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International Institute of Gemology receives global recognition with the Industry Excellence Award at the Auguste Piccard Awards
The International Institute of Gemology (IIG) is proud to announce that it has been conferred with the prestigious Industry Excellence Award at the globally respected Auguste Piccard Awards, at ICIEET; a momentous honor that marks a significant milestone not only for IIG, but for India’s gemological education sector on the world stage.
This distinguished award, named after the pioneering Swiss physicist and inventor Auguste Antoine Piccard, is reserved for institutions and individuals whose work represents a fusion of scientific innovation, boundary-breaking exploration, and lasting global impact. Much like Piccard’s daring ascent into the stratosphere and revolutionary deep-sea discoveries, the awards celebrate those who dare to push limits and challenge conventions in their fields.
Rahul Desai, CEO and Managing Director of IIG, was personally honored with the Industry Excellence Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership, future-forward vision, and his commitment to innovation, education quality, and industry transformation. Under his leadership, IIG has not only upheld its rich heritage, but also evolved into a globally relevant institution that champions a modern approach to skill-building and certification in gemology and jewelry arts.
“I am truly grateful for this award as it contributes deeply to IIG’s ongoing mission of raising the bar in education and empowering our students across the world. Our curriculum is designed to meet global standards, our mindset is driven by purpose, and our roots are firmly grounded in legacy. With this recognition, I feel more energized than ever to keep the momentum going and take IIG to the next level,” Rahul Desai. “Our students, hailing from across continents, are now part of a larger global narrative and IIG is proud to give them the edge and access they need to thrive internationally. We are a modern-heritage institute, established in 1965 and redefined for today’s world, focused solely on education, which gives us the ability to go deeper, broader, and bolder.”
This recognition affirms the transformative journey IIG has embarked upon; where tradition meets technology, and regional roots merge with global aspirations. With students and collaborations now spanning across countries, IIG continues to position itself as an international institution not only in name, but in ethos, curriculum, and opportunity.
The Industry Excellence Award places IIG among a select group of global institutions that are not just responding to change, but leading it. As the institute moves into its next phase of expansion, this milestone stands as a powerful validation of its legacy, its leadership, and its future. With this feather added to its cap, IIG steps forward as not just an educational institution, but a powerhouse, shaping the future of the gem and jewelry industry with purpose, integrity, and global impact.
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JAS 2026 Opens To A Grand Start; Jaipur & Dubai Strengthen Jewellery Trade Partnership
The Opening Day Witnessed An Exceptional Business Atmosphere, With Packed Exhibition Aisles, Continuous Buyer Interactions, and Enthusiastic Participation From Hosted Buyers
The 20th edition of JAS and its 7th B2B Edition, organised by the Jewellers Association Jaipur, commenced today (on 3rd July 2026 on a grand and enthusiastic note at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura. The inaugural day witnessed an overwhelming response from the trade fraternity, with exhibition halls bustling with buyers, retailers, manufacturers and industry professionals from across India and overseas, setting the stage for three days of vibrant business networking and sourcing.
The show was inaugurated by K. P. Abdul Salam, Group Vice Chairman, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, in the august presence of Surjit Bhujabal, Member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC); Tawhid Abdulla, CEO, Jawhara Jewellery, Dubai; and Pramod Kumar Agrawal Derewala, Chairman, National Gems & Jewellery Council of India (NGJCI), as Guests of Honour.
The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Raju Agarwal Mangodiwala, President, Jewellers Association Jaipur; Ajay Godha, Honorary Secretary; Ashok Maheshwari, JAS Convenor; along with the office bearers and executive committee members of the Association.
One of the defining moments of the inaugural ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jewellers Association Jaipur (JAJ) and the Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG), paving the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, education, market development, business networking and international collaboration between the gems and jewellery industries of Jaipur and Dubai. Following the signing, Shri Tawhid Abdulla, CEO, Jawhara Jewellery, presented a commemorative memento to Shri Raju Agarwal Mangodiwala, President, Jewellers Association Jaipur, celebrating a new chapter in India-UAE jewellery relations.
A special welcome was extended to the visiting Dubai delegation comprising Anurag Sinha, Managing Director, Al Liali Jewellery; Ashish Garg, Head – Business, KGK Group; Mamtha Maria Francis, General Manager, Dubai Jewellery Group; and Tirth Jasani, General Manager, Lumin Luxe LLC, reaffirming the growing strategic partnership between Jaipur and Dubai.
Addressing the gathering, K. P. Abdul Salam applauded Jaipur’s unmatched expertise in coloured gemstones, stating that the city has earned global recognition as the finest centre for gemstone cutting and craftsmanship. He encouraged the industry to continue innovating and strengthening its international presence while creating greater value for global buyers.
Tawhid Abdulla welcomed stronger collaborations between Jaipur and Dubai. He encouraged Jaipur’s gemstone sector to work towards developing globally recognised branded gemstone grading and certification systems, which would further elevate consumer confidence and international acceptance. He also invited Jaipur’s manufacturers and exporters to explore greater business opportunities in Dubai, assuring the industry’s wholehearted support in building stronger trade relations and opening new avenues for collaboration.
The opening day witnessed an exceptional business atmosphere, with packed exhibition aisles, continuous buyer interactions and enthusiastic participation from hosted buyers, domestic retailers and international delegates. Exhibitors reported encouraging enquiries and strong business interest from the very first day, reflecting the confidence the industry places in JAS as one of India’s leading B2B jewellery exhibitions.
With an outstanding inaugural response and tremendous energy across the show floor, JAS 2026 has set a strong foundation for the next two days, promising even greater business opportunities, meaningful networking and international collaborations for the global gems and jewellery fraternity.
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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.