Kathmandu: Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories (SGL) headquartered London with laboratories in Dubai and nine locations in India, signed a MoU with the Nepal Gem & Jewellery Association (NEGJA) to start an SGL laboratory in Kathmandu.

This will be the first international laboratory to enter the Nepalese market and form a strategic alliance with an association. The NEGJA is the largest jewellery trade body under the Nepalese Commerce and Industries ministry representing key organizations from the country.

The MoU was signed by Manish Lal Pradhan, President of NEGJA and Chirag Soni, Director of SGL in the presence of Dr. Minendra Rijal, Minister of Information and Communications of Nepal and other prestigious associates and members of the Nepalese jewellery fraternity.

“We welcome SGL to bring in certification and standardisation of the immense gem resources available in Nepal, to create a benchmark for Nepali jewellery in the international market and also create product transparency for our domestic as well as international customers” said Pradhan.

The gold and diamond consumption in Nepal has increased steadily in the last few years, which has attracted a number of jewellery companies to start operations there. NEGJA also conducted the first ever jewellery fashion show which showcased some beautiful jewellery creations.

“SGL welcomes the move and we’re happy to work on this great platform with NEGJA. Nepal has mines for a whole lot of gemstone varieties which are indigenous, and bringing in authentication will create a canvas for all of us to deliver transparency to the trade and transactions. Diamond jewellery is also becoming an increasingly important category and we see a huge surge in the coming years in this segment,” said Soni.