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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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Sydney Jewellery Fair Puts Education, Technology and Business Growth In The Spotlight
12 Expert-Led Sessions To Equip Jewellery Retailers With Insights On AI, Diamonds, Gemstones, Security, Insurance and Next-Generation Consumers
With the International Jewellery Fair in Sydney set to take place from 22–24 August 2026, organisers Expertise Events have announced an extensive education programme aimed at helping jewellery retailers strengthen their businesses and stay ahead of industry developments.
The three-day fair will feature 12 expert presentations, covering everything from AI and digital tools to gemstone education, diamond detection, business security, insurance and consumer trends.
The programme will open on Saturday, 22 August, with Vikas Sodhani of Unbridaled exploring how AI tools can boost sales and streamline daily operations. The day will also feature sessions on Australian opals, Colombian emeralds, jewellery business security and insurance.
Gemstone specialists Alyssa Cameron and Mateo Patino of GemstoneX will offer practical insights into Colombian emerald quality, treatments, origin and certification. Meanwhile, John Papadimitriou of Safeguard Locksmiths will focus on improving operational discipline and business controls, while Lachlan Renshaw of Centrestone Jewellery Insurance will address protecting jewellery businesses beyond the point of sale.
Technology will remain a key theme, with Ryan Abdullah and Isaac Schaider of CaratIQ demonstrating how AI and technology can help jewellers increase sales and simplify operations. Stephen Moignard of Australian Jade will also take attendees through the origins and characteristics of Australian jade.
Focus on Trust, Technology and Changing Consumers
The education programme continues on Sunday, 23 August, with Christina Loccisano of Searay presenting a live demonstration of diamond detection technology and examining how retailers can use trust as a competitive advantage.
The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) will address one of the industry’s most relevant areas—the distinction between natural, treated and synthetic materials, including natural and lab-created diamonds.
Other sessions will explore how outsourced manufacturing and integrated software are reshaping bespoke jewellery, while generational consultant Scott Millar will examine the trends influencing the next generation of jewellery consumers.
The final day, Monday, 24 August, will open with Mustafa Ali of Fog Bandit ANZ, who will focus on proactive approaches to jewellery business security and loss prevention.
By bringing together industry expertise, practical education and emerging technology, the Sydney Fair aims to provide retailers with actionable knowledge that can be applied directly to their businesses.
The International Jewellery Fair will be held at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICC Sydney) from 22–24 August 2026.
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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.