The International Institute of Gemology (IIG) continues to raise the bar in design education and industry collaboration with its proud association at the 14th edition of the National Jewellery Awards (NJA), organized by the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), in partnership with the World Gold Council. Held at the IIG Andheri campus, this year’s NJA presentation brought together students, mentors, and industry stalwarts to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and the power of platforms that nurture fresh talent.

The NJA remains one of the most prestigious recognitions in the Indian gem and jewellery landscape, and IIG, a true academic powerhouse, has championed its cause for the seventh consecutive year as the official educational partner. IIG’s scholarship initiative, Rs. 10 lakhs across the top 10 “Student of the Year” finalists, is not just generous in gesture but monumental in vision, offering young design aspirants both recognition and resources.

But more than an event, this moment represents something far greater. It is a powerful testimony to IIG’s transformation under the visionary leadership of Mr. Rahul Desai, CEO & MD of IIG, who has redefined what a gem and jewellery institute can be. With branches across India and a student base that now spans the globe, IIG is a place where heritage meets innovation, and where education is pursued not as a product, but as a purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rahul Desai, who also serves as a technical jury member at NJA, shared: At IIG, we don’t just teach design, we nurture design intellect. Jewellery is a complex art form, where creativity intersects with precision, engineering, and emotion. Platforms like NJA are essential, as they validate the technical depth and creative strength of emerging designers. We are proud to contribute to this ecosystem. And as we grow, our vision is to make IIG not just a gateway to such platforms, but a platform in itself, where talent, opportunity, and global perspectives converge.

That future is already taking shape. With students like Saloni Agarwal making history in 2018 and trailblazers like Rabiya Malik, IIG’s first overseas student claiming NJA accolades in 2021, the institute has seamlessly brought together global access and Indian excellence.

Ms. Gunjan Sapra, COO of IIG and Head of the Jewellery Design Department, passionately added: The NJA is more than a competition, it’s a celebration of vision, skill, and originality. For our students, it’s a chance to present their ideas on a national platform and to learn from the best in the industry. At IIG, we take great pride in guiding them through this journey, not to chase awards, but to pursue excellence. We believe in their potential and are honoured to help shape it, one opportunity at a time.

The NJA presentation was conducted by Shristi Dagar from GJC, who outlined the latest participation criteria to a packed room of aspiring entrants at the IIG Andheri campus. The event concluded with heartfelt appreciation and a token of gratitude from the IIG team. As the gem and jewellery industry evolves, IIG remains steadfast in its purpose: to educate deeply, elevate consistently, and export excellence to the world. Established in 1965 and reborn for the demands of today, IIG is a modern-heritage institute, singularly focused on education, and uniquely equipped to take its students from classrooms to competitions, and from portfolios to podiums across the globe.