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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

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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.

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DiamondBuzz

De Beers Group Launches “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” Program at IIJS Bharat Signature to Revolutionize Natural Diamond Accessibility in India

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De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, marked a significant milestone in the Indian jewellery landscape with the official launch of the “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” program at IIJS Signature. The star-studded event featured actress Sonakshi Sinha, who joined Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President of De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, to unveil an initiative dedicated to making natural diamonds an integral part of daily life for the modern Indian consumer.

The “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” (Diamonds are for You) program is strategically designed to promote natural diamonds by raising awareness, boosting market visibility,and creating a seamless connection between retailers and consumers. With a focus on modern designs and attractive price points, the program also lets local retailers use De Beers Group campaigns as their own—second-piercing earrings, ‘Bestie’ bracelets, and ‘Intention’ pendants. It positions diamonds as a lifestyle choice for self-expression and daily wear.

Speaking at the launch, Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President of De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, detailed the evolution of the brand’s storytelling, stating, “De Beers Group has a rich legacy of creating iconic ritual campaigns that have shaped how the world perceives diamonds. With ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye,’ program we are evolving that narrative for the Indian market to another level.

We are not just selling jewellery, we are making natural diamonds more accessible and desirable in India. Our goal is to empower retailers through INDRA (Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance)  to ensure that every ‘First Diamond’ journey is as credible as it is beautiful.”

Kirit bhansali

Speaking on the occasion, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, “IIJS has always been a powerful platform for shaping the future of India’s gem and jewellery industry, and the launch of ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’ at IIJS Signature reinforces that role. GJEPC is proud to partner with De Beers Group on the INDRA (Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance) project, which is a critical step towards strengthening domestic demand for natural diamonds.

By empowering retailers, enhancing consumer confidence, and expanding access across metros and Tier 2 markets, this initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to grow the natural diamond category sustainably within India.”

The program ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’, rests on few strategic pillars aimed at industry growth and scalability:

  • Stocking & New Consumer Opportunity: Identifying gold wholesalers and distributors across 15–20 cities to focus on a first-phase target of 500 retailers.
  • Retailer Advantage: Providing a “Design Advantage” and strict “Product Hygiene,” backed by a clear buy-back policy and robust training and marketing support via the INDRA alliance.
  • Heera Hai Aapke Liye is robust entry-level product kit featuring earrings, bangles, bracelets, etc supported by exclusive visual merchandising (VM) for display.
  • Growth and Scalability: A PAN-India reach strategy designed to unlock new business opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers.

As India continues to grow as the world’s second-largest market for retail diamond jewellery, De Beers Group remains committed to strengthening the natural diamond narrative. By combining the emotional appeal of natural diamonds with the practical “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” framework, De Beers aims to build a sustainable future for the category across both metros and Tier 2 cities. De Beers and GJEPC aim to expand the base of Natural Diamond buyers, increase self-purchase consideration, and establish long-term credibility for the category.

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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

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