The International Institute of Gemology (IIG) celebrated its 32nd Convocation Ceremony at Radisson Hotel Mumbai, Andheri MIDC, bringing together 150 graduating professionals, their families, industry leaders, alumni, faculty members and the wider IIG community.
Centred on the theme “Human Brilliance in the Age of AI,” the ceremony recognised achievements across Gemology, Diamonds, Jewellery Design, CAD, Jewellery Manufacturing, Retail and other specialised disciplines. It also opened a larger conversation about how education must respond to an industry being transformed by technology.
The event was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest and IIG’s leadership team, symbolising the passing of knowledge across generations. The occasion also celebrated IIG’s 60-year legacy through a specially curated film tracing the milestones that have shaped its journey in gems and jewellery education.
Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his address, he shared an industry perspective on the evolving gems and jewellery sector and the opportunities ahead for skilled professionals.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mr. Bhansali said:
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat is built on the strength of a skilled, capable and confident India. The gems and jewellery industry has an important role to play in this journey, particularly as the sector moves towards greater technology adoption, innovation and global competitiveness. Seeing 150 young professionals graduate from IIG is encouraging, as they represent the skilled talent that will shape the next phase of our industry. I am confident that their knowledge, creativity and commitment will help take India’s gems and jewellery industry to greater heights.”
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rahul Desai, Managing Director, International Institute of Gemology, said:
“Human intelligence will always transcend artificial intelligence. Technology has always moved work forward, but AI has accelerated that movement; it evolves by the day and, at times, by the hour. We cannot ask students to be future-ready unless the institution teaching them remains ready to evolve. At IIG, this means continually strengthening our curriculum, bringing current industry perspectives into the classroom and exposing students to new tools and practices. Our responsibility is to help them use technology with judgement, creativity, craftsmanship and integrity.”
The convocation gave IIG’s idea of future-ready education a sharper definition. In an era where technology can change before a course is completed, future-readiness cannot be treated as a one-time achievement. It must be renewed continuously.
Ms. Gunjan Sapra, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Jewellery Design at IIG, carried this conversation into the future of jewellery design. Her address positioned technological fluency as an increasingly important part of a designer’s practice, while reinforcing that the future of jewellery design will be shaped by professionals who can combine new tools with a strong human point of view.
The convocation also showcased student projects across diamonds, gemology and jewellery, demonstrating how learners were applying their knowledge through research, creativity and technology. Among the highlights was a virtual reality project featuring the live identification of a gemstone by AI alongside a human expert. The projects were displayed at the event and viewed and appreciated by Mr. Bhansali.
Another important academic milestone was the launch of IIG’s new book, Gemstone Fundamentals. Developed as a continuation of last year’s Diamond Fundamentals, the publication blends storytelling, theory, and sales mastery to deepen learners’ understanding of essential gemstone concepts and extend IIG’s educational resources beyond the classroom.
Alongside Gemstone Fundamentals, the convocation marked three further launches: IIG America, opening a new chapter in the institute’s international journey; IIG CONNECT, a dedicated alumni app created to strengthen continued engagement across the IIG community; and Season 4 of the IIG Podcast “Loupe Insight”, centred on luxury and the ideas, shifts and perspectives shaping the sector.
At the heart of the evening was the conferment of certificates. Graduates walked onto the stage to be recognised for their dedication, discipline and successful completion of their respective programmes. Academic honours and trophies celebrated exceptional achievement, with SVAR Gems joining the ceremony as Trophy Partner.
The occasion also acknowledged IIG’s faculty members, mentors, academic teams and support staff, whose efforts shape every student’s journey across classrooms, laboratories, design studios, industry visits and practical learning experiences.
The 32nd Convocation marked another important chapter in IIG’s six-decade legacy of education and skill development. It celebrated 150 professionals entering the industry with specialised knowledge and a clear understanding that, in a rapidly changing world, their greatest advantage will be the ability to keep learning while applying technology with intelligence and purpose.
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