A commencement ceremony for nearly 40 students of GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) Graduate Diamonds and Jewellery Design courses was held on September 5, 2013 in Mumbai. Industry leader Russell Mehta of Rosy Blue spoke at the graduation ceremony, sharing personal anecdotes with the students and offering valuable insight into the industry.%% “Congratulations to our newest graduates and a special thanks to Mr. Mehta for gracing this occasion,” said Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of GIA in India and Middle East. “We’re pleased that our effort to provide the industry with promising and qualified talent continues to bear fruit. The graduates will bring GIA’s mission of ensuring the public trust in gems and jewellery back to their respective home towns and local trade.”%% GIA’s Graduate Diamonds Diploma is a globally recognised seven-week programme that teaches students about the GIA-created 4Cs (Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight) of diamond quality and how to grade diamonds using the D-Z colour scale. Students learn to use gemmological equipment to grade and identify diamonds; find out how to detect synthetics, treatments, simulants and fracture-filled diamonds; and how to confidently speak the language of diamonds to suppliers, vendors and customers. This course is now offered at GIA classrooms in Mumbai, New Delhi, Surat and Jaipur.%% The Institute’s comprehensive nine-week Jewellery Design (JD) Certificate programme offers students an in-depth understanding of jewellery design theory and artistry, teaching them the professional skills to illustrate their ideas and inspirations. The programme includes visits to jewellery manufacturing facilities, allowing participants to see first-hand how design translates into the creation of jewellery pieces.%%