Education
BDB symposium highlights future of diamond research and education
The second edition of the Advances in Gem and Diamond Research and Technology (AGDRT) Symposium opened on 22nd September at the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), bringing together leading global researchers, scientists, and gemmologists.
Organised by the Gemmological Institute of India (GII) with support from BDB, GIA, and IGI, the symposium serves as a platform for presenting cutting-edge research in gem and diamond science.
Welcoming delegates, GII Chairman Mehul Shah highlighted GII’s new academic collaboration with Sigma University, which will introduce a three-year degree course in diamonds and jewellery—aimed at elevating artisans to graduate status. He acknowledged the support of BDB, GJEPC, IGI, and GIA, and thanked the international research community for their participation.
Distinguished attendees included BDB President Anoop Mehta, GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali, GIA VP Tom Moses, Prof. Ramchandra Rao of IIT Madras, DANAT Bahrain’s Noora Jamsheer, and experts from Russia, Switzerland, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
The two-day AGDRT 2025 will run from 22–23 September 2025.
Education
Instappraise & NAJA Tie Up: Third Scholarship Unlocks appraisal Mastery For Global Pros
Renewed Partnership Boosts Access To NAJA Certification Pathways and Instappraise Tool
Instappraise, a jewellery appraisal software provider founded in 2019, has renewed and extended its educational partnership with the National Association of Jewellery Appraisers (NAJA), a US-based professional body established in 1981 that focuses on appraisal education, certification, and ethical standards, introducing a third scholarship to widen access to formal appraisal training and reinforce global standards.
The expanded programme now offers three distinct pathways. The first targets non-members with gemmological credentials, providing NAJA membership, access to Lessons 1-5 of the Appraisal Studies Course, and a one-year Instappraise software subscription, valued at $2,070. The second supports existing NAJA members pursuing certification, while the third enables certified members to advance to the Certified Master Appraiser designation, with benefits valued at $1,775.
The initiative responds to rising demand for structured education amid evolving valuation standards and regulatory expectations. Applicants must submit an essay, demonstrate recognised gemmological qualifications, and complete coursework within defined timelines to maintain academic rigour.
Instappraise’s appraisal platform is positioned to support NAJA and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)-compliant reporting through structured documentation and workflow tools, while NAJA continues to anchor professional education and certification.
Applications close on 15 June 2026, with winners to be announced at NAJA’s 66th Annual ACEit Mid-Year Education Conference in August.
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