Mumbai: Marking six decades of excellence in gems and jewellery education, the International Institute of Gemology (IIG) hosted its 32nd convocation ceremony at the Radisson Hotel, Mumbai. The event brought together 150 graduates, along with their families, faculty members and key representatives from across the jewellery industry.
Graduates received certificates across various disciplines, including gemology, diamond grading, jewellery design, computer-aided design, manufacturing and retail management.
Built around the theme of human expertise in the age of artificial intelligence, the ceremony celebrated student achievements while highlighting the evolving role of education and skill development in an industry undergoing rapid technological transformation.
The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by institute leaders and distinguished guests, followed by a special film showcasing IIG’s six-decade journey, milestones and contribution to gems and jewellery education.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the importance of skilled talent in driving the growth of India’s jewellery sector.
He noted that as the industry embraces advanced technologies and expands its global presence, trained professionals will play a crucial role in maintaining quality standards and strengthening India’s position in the international jewellery market. He expressed confidence that the technical knowledge and practical skills of the graduating students would contribute towards the future growth of the industry.
Rahul Desai, Managing Director of IIG, spoke about the relationship between artificial intelligence and traditional craftsmanship. He highlighted that while automation can accelerate processes, human judgement, creativity and expertise remain essential.
He emphasised that educational institutions must continuously evolve to prepare students for future industry requirements. According to him, the focus should be on enabling students to effectively use modern digital tools while maintaining strong foundations in design excellence, ethics and craftsmanship.
Gunjan Sapra, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Jewellery Design at IIG, added that future designers will succeed by combining technological knowledge with their own creative vision and artistic identity.
The ceremony also showcased student projects across multiple disciplines. One of the highlights was a virtual reality project demonstrating gemstone identification, where artificial intelligence capabilities were presented alongside human expertise.
Alongside celebrating student achievements, IIG announced several new initiatives during the ceremony. The institute introduced its latest publication, Gemstone Fundamentals, following its earlier book on diamonds. The new book combines theoretical knowledge, industry insights and practical guidance for retail professionals.
The institute also announced its expansion into the United States with the launch of IIG America, introduced a new alumni networking platform, IIG CONNECT, to strengthen engagement among former students, and launched the fourth season of its podcast, Loupe Insight, focusing on luxury market trends and industry developments.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and academic awards, supported by trophy partner SVAR Gems, while recognising the contribution of faculty members and staff who guided students through classroom learning, laboratory training and practical workshops.
As the new graduates step into the jewellery industry, the convocation highlighted a clear message — while technology will continue to transform the sector, human creativity, expertise and continuous learning will remain the foundation of the jewellery trade.
