IGI offering discounted courses, classes for kids

The IGI has launched a young gemologist workshop for kids in Mumbai that serves as an introduction to the basics of gemology, teaching them about gemstone color ranges and varieties.Mumbai--The International Gemological Institute is attempting to address the need for professional jewelry training services in India by introducing government-appointed courses and a workshop for young gemologists.

The IGI has collaborated with the Gems and Jewelry Skill Council of India, an affiliate of the Indian government, to offer some of its courses at a marginal fee to manufacturers and retailers in Mumbai and Surat.

Among the courses being offered at this discounted rate is the polished diamond grading curriculum, an in-depth study of diamonds that takes students through an all-inclusive journey from mine to market. The course includes training to identify imitations and treatments, incorporates hands-on learning with visual tools, and covers market trends and grading processes for different types of diamonds.

The IGI’s hand-sketch jewelry design course also is part of the discounted courses. The class helps students to build confidence in drawing ideas as designs and provides an overview of gold calculations and budgeting.

“There is no doubt the Indian jewelry industry is growing at a rapid rate,” said IGI India Managing Director Tehmasp Printer. “Together with GJSCI, IGI will strive to maintain its high international standards while working to develop a skilled workforce, ultimately strengthening the growth and efficiency of this sector.”

The IGI also has launched its young gemologist summer workshop, an introductory half-day session designed for students ages 10 to 15 that live in Mumbai.

The workshop is a regular weekend offering and will provide an “educative, fun and engaging platform” for children who are interested in gems and minerals and open to the idea of a future career in the industry, serving as an introduction to the basics of gemology.

Students participating in the workshop have the opportunity to visit the IGI’s laboratory, where they can observe gems and minerals in various colors and sizes and get a glimpse of the institute’s certification and grading processes.

The coursework also takes students through gemstone color ranges and varieties, and the 12 zodiac stars/signs and their related gemstones.

“IGI’s hope is that this initiative will help aspiring gemologists explore and learn about gemstones in detail, something that is not covered in standard educational curriculum. The initial response has been outstanding, and we look