Poornima University and IIGJ Jaipur Forge Academic Alliance to Strengthen Gems & Jewellery Education
In a significant move to advance the landscape of gems and jewellery education in India, Poornima University (PU), Jaipur, and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ), Jaipur, have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in key academic and research areas. The agreement, signed on 17th January 2025, establishes a shared vision between two esteemed institutions to enhance education, innovation, and professional development in jewellery design, manufacturing, and allied creative fields. IIGJ Jaipur, established by the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), has long been recognised for its commitment to offering world-class training in jewellery design, manufacturing, and gemmology. The institute is renowned for blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern technological advancements and industry best practices. Through this alliance, IIGJ Jaipur aims to further its mission of providing structured, hands-on learning in the jewellery domain to a wider audience, while also enriching its curriculum with interdisciplinary exposure. Poornima University’s Faculty of Design and Arts (PU-FDA), known for its innovative programmes in visual arts, product design, interior design, fashion, and animation, shares a similar vision of empowering students with future-forward creative education. Endorsed by IIID and aligned with FDCR standards, PU-FDA brings a strong academic foundation and institutional credibility to this partnership. Key Highlights of the MoU: The MoU is designed to promote cross-disciplinary learning, industry-relevant curriculum, and practical skill-building among students and faculty members alike. With this collaboration, both institutions will work toward shaping a new generation of jewellery professionals who are not only creative but also industry-ready. This academic partnership further positions Jaipur as a thriving hub for gems and jewellery education, uniting design and technical excellence under one umbrella. It is a strategic step towards equipping aspiring professionals with the tools, insights, and experiences they need to succeed in the global jewellery industry.By joining forces, Poornima University and IIGJ Jaipur reaffirm their commitment to “Crafting Excellence in Jewellery Education” and nurturing future leaders in India’s vibrant jewellery sector.
IIGJ GLIMPZ 2025: A Vibrant Display of Creativity and Innovation
The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Mumbai proudly presented GLIMPZ 2025, the Capstone Project of the final-year B.A. in Gems & Jewellery Design students (batch 2022-2025), on April 4th at Bharat Ratnam – Mega CFC. This prestigious annual exhibition and awards ceremony showcased the creative brilliance of 37 graduating students, who conceptualised, designed, and manufactured their unique jewellery collections under expert faculty mentorship. The exhibition took place on April 2nd and 3rd at the IIGJ campus, featuring well-crafted jewellery pieces displayed with student-designed visual merchandising. The event was open for public viewing and jury evaluation, highlighting the next generation of jewellery design pioneers. The theme for this year was “Newstalgia”, which was divided into four sub-themes: Soft Surreal, Super Charged Deco, Vintage Victorian, and Baroque. First-year B.A. students of IIGJ Mumbai wowed the audience with a fabulous fashion show, showcasing jewellery and accessories entirely designed and crafted by them. The distinguished jury members who judged the pieces were Mr. Pratik Shah, Chairman & MD, Estaa Gems Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Aneesh H Kumarr, Head, New Product Development, Indriya (Aditya Birla Jewellery), and Ms. Richa Singh, MD (India & Middle East), Natural Diamond Council. The event began with Mr. Debasish Biswas, CEO, IIGJ India, greeting the audience, which included dignitaries, students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals, before commencing with the national anthem. In his brief opening speech, he outlined IIGJ Mumbai’s founding in 2003 and highlighted key success stories from the past two decades. In his keynote address, Mr. Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, remarked, “Congratulations to each of you on completing this intense three-year journey. It’s truly inspiring to see what you’ve accomplished. Remember, there will always be things in our control and things beyond it—but India is a great place to build something meaningful. Let your ideas grow from the inside out. Build with India at heart, and take it to the world.” In an inspiring message to the students, Chief Guest Mr. Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman of GJEPC, noted: “Graduates, as you step into the world, carry with you the values of IIGJ – creativity, integrity, and innovation. The jewellery you create will adorn lives, mark milestones, and become heirlooms of tomorrow. Go forth and shine!” Guest of Honour Mr. Amit Pratihari, Managing Director of De Beers India, offered insightful advice to the graduating students: “Talent is a myth if you don’t work hard. What truly matters is showing up every single day and being curious enough to keep learning. In today’s world, it’s not about doing just one thing well—it’s about having the range, the hunger, and the discipline to keep improving, even by just 1% each day. That’s how you reach the top.” Distinguished guest, Mr. Sanjay Kothari, Convener, IIGJ Governing Board “You’ve learned in three years what once took a decade and more, to learn the skills on the workbench. In this ever-evolving industry, aim to be No. 1—because there’s space for everyone, and the sky is the limit.”The awards were presented by Mr. Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, Mr. Parikh, Mr. Pratihari, and Mr. Sanjay Kothari, and the distinguished jury members Mr. Pratik Shah and Mr. Aneesh H Kumarr. GLIMPZ 2025 reflects IIGJ’s commitment to talent and innovation in the jewellery industry. Keep an eye on this space to see who bagged the awards and check out the amazing designs from each of the talented students!
Revolutionising Gems & Jewellery Education: A Closer Look at IIGJ Mumbai
IIGJ Mumbai graduates celebrating Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Mumbai stands as a centre of excellence in the gems and jewellery industry, providing comprehensive education and training to aspiring professionals. Established in 2003 under the auspices of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), IIGJ Mumbai has continually strived to meet the evolving needs of the industry and produce skilled individuals who contribute to its growth. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, industry-oriented curriculum, and collaborations with leading stakeholders, IIGJ Mumbai has earned a reputation as a premier institution that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to thrive in the competitive world of gems and jewellery, Bharat Vaswani, Head of the Institute, tells Solitaire. Please provide an overview of the IIGJ Mumbai and its role in the industry? Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) is an initiative of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The Mumbai centre was setup in 2003 and is located in MIDC, near SEEPZ. The institute was created with a vision to provide comprehensive education and training in jewellery design, gemmology, manufacturing, and merchandising. Over the years, IIGJ Mumbai has earned a reputation for its exceptional teaching, state-of-the-art infrastructure and industry-oriented curriculum. The IIGJ Mumbai campus is a testament to the institute’s commitment to providing students with an environment conducive to learning. Equipped with modern CAD laboratories, gemstone library, design studios and manufacturing workshop, students have access to cutting-edge facilities that foster practical learning. These resources allow students to gain hands-on experience in gemstone identification, jewellery manufacturing techniques and the latest design trends. IIGJ Mumbai offers many different courses tailored to meet the demands of the ever-evolving gem and jewellery industry. With an option to choose from short-term certificate courses and comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, students have the opportunity to choose a path that is aligned with their interests and career aspirations. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical training, ensuring that students are well-equipped to enter the industry with confidence. Recognising the importance of industry exposure, IIGJ Mumbai has forged strong ties with leading jewellery houses, gemstone dealers, and manufacturers. The institute regularly organises workshops, seminars and guest lectures by industry experts, enabling students to gain insights into the latest trends, technologies, and market dynamics. Furthermore, IIGJ Mumbai facilitates internships and placements, providing students with invaluable real-world experience, thereby enhancing their employability. With access to modern design software and guidance from experienced faculty, students are empowered to create innovative and exquisite jewellery pieces that reflect their artistic vision and have been consistently well-received by the industry. IIGJ Mumbai focuses on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among its students. The institute offers courses and workshops on jewellery entrepreneurship, providing students with the knowledge and skills required to start their own jewellery businesses. With its unwavering commitment to quality education and industry-oriented training, IIGJ Mumbai has played a vital role in shaping the future of the jewellery industry in the past and will continue to do so in future. Two-finger ring by Vaishnavi Divate Earrings by Dev Mudgal What are some of the key initiatives taken by IIGJ Mumbai to produce trained professionals in the gems and jewellery sector? The gems & jewellery sector is a significant contributor to India’s economy, renowned for its rich heritage and craftsmanship. By providing comprehensive education and training programmes, IIGJ Mumbai is empowering individuals to excel in this thriving industry. In order to meet the industry’s growing demands for skilled professionals, the IIGJ Mumbai has undertaken several key initiatives, few of which are: Robust Curriculum and Course Offerings: IIGJ Mumbai has developed a comprehensive and industry-oriented curriculum to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills. The curriculum is regularly updated to stay aligned with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies used in the industry, ensuring that students receive relevant and up-to-date education. State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Learning Environment: IIGJ Mumbai provides an environment that is conducive to learning, with modern facilities and infrastructure. The institute has well-equipped classrooms, advanced gemmological laboratories and gemstone identification centre, design studios, computer-aided design (CAD) labs and a manufacturing workshop. This enables students to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, machinery and software thereby enhancing their practical skills and understanding. Industry-Expert Faculty: IIGJ Mumbai boasts of a teaching team of experienced and highly skilled faculty members who are industry experts as well. These faculty members bring in-depth knowledge, industry insights and real-world experience to the classroom, enriching the students’ learning experience. The faculty’s expertise helps bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications, preparing students for the challenges of the industry. Immersive Industry (Factory/Retail Setups) Visits: The students are exposed to real-life jewellery manufacturing setups to experience and learn industry practices adopted for limited-edition as well as mass produced jewellery. Visits to retail setups help the students understand the importance of the art of storytelling involved in the sale of manufactured jewellery pieces. Internship and Industry Collaborations: Collaborations with reputed jewellery companies helps provide students with industry exposure and practical experience. This also benefits IIGJ Mumbai and industry organisations. The institute facilitates internships, enabling students to work with industry professionals, understand workflow processes and gain hands-on experience. These collaborations also create networking opportunities, enhancing students’ prospects for employment after graduation. Skill Development Workshops and Seminars: IIGJ Mumbai organises regular skill development workshops, seminars and guest lectures featuring renowned experts from the gem and jewellery industry. These events cover a wide range of topics, including gemstone grading, jewellery manufacturing techniques, market trends and business management. Such interactive sessions provide students with valuable insights, foster creativity, and enhance their understanding of the industry’s nuances. Career Placement Assistance: IIGJ Mumbai provides dedicated support for career placement to its students. The institute maintains strong ties with leading jewellery companies and facilitates campus recruitment drives. Additionally, it offers career counselling, resume building workshops, and interview preparation sessions to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in job interviews and secure employment in reputed organisations. How does IIGJ Mumbai ensure that its training programmes are aligned with the evolving
IIGJ Connects with South India’s Jewellery Industry for the First Time at IIJS Tritiya 2023
Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery was proud to showcase jewellery creations of its design graduates at IIJS Tritiya 2023, for the very first time in South India. Both the Academics and Laboratories wings were present at the 4- day exhibition, eagerly meeting with participants as well as visitors and sharing information about the huge potential of trained jewellery professionals and state-of-the-art lab testing of gems & jewellery. Commenting on the exhibition, Head of the Institute, Mumbai, Mr. Bharat Vaswani said “The response from visitors to our stall was extremely positive and encouraging. Several jewellery companies expressed their interest in collaborating with IIGJ for their intern and recruitment needs, especially after seeing the quality of the jewellery on exhibit and understanding about the curriculums of various programmes and courses offered by IIGJ. Although students from the southern states have taken various programmes at IIGJ over the years, we are looking forward to sharing our expertise with the regional gem and jewellery industry in both areas – Academics as well as Laboratories.” Two installations with IIGJ students’ work brought a fresh new design appeal to the IIGJ stall and were appreciated by visitors to the stall.
IIGJ Mumbai’s Convocation Ceremony for Post Graduate Diploma in Jewellery Management Graduates held on 4th March 2023
Winner Best Student Batch -September 2020 Shraddha Khanted Winner Best Student Batch – March2021Shayori Mandal Winner Best Student Batch -September 2021 Roshan Verma The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery, Mumbai held its convocation ceremony for graduates of the 1-year Post Graduate Diploma in Jewellery Management programme today at the Institute’ auditorium, in which graduates of three batches were conferred with diplomas. Dr. Saumya Badgayan, Vice President-HR & IR graced the occasion as Chief Guest and presented trophies and certificates to the graduates. Ms. Dolly Choudhary, Director, Marketing & Promotions, GJEPC, was Guest of Honour. Chairman of IIGJ Mumbai, Mr. Milan Chokshi and Ms. Nirupa Bhatt, Advisor, Gem & Jewellery industry were also present along with Mr. Bharat Vaswani , Head of Institute, IIGJ Mumbai. Apart from inviting the students of the 2021 batches, the Institute went the extra mile and invited students of the September 2020 batch as well, as they had not had a physical convocation ceremony last year due to the pandemic. Chief Guest: Dr. Saumya Badgayan, Vice President-HR & IR Guest of Honour: Ms. Dolly Choudhary, Director, Marketing & Promotions, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council. All the students of the PG Diploma in Jewellery Management are now either employed with prestigious jewellery companies or working on their own jewellery collections as entrepreneurs or have been absorbed into their family businesses. Chief Guest, Dr. Saumya Badgayan felicitated the students and advised the students, saying, “The industry is undergoing a metamorphosis…The industry needs people like you, who are not in the business of design… or production…or merchandising, but in the business of emotions…Don’t do things for competitive reasons…don’t take your career as a luxury. Be ready for the rigour it will throw back at you…stay focused on your trajectory…” Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Bharat Vaswani, Head of Institute said, “Be the IIGJ Brand ambassadors of the impact we create as you join the 10,000 plus alumni from this great Institution.” Other distinguished guests also encouraged the graduating students and provided words of wisdom and guidance during the ceremony
GJEPC Welcomes new Chairman of the IIGJ MUMBAI Board, Mr. Vasant Mehta
Mr. Vasant Mehta, former Chairman of Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council and founder Director and former Chairman of Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery, Mumbai is elected as Chairman of the Board of IIGJ Mumbai. He has taken charge from Mr. Kirit Bhansali, who served as Chairman from 2016 to 2022. The ceremony at IIGJ, was attended by Mr. Vipul Shah and Mr. Kirit Bhansali to formally welcome the new chairman of IGJ Mumbai. Mr. Mehta addressed IIGJ Mumbai staff, praising the leadership provided by Mr. Bhansali during his tenure and GJEPC’s role in the growth of IIGJ, said “I am happy for the opportunity to serve IIGJ as Chairman of the Board once again. IIGJ has come a long way since it began in 2006 and it will be my continuous endeavour to take the Institute to new heights for it to become a benchmark in gem & jewellery education.” Mr. Mehta is passionate about gem & jewellery education and creating trained professionals for the fast-growing industry, which was GJEPC’s main objective behind creating IIGJ. Mr. Mehta served as GJEPC Chairman from 2008-10, and has brought about immense transformation in the Indian diamond manufacturing industry as a global jewellery manufacturing hub, with a focus on quality and design oriented jewellery. He has also served as Chairman of IIGJ Mumbai (2009 to 2016), Director of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Vice President of International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA). He works untiringly to safeguard the interests of diamond manufacturers and spread the message of best practices in the trade. Mr. Mehta is a second-generation diamantaire, and founder-senior partner of M/s. V. Rameshchandra & Co. He has been serving his family business for over 50 years. The GJEPC Chairman Mr. Vipul Shah while addressing the attendees assured of his complete support to Mr. Mehta and IIGJ in their continuous efforts to achieve the set vision of the institute.
