International News
GSI’s Sri Lanka Educational Tour: Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry
GSI’s CSP Students gained first-hand exposure to the mining ecosystem, bridging academic learning with real-world industry experience

Gemological Science International (GSI) reaffirmed its commitment to producing industry-ready professionals with its recent educational field visit to Sri Lanka’s famed gemstone mining region as part of its Colored Stone Professional Diploma Course (CSP) programme.
The five-day immersive trip to Nivithigala in Ratnapura, known globally as the “City of Gems,” served as a critical industry integration step, allowing students to experience the mining techniques, market dynamics, and cultural nuances first-hand, above and beyond textbook knowledge. This approach is central to GSI’s philosophy of bridging academic knowledge with field-level realities to prepare students for meaningful, impactful careers in the gem and jewelry industry.

“Industry readiness begins at the source,” said Mr. Ramit Kapur, Managing Director of GSI India. “Our CSP programme goes beyond classroom instruction by integrating direct exposure to mining environments and local markets. These experiences empower students to understand gemstones in their true context, from extraction to evaluation, building the confidence and expertise that employers’ value. This is how we ensure our graduates are not just certified, but genuinely industry-ready professionals,” he added.
During the visit, students observed key mining methods such as riverbed dredging, where miners dive deep underwater up to 60 feet to retrieve gem-bearing gravel, and underground shaft mining, which extracts stones from shafts and tunnels reaching depths of up to 70 feet. This experience helped students gain a deeper understanding of the complex processes involved in bringing gemstones from below the earth’s surface to the market, and the factors that contribute to their high value The team also explored the Demuwawatha Gem Market in Ratnapura, interacting with local traders, evaluating and purchasing rough and cut stones and learning to identify treatments and imitations under real market conditions.
Sri Lanka’s sapphires, celebrated worldwide for their vivid colours, exceptional clarity, and ethical sourcing, provide a perfect case study for origin determination; a core skill in modern gemology that influences gemstone valuation. This direct field exposure is a vital component of GSI’s comprehensive CSP curriculum, which blends rigorous classroom study with practical experiences including mine visits, factory tours, guest lectures, and hands-on workshops.
“Students who engage with the entire gem supply chain, from mine to market, develop a holistic understanding that no textbook can replicate,” said Meenu Vyas, Global Head Gemologist at GSI Education. “This learning method sharpens their ability to assess gemstone quality, authenticity, and provenance, making them uniquely qualified to meet the demands of a sophisticated global industry.”

As GSI’s latest CSP batch returns enriched with practical insights and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the gemstone trade, the institute continues to set new benchmarks in gemological education.

International News
Gold continues upward march;Bank of America forecasts $5,000/oz for 2026

Gold prices in India saw a modest rise on Wednesday today Oct 15, mirroring an uptick in international markets as renewed US-China trade tensions and expectations of further US interest rate cuts bolstered demand for safe-haven assets.24k gold traded at Rs.1,28,360/10gm after gaining ₹10 in early trade, while silver prices increased by Rs.100 to Rs.1,89,100 per kilogram.
Gold prices surged to a record high of $4,179.48 per ounce on October 14, 2025. Investors flocked to safe-haven metals amid trade tensions and Fed rate-cut expectations. U.S. December gold futures jumped 57% year-to-date. Bank of America raised its 2026 gold forecast to $5,000 per ounce, warning of possible near-term corrections.
Gold prices soared to an unprecedented $4,179.48 per ounce on October 14, 2025, marking a historic milestone for the yellow metal. The rally comes as investors worldwide seek safety in hard assets amid a turbulent global economic backdrop marked by escalating trade tensions, slowing growth, and expectations of further interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve.
The sharp surge in bullion prices has been driven by a combination of macroeconomic uncertainty and aggressive monetary easing. As inflation pressures remain sticky and central banks pivot toward dovish policies, gold has reasserted its role as a hedge against both currency debasement and market volatility.
In futures trading, U.S. December gold contracts have skyrocketed nearly 57% so far this year, underscoring the strength of investor demand across both institutional and retail segments. Analysts note that central bank buying—particularly from emerging markets—has added further momentum to the rally, with several countries diversifying reserves away from the U.S. dollar.
Reflecting this bullish sentiment, Bank of America has raised its 2026 gold price forecast to $5,000 per ounce, citing continued monetary easing, geopolitical instability, and robust central bank accumulation. However, the bank also cautioned that short-term corrections are likely, given the rapid pace of the recent run-up and potential bouts of profit-taking.
Overall, gold’s meteoric rise underscores a broader shift toward safe-haven assets, as investors navigate a world increasingly defined by economic fragmentation, shifting interest rate cycles, and persistent geopolitical risks.
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