Surat: GIA India is set to open a new classroom in Surat in early May. The new classroom will offer programmes in diamonds, coloured stones, pearls, jewellery design and merchandising, to help students, professionals and business owners acquire specialised skills to help them succeed in the gem and jewellery industry. Located at Piplod, Surat, the classroom will enhance the learning experience of the students with its state-of-the-art facilities.

“Surat is growing as a jewellery manufacturing and retail destination – the local businesses are in need of trained and educated designers, merchandisers and gemmologists,” said Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of GIA India and Middle East. “We have been conducting programmes in the city and servicing the diamond cutting industry for several years now and believe the new classroom will help provide promising talent to the industry.”

Since 2004, GIA India has provided gem and jewellery educational programmes and classes at its campus in Mumbai and other locations throughout India. Offerings include the prestigious GIA Graduate Gemologist, GIA Graduate Diamonds and GIA Graduate Colored Stones diploma programs, and Jewelry Design courses. Additional classes and seminars are available for gem and jewellery professionals and those seeking education to support their careers. Since 2008, nearly 200students of the GIA India school have been awarded more than $1,150,000 in scholarships.