item on display at his house in Horana.

Sources :

https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/sri-lanka-unveils-worlds-biggest-blue-sapphire-556750.html

https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/sri-lankas-gem-company-unveils-310-kg-giant-natural-blue-sapphire-named-queen-of-asia.html

Gemmological Institute of India (GII) is the Pioneer institute for imparting   Training and providing Laboratory services. GII, since its inception in 1971 has been  serving  the gem and jewellery industry and various Government agencies by providing expertice  / certification / training etc.

Since last 3 decades GII is providing exclusive training to the newly appointed/transferred  Customs Officers to Mumbai. GII is well known for providing training with an emphasis on hands-on training. A special short course, covering Gemmology, polished Diamond grading and rough Diamonds. This   batch  consisted 43 officers including Shri Virender Kumar Choudhary (Principal Commissioner (APSC)), Shri. Kamlesh Kumar Gupta (Additional Commissioner), Shri Ghanisht Yasu (Deputy Commissioner),  Shri.Vaibhav K. Pagare (Joint Commissioner) and Shri.Sunil Kumar Katiyar (Assistant Commissioner); Course was well received and all the trainees, irrespective of their position, were very interactive, sought clarifications to the queries from the faculty and participated enthusiastically in the laboratory work so as to get hands-on experience.

Certificates were distributed to them in the Convocation function arranged in S G Jhaveri

Hall, BDB on 13-10-21. Shri Bakul R Mehta, Chairman, GII  explained various activities of GII. He assured that GII will extend full cooperation, as in the past, to the customs related testing services. Meeting started with a welcome by Dr. Reddy, CEO, GII and he explained about the course and its planning. Shri Arvind Parikh, President DEAL was happy to be associated with the function. Shri Mehul Shah, Vice President, BDB complemented G

II for excellent training and customs officers for actively participating in the training. Shri Kamlesh K. Gupta (Addl Commissioner) told that he was highly impressed with the dedication of the faculty and learnt a lot as a trainee, and also suggested a few topics for future similar training.  Certificates were distributed by the dignitaries as per the list presented by Mrs. Silvia, Head, Training, GII. Shri Anup Zaveri, Managing Trustee proposed a vote of thanks and thanked all concerned with a special word of praise to Maheshbhai Vaghani and Sandesh for organising the function, and the Department of Education, GII for conducting the course effectively

Group Photo taken after the function at S. G. Jhaveri Hall, Bharat Diamond Bourse, BKC, Mumbai.

A 102.39 carats egg-shaped Diamond named as “The Sparkler “went under the hammer in a single-lot auction without a reserve price at Sotheby’s,  Hong Kong, on October 5th 2020 . It was purchased  for USD 15.7 million by a private collector from Japan for his second daughter and named it after her as   “The Maiko Star” . It is a “D” color, Flawless grade, type II A Oval shape diamond.  The rough diamond of 271 carat was discovered and mined  by De Beers Canada, was then cut and polished over a year by diamond specialists at Diacore to bring out its brilliance.

The live auction was held on October 5^th2020 , and bidding started online as early as Sept. 15 2020 with a bidding amount as low as 1 HK Dollar. This unique auction  indicates and reflects the current consumer mood and market sentiments towards luxury products   in the current Covid-19 circumstances where travel is restricted.

Sources:  CNN, CBS & News18 and  Photo courtesy : Economic Times

Eye witness News (EWN),  South Africa reported the mining of five blue Diamonds from Cullinan mines in South Africa.

It is well known that anatural diamonds are  formed in the earth mantle  in the depths of greater than  140 km. The process is high pressure  and relatively low temperature process.  Diamonds crystallise from carbon rich fluids while travelling through lithospheric roots. Details of diamond formation and mining are well documented.

Diamonds are crystalline substance of single element  carbon which is tetravalent.  In the process of their crystallisation, it is possible  that its periodic neighbours nitrogen and boron might enter the crystal at trace levels. Presence of Nitrogen or boron lends colour to diamonds, and intensity of colour depends on the impurity atoms concentrations in the carbon atom network.

Diamonds that have nitrogen are categorised as  Type I diamonds and absence of nitrogen are called Type II diamonds. In type IIb, those having boron are called type IIb and the presence of boron lends blue colour to diamonds. Type IIb diamonds are extremely rare, attractive and therefore command a high price.The Oppenheimer Blue diamond is one such famous diamond. It is a14.62 carat Vivid Blue diamond.

According to EWN, Petra Diamonds mined five blue diamonds, from Cullinan mines, South Africa. The smallest one is of 9.61cts and the largest one is of 25.75 ct. It is reported that all five diamonds are individual crystals and not from the same rough diamond. All of them are of very high quality and expected to fetch very high price. Earlier recorded blue diamond from this mine was 20.08ct blue diamond and sold for $14.9 million.

References:

1. https://ewn.co.za/2020/09/16/south-african-miner-finds-five-rare-blue-diamonds .
2. Oppenheimer Blue diamond sets new auction record”. BBC News Online. 18 May 2016.

https://giionline.com/e-learning/BlueDiamon

Gemmological Institute of India (GII) is known for developing Human Resources through its education programs, besides being a reliable testing institute with matching R&D. It is a matter of pride for GII that it contributes to education  over five decades  since its inception.  These courses are being conducted on regular basis. Hundreds of aspiring gemologists and future diamond traders   obtained diplomas in gemmological course and diamond grading courses.  These courses havesyllabie that cover fundamental aspects of gems and diamonds, mining to marketing, characterization and advanced optical techniques.  Training in the labs under the tutelage of experts provides hands on experience to qualify gems, diamonds and studded jewellery

40^th convocation was held on 13^th December, 2019, in MCA Lounge, Wankhede Stadium, Churchgate, Mumbai – 400020.    As is the practice, in this convocation platform has been used to present Star Mitra Awards to our valuable clients who have been supporting us  since its inception.  These awards are instituted by wellwishers of GII and Gem and Jewellery Exporters’ Association (GJEA).  GII gives away nine best performing appreciation awards to students.  The function started  by rendering  National Anthem.

Dr. A V R Reddy, CEO, GII has welcomed Chief Guest ShriGadgil, Guest of Honour, Shri C. P Singh, ShriBakul R Mehta, Chairman, ShriAnupZaveri, Managing Trustee,  other Trustees of GII, invitees, colleagues and students.  He shared with the audience that Mr. Gadgil has been associated with various aspects of diamonds, studded jewellery of his 178 year old family business, PNG, Sangli. He is an entrepreneur of high standing.Shri C. P. Singh, IRS, the guest of honour, joint commissioner of SEEPZ who has received many awards including presidential award for his efficient working bearer for the  in various capacities. He is an exemplary and dedicated officer to be emulated by fresh graduates and GII younger colleagues. GII  is proud that both of them belonged to GII  and GII thanks them for accepting our invitation.

Mr. C. P. Singh, Joint Commissioner, SEEPZ, in his address felt happy forbeing amongst GII fraternity to be part of 40^th convocation function as a guest of honour.  He told the new fresh graduates that they should feel proud to qualify from such a value based institute like GII.  He assured GII authorities and employees that he would be available for any cooperation to GII activities.  Chief Guest Mr. Gadgil of Purushottam Narayan Gadgil, Sangli admitted that he was overwhelmed to be Chief Guest for convocation function. He told the audience that it reminded him the day he got his diploma from GII.He paid a tribute to late Mr. K T Ramachandran who has nurtured GII and guided many a student throughout his service at GII.   Mr. Gadgil hoped that Mr. Ramachandran’s legacy will continue in the years to come.

Chief Guest Mr. Gadgil and Guest of HonourShri C. P. Singh have given the Diploma Certificates to freshly qualified students.  Shri B. R. Mehta, Chairman, GII has given the appreciation awards to students including newly instituted Cash Award in the name of Late Shri K. T. Ramachandran.  Star-Mitra awards were presented to our valuable clients by ShriAnupZaveri, Managing Trustee, GII.  Smt. Silvia Sequeira and ShriMilind Varhadpande have anchored these programs and ShriKirti P Das and Shruti Parikh organized the entire program.

AGA (Asia Pacific Gemstone and Technology Standardization Alliance) was founded

Preamble:

In February 2019 with the initiative of the NGTC, it was decided to form AGA. In the next meeting held in Hong Kong during September 2019, the statutes of AGA, code of conduct and related matters were discussed and a draft was finalized. The draft was e-circulated for further refining. The refined statutes were discussed and adopted in the foundation meeting held on 8th November 2019, in Shanghai, China.

Founding Institutions:

1. National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC), Beijing, China
2. The Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand (GIT), Bangkok, Thailand
3. Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai, India
4. China Gems & Jade Exchange (CGE), Shanghai, China
5. Technological Development Center for the Colombian emerald (CDTEC), Bogota, Colombia
6. Guild Gem Laboratories (GUILD), Los Angeles, US
7. Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK), Hong Kong, China
8. Hanmi Gemological Institute & Lab (HGI), Seoul, Korea
9. Asia Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), Bangkok, Thailand

The nine founding members of AGAmet on 7th November 2019 in hotel Melia, Shanghai, where Chinese International Jewellery Exhibition meetings were held. The main objective of this meeting was to discuss and accept the finalized statutes of AGA, code of conduct, finalization of membership forms and electing members to various committees. Ms. KeJie, President-elect, AGA, welcomed the participants and explained various objectives of AGA. She has presented the work report of the ad-hoc committee. Dr. Yang Lixin, Secretary elect, AGA, has explained how the various statutes of AGA were finalized through e-correspondence among founding members and their subsequent consultation of legal experts. He specifically thanked Dr. A V R Reddy, CEO, GII, who has contributed 32 amendments out of 44 amendments made on the draft statutes. Various aspects for AGA to go forward were discussed and all the members contributed to the discussion. Symbol of AGA was prepared by an artist, Ms. Li Cia was adopted and, the significance of Red and Bluecoloursin the symbol ( in the left top corner of the Photo ) was explained by her to the members.

As per decision of the earlier meeting, each founding institute has nominated one member to the Board of Directors and one to Technical Commission. Mr. AnupZaveri, Managing Trustee, GII is one of the nine Directors and Dr. A V R Reddy, CEO, GII, is a member of Technical Commission. Later Dr. Reddy was unanimously elected as Director, Technical Commission.

Dr. Reddy suggested that all the members shall exchange opinions and suggestions with a motto of “Communicate, Continue and Contribute for the collective growth of AGA” and AGA accepted it as the modus operandi for communication.

Founding Ceremony of AGA was held on 8th November 2019

In the morning of8th November 2019 representatives of founding institutes of AGA, participants of International Jewellery Standardization summit and a few invited special guests have assembled in the ground floor of Hotel Melia, Shanghai, for the foundation ceremony of AGA. One representative from each founding institute assembled on the stage around 11 am and it was announced that AGA was founded after pressing the lights on the screen which displayed AGA symbol on the screen.

It was followed by 3 special lectures by various experts on standardization methodologies. After founding ceremony, there was a press briefing in which Mr. AnupZaveri and Dr. Reddy answered queries regarding how AGA would help each AGA member like GII and vice-versa. Mr. Zaveri told that as GII is known for quality R&D and reliable testing services, GII would contribute to AGA activities meaningfully. Mr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, GJEPC, was present during this function and briefed the press that AGA should be pro-active for jewellery standardization, so that all the founding members and Asian Countries, in general, will be evolving standardization procedures that would promote exports.

“1+1 >2 and is good for collective benefit of both the institutes” thus spoke Mr. Anup Zaveri, Managing Trustee, Gemmological Institute of India (GII) before Signing the Bilateral MoU between NGTC, China and GII, Mumbai, India on November 8th, 2019 in NGTC, Shanghai, China in the Presence of Shri Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, GJEPC.

Background: Members from National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC), Beijing and Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai,initiated a dialogue during the first meeting in December 2015 to explore the possible areas under technical bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit. Shri Bakul R Mehta, Chairman, GII, has initiated discussion on bilateral collaboration for mutual benefit and continuously guided, reviewed and provided required impetus.  A few meetings were held between representatives of GII and NGTC on different occasions and reviewed the progress made. Signing of Letter of Intent (LOI) on 21^st November 2017,signing of implementation of memorandum of cooperation on 15^th September 2018 and signing of AGA (Asia -Pacific Gemstone and Technology Standardisation Alliance”  on 28^th February 2019 are important milestones  which paved the way for a meeting in BDB, BKC. After reviewing the progress made thus far, GII proposed in this meeting with NGTC delegation members  tomove forward by signing an MOU, draft a road map on action plan and modus operandi for effective  implementation of MOU. NGTC agreed to the proposal and accepted that an MOU could be drafted for signing on 8^th November 2019 in Shanghai during the “2019 International Jewellery Summit”. It was also mutually agreed that an MOU will be drafted and finalised by exchanging through e communication.

Areas of common interest: Jewellery education, Training exchange programme, Exchange od diamond graders, development of instrument for diamond grading, joint development of other jewellery instruments and a few more in future.

MOU Signing Ceremony :Mr. Ye Zebin, Director, NGTC, Dr. Taijin Lu, Senior Scientist, NGTC, and a few more from NGTC, China, and Mr. Anup Zaveri, Managing Trustee and Dr. A.V.R Reddy, CEO from GII Mumbai, and Mr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Chairman and Anurag Kumar, GJEPC, Mumbai, India participated in the MOU signing ceremony in NGTC, Shnghai branch, Shanghai, China. Prior to the ceremony, all members were taken on a guided tour of  the laboratories and observed their working environment and procedures from sample receiving to testing to certification. The ceremony started with Ms. Je Kie, President, AGA and Deputy Director, NGTC welcoming the participants. Mr. Ye Zebin explained importance of signing the MOU.He was happy with multilateral cooperation in the form of AGA and bilateral cooperations with other institutions. He was happy that the MOU between GII and NGTC includes coherent objectives and definite plans to execute them. He was confident that it will bring the desired results for mutual benefits. Mr. Anup Zaveri ( photo inset)felt that   both will be benefited as the  outcome would be synergistic. He told that  “GII and NGTC already identified   the areas that are common to both the institutes to work under this  MoU, namely imparting quality education, quality training, reliable grading, harmonised joint certification and development of instrumentation. It is gratifying that both the institutes worked at a rapid pace to make an MoU and is ready for the “signing”.

QA/QC and   Joint certification, developing reliable instruments for testing and colour grading are some of the areas that need  urgent attention to move forward.  I may add here that Foundation of AGA,   in the morning is another good beginning for expanding in global domain. I am glad    that as Managing Trustee of GII,   I am on the Board of Directors as well Dr. Reddy, CEO, GII is Director, Technical commission, and assure that all support will be extended to AGA activities”. Mr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, GJEPC explained about global market scenario and told that the need of the hour was developing a jointcertification by ustilising expertise from both the institutes. He urged that both NGTC and GII are good at R&D and developed a few instruments of global standard. He assured full support to GII, which is a project of GJEPC and look forward to contribute to industry. Meeting was concluded with the signing of MOU by Mr. Ye Zebin and Mr. Anupo Zaveri. Agreed modus operandi is described in the following.

Modus Operandi of MOU: NGTC and GII  have jointly decided that they will cooperate in the above mentioned  activities as follows:

Displaying  signed copies of MOU by Mr. Ye Zebin, Director, NGTC and Mr. Anup Zaveri, Managing Trustee, GII.  Dr. Taijin Lu, Sr Scientist, NGTC, Ms. Ke Jie, President, AGA, P.K. Agarwal, Chairma, GJEPC, A.V.R. Reddy, CEO, GII are also seen standing behind.

Jewelry education & training cooperation: One or two faculty members will be exchanged to each other’s institutions for training and business exchanges (depending on the progress of exchanges) to deepen trust and understanding and jointly develop the training and education market.

Exchange of diamond graders:Both NGTC and GII agreed to exchange 1-2 diamond graders to each other for a week. These employees can conduct some networking seminars during the NGTC and GII training exchanges.

Joint certification:Both will carry out the harmonization of diamond grading standards and the uniform testing of laboratory processes and rules for gems, diamonds and diamond jewellery under the unified framework of the Asia-Pacific Gemstone and Technology Standardization Alliance (AGA). NGTC and GII can provide samples for testing.

Development of the instrument for diamond colour grading: In the past three years, the two sides are jointly developing a method for color grading of Cape series diamonds based on infrared spectroscopy and have conducted some discussions and experimental work, agreeing to jointly develop a color grading instrument after conducting sufficient measurements.

Joint development of other jewelry-related instrument: The parties will use the experience in the above projects to jointly explore other jewelry-related instrument.

Comments by Mr. B R Mehta, Chairman, GII

Mr. Bakul R Mehta, Chairman, GII, feels that signing MOU is a requirement to move forward.  Developing equipment for colour grading is an important challenging target for both GII and NGTC.  Conceiving and developing joint certification by NGTC and GII need to be given top priority.  Chairman wishes that progress through this MOU will fulfil many objectives emphasised in MOU and many more in the years to come.

A.V.R Reddy,  CEO, GII

“1+1 >2 and is good for collective benefit of both the institutes” thus spoke Mr. Anup Zaveri, Managing Trustee, Gemmological Institute of India (GII) before Signing the Bilateral MoUbetween NGTC, China and GII, Mumbai, India on November 8th, 2019 in NGTC, Shanghai, China in the Presence of Shri Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, GJEPC.

Background: Members from National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC), Beijing and Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai,initiated a dialogue during the first meeting in December 2015 to explore the possible areas under technical bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit. Shri Bakul R Mehta, Chairman, GII, has initiated discussion on bilateral collaboration for mutual benefit and continuously guided, reviewed and provided required impetus.  A few meetings were held between representatives of GII and NGTC on different occasions and reviewed the progress made. Signing of Letter of Intent (LOI) on 21^st November 2017,signing of implementation of memorandum of cooperation on 15^th September 2018 and signing of AGA (Asia -Pacific Gemstone and Technology Standardisation Alliance”  on 28^th February 2019 are important milestones  which paved the way for a meeting in BDB, BKC. After reviewing the progress made thus far, GII proposed in this meeting with NGTC delegation members  tomove forward by signing an MOU, draft a road map on action plan and modus operandi for effective  implementation of MOU. NGTC agreed to the proposal and accepted that an MOU could be drafted for signing on 8^th November 2019 in Shanghai during the “2019 International Jewellery Summit”. It was also mutually agreed that an MOU will be drafted and finalised by exchanging through e communication.

Areas of common interest: Jewellery education, Training exchange programme, Exchange od diamond graders, development of instrument for diamond grading, joint development of other jewellery instruments and a few more in future.

MOU Signing Ceremony :Mr. Ye Zebin, Director, NGTC, Dr. Taijin Lu, Senior Scientist, NGTC, and a few more from NGTC, China, and Mr. Anup Zaveri, Managing Trustee and Dr. A.V.R Reddy, CEO from GII Mumbai, and Mr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Chairman and Anurag Kumar, GJEPC, Mumbai, India participated in the MOU signing ceremony in NGTC, Shnghai branch, Shanghai, China. Prior to the ceremony, all members were taken on a guided tour of  the laboratories and observed their working environment and procedures from sample receiving to testing to certification. The ceremony started with Ms. Je Kie, President, AGA and Deputy Director, NGTC welcoming the participants. Mr. Ye Zebin explained importance of signing the MOU.He was happy with multilateral cooperation in the form of AGA and bilateral cooperations with other institutions. He was happy that the MOU between GII and NGTC includes coherent objectives and definite plans to execute them. He was confident that it will bring the desired results for mutual benefits. Mr. AnupZaveri( photo inset)felt that   both will be benefited as the  outcome would be synergistic. He told that  “GII and NGTC already identified   the areas that are common to both the institutes to work under this  MoU, namely imparting quality education, quality training, reliable grading, harmonised joint certification and development of instrumentation. It is gratifying that both the institutes worked at a rapid pace to make anMoU and is ready for the “signing”. QA/QC and   Joint certification, developing reliable instruments for testing and colour grading are some of the areas that need  urgent attention to move forward.  I may add here that Foundation of AGA,   in the morning is another good beginning for expanding in global domain. I am glad    that as Managing Trustee of GII,   I am on the Board of Directors as well Dr. Reddy, CEO, GII is Director, Technical commission, and assure that all support will be extended to AGA activities”. Mr.Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, GJEPC explained about global market scenario and told that the need of the hour was developing a jointcertification by ustilising expertise from both the institutes.He urged

Displayingsigned copies of MOU by Mr. YeZebin, Director, NGTC and Mr. AnupZaveri, Managing Trustee, GII.  Dr. Taijin Lu, Sr Scientist, NGTC, Ms. KeJie, President, AGA, P.K. Agarwal, Chairma, GJEPC, A.V.R. Reddy, CEO, GII are alsoseen standing behind.

that both NGTC and GII are good at R&D and developed a few instruments of global standard. He assured full support to GII, which is a project of GJEPC and look forward to contribute to industry. Meeting was concluded with the signing of MOU by Mr. Ye Zebin and Mr.AnupoZaveri. Agreed modus operandi is described in the following.

Modus Operandi of MOU: NGTC and GII  have jointly decided that they will cooperate in the above mentioned  activities as follows:

Jewelry education & training cooperation: One or two faculty members will be exchanged to each other’s institutions for training and business exchanges (depending on the progress of exchanges) to deepen trust and understanding and jointly develop the training and education market.

Exchange of diamond graders:Both NGTC and GII agreed to exchange 1-2 diamond graders to each other for a week. These employees can conduct some networking seminars during the NGTC and GII training exchanges.

Joint certification:Both will carry out the harmonization of diamond grading standards and the uniform testing of laboratory processes and rules for gems, diamonds and diamond jewellery under the unified framework of the Asia-Pacific Gemstone and Technology Standardization Alliance (AGA). NGTC and GII can provide samples for testing.

Development of the instrument for diamond colour grading: In the past three years, the two sides are jointly developing a method for color grading of Cape series diamonds based on infrared spectroscopy and have conducted some discussions and experimental work, agreeing to jointly develop a color grading instrument after conducting sufficient measurements.

Joint development of other jewelry-related instrument: The parties will use the experience in the above projects to jointly explore other jewelry-related instrument.

Comments by Mr. B R Mehta, Chairman, GII

Mr.Bakul R Mehta, Chairman, GII, feels that signing MOU is a requirement to move forward.  Developing equipment for colour grading is an important challenging target for both GII and NGTC.  Conceiving and developing joint certification by NGTC and GII need to be given top priority.  Chairman wishes that progress through this MOU will fulfil many objectives emphasised in MOU and many more in the years to come.

A.V.R Reddy,  CEO, GII

Adhoc Governing body of Asia Pacific Gemstone and Technology Standardization Alliance (AGA) is formed in the meeting held on 19.09.2019 in Hong Kong.

The second meeting of AGA was organized in NGTC, Bejing on 19.09.2019 during Hong Kongin the Seminar Hall, S228, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai, Hongkong. It was a followup meeting to the first meeting held on 28th February in Hong Kong by 4 founding institutes namely, National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC), Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Gemmological Institute of Thailand (GIT), and China Gems and Jade Exchange (GEC) in which an agreement was signed to form AGA. In addition to the representatives of the above founding institutions, Guild Gem Laboratories (GUILD), The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong Ltd. (GAHK), Colombian Emerald Exporters Association (ACODES), FederacionNacional De Esmeraldas De Colombia (FEDESMERALDAS) and Colombian Emerald Research Centre (CDTEC) were invited to be founding members and their representatives attended the meeting.

The meeting started with a prologue by Dr. Yang Lixin, Director of Standardization office, NGTC. He welcomed all delegates and explained the Agenda. Meeting was chaired by Ms. KeJie, Deputy Director, NGTC and explained members, about the role of AGA. She assured that all the objectives and mission to promote the harmonious development of jewellery industry worldwide, will be worked on. AGA shall be a platform for its members to carry out co-operative scientific research, exchange of technology and experts, sharing of market information, development and implementation of standards in gemstones and testing techniques.

Members spent next two hours on finalizing the draft document of Statutes of AGA which was communicated to all a priori. Dr. Reddy made a few suggestions and corrections in the document and was sent to members before the meeting. Entire discussions revolved around this corrected draft document. It was agreed that the finalized draft document will be e-circulated and will be finalized after four weeks time. Further, members discussedcode of ethics for AGA and finalized format of membership form. However, decision on the quantum of fee wasdeferred until an estimate of annual expenditure is made, which will be done by NGTC. It was unanimously agreed that NGTC, Bejing, China, will be the Head Quarters of AGA and NGTC will take care of initial expenditure. It was proposed that AGA would be formalized on 8th November 2019 in Shanghai. Further, discussions centered around the structure of AGA governance which will consist of Board of Governors, President Secretariat and Technical Executive Committee and a few sub committees. All the founding institution will have a member on the Board of Directors. Dr. Reddy explained the need to have governing members like ad-hoc president and ad-hoc secretary from NGTC for carrying out the work until AGA formally comes into existence, and proposed Ms. KeJie as adhoc president, andDr Yang Lixin as adhoc Secretary of AGA which was agreed by members unanimously. Ms. KeJie and Dr. Yang Lixin thanked members and assured that required initial work will be completed before November 2019 meeting. All the members agreed to send further suggestions, if any, by October 15th to Dr. Yang Lixin tofinalise the draft constitution of AGA and circulate.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.

Symposium on
Advances in Gem & Diamond Detection
Technology-2019 (AGDDT-2019)

August 07 2019 in BDB

Day 1 was dedicated for exchanging current information on scientific and technological developments in gems and diamonds in the form of invited by internationally renowned experts.

Symposium on
Advances in Gem & Diamond Detection
Technology-2019 (AGDDT-2019)

August 08 2019 in IIJS-19

Day 2 was dedicated for three panel discussions on trade related issues, OA/QC & Lab standardization and, current state of art of detection and certification methods and methodologies, with experts as panel members..