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.