GIA Alumni Collective, India Chapter, brought together GIA alumni from campuses worldwide at a networking event in Mumbai on August 10, held alongside IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026.

The event provided alumni with an opportunity to meet contemporaries, exchange ideas and discuss professional opportunities across the gem and jewellery industry. The initiative was organised to strengthen connections within India’s gem and jewellery sector.

GIA said its global alumni network comprises 185,000 alumni, supported by 59 active chapters worldwide. Its alumni work across manufacturing, retail, design, gemology, education and entrepreneurship.

Cathryn Ramirez, Senior Vice President and Chief Learning Officer, GIA, said, “It feels wonderful to be back in India after five years. We started the GIA Alumni Collective in 2022 with the vision of creating a strong network where alumni could come together, reconnect, and give back.”

Ramirez added that the growing alumni community is supporting knowledge exchange, experience sharing and engagement with current and aspiring students.

Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, GIA India, said, “The strength of India's gem and jewelry industry lies not only in its talent but also in its willingness to collaborate and learn from one another.”

He added that the Alumni Collective has developed into a platform for professionals to share ideas, build relationships and contribute to industry growth.