De Beers to offer course in gemology in India

Surat: For the first time, the world’s largest diamond mining company, De Beers Group has entered into diamond education sector in India by partnering with Mumbai-based International Institute of Gemology (IIG).
Industry sources said this is first time that the reputed diamond mining company has partnered an Indian company, which is leader in gemology and diamond and jewellery education to bring education directly to students across large geographical areas.
The partnership will initially launch with a focus on De Beers Group online diamond foundation course (DFC), which teaches students about the entire diamond pipeline from diamond formation to jewellery sales. It also includes an introduction to synthetic diamonds where students will learn how to explain to consumers the differences between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds.
The IGI has been operating for more than five decades and is recognized as a leader in gemology and diamond jewellery education in India.
Director of education, De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds, Jodine Perrin, said, “As a major player in the global diamond cutting and polishing industry, India is an area of increased focus for us. We recognize the need for new partnerships that bring education directly to students across large geographical areas.”
Perrin added, “Our goal is to make diamond education as engaging and accessible as it can possibly be. Our courses are designed by experts from across the whole of De Beers Group, so students can be confident that they are learning from some of the world’s leading professionals.”
Rahul Desai, managing director of the IIG, said, “The collaboration between us and De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds will not only benefit students but also empower entrepreneurs to enhance their skills in this unique industry.”