The International Institute of Gemology (IIG), a pioneering force in jewelry education since 1965, marked a proud milestone with the successful culmination of its Annual Convocation Ceremony on August 4th, 2025, at Sahara Star, Mumbai. The event brought together over 150 graduating students from across India and abroad, strengthening IIG’s global vision for education that is inclusive, industry-relevant, and future-forward. IIG also hosted a dedicated virtual convocation experience for international and remote learners.
This year’s convocation was a powerful showcase of IIG’s expanding role as a launchpad for professionals, a platform for innovation, and a driver for change in the gem and jewelry industry. Adding to the excitement, the event embraced a Bollywood theme, capturing the glamour and energy of Indian cinema, perfectly reflecting the vibrancy of our graduates and the industry.
The convocation was graced by the presence of Mr. K. Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director of Emerald Group, who served as the Chief Guest. With decades of leadership in gold jewelry manufacturing, Mr. Srinivasan is widely recognized for transforming traditional production models into tech-driven, talent-rich enterprises.
Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Srinivasan stated: “Today’s jewelry industry needs professionals who are not only technically sound, but also culturally agile, ethically rooted, and innovation-driven. What IIG is building is more than an academic framework, it is a movement. A movement towards creating empowered, globally-ready individuals who carry the legacy of craftsmanship with the mindset of change-makers. I’m honoured to be part of this moment, and deeply optimistic about what these young graduates will bring to our industry.”
One of the key highlights of the event was the official launch of Diamond Fundamentals, a dialogue-driven learning resource designed specifically for professionals in the gem and jewelry trade. Built with learning depth and curated for flexibility, it reflects IIG’s philosophy of real-time learning that adapts to the evolving demands of the industry.
IIG also unveiled RD Consultancy, a recent bold initiative by CEO and MD Mr. Rahul Desai, aimed at providing business mentoring, strategic insights, and practical coaching to learners even after graduation.
Reflecting on the convocation and IIG’s journey, Mr. Rahul Desai shared: “When we talk about education at IIG, we don’t just mean classrooms and curriculums. We mean context, community, and career. This institution was built on the belief that education should be customized, current, and compassionate. Over the years, we’ve taught over a lakh professionals, but our real achievement lies in the lives we’ve helped shape. Today, we are more focused than ever on building IIG into a dynamic, global platform, one that adapts to every learner’s journey, supports them even after they graduate, and stands by our philosophy of education for all, and I feel proud that my team also live by IIG’s core values and vision.”
Gunjan Sapra, COO of IIG, also addressed the graduates with an inspiring speech. She spoke about the core values of discipline, creativity, and a strong foundation, emphasizing that these principles are key to success, no matter which field the graduates have pursued.
Reflecting on the institute’s mission and the significance of the convocation, she shared,“At IIG, we’ve always been committed to mentorship, guidance, and continuous learning. We understand that success isn’t just about academic knowledge; it’s about building a solid foundation and nurturing creativity. Thus, we’re always evolving to ensure our students get the best. Whether it’s a fundamental tool like ZBrush or a complete curriculum update, we make sure our students stay ahead of the curve. This is what they deserve, and this is what we are proud to provide.”
The event was also graced by industry influencer Prernaa Makhariaa, who addressed the students and introduced her platform - Jewellery Networking. It serves as a platform for connecting jewelry industry service seekers with providers. Prernaa shared her thoughts, saying: “IIG is a powerhouse of education, with 150 graduates this year, and the caliber of these graduates aligns perfectly with the vision of Jewellery Networking. Both IIG and my platform are committed to nurturing talent and creating meaningful connections that drive the jewelry industry forward. I am proud to be part of this event and excited about the future of these bright professionals.”
As the ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Binnita Shah, it was clear that the convocation was not just an event; it was a reflection of IIG’s evolution into a next-generation educational leader, blending legacy with innovation and curriculum with culture. With a global alumni network, tailored learning pathways, strong industry connections, and an expanding knowledge portfolio, IIG continues to set new standards in gemological education. IIG is deeply grateful to its team for their support and dedication, which are crucial to our collective success.
