The International Institute of Gemology (IIG), under the leadership of CEO & MD Rahul Desai, has taken another step in its global journey by creating deeper international partnerships and expanding academic horizons. In collaboration with the Consulate General of the Argentine Republic in Mumbai and CAMYEN S.E., IIG hosted a hybrid masterclass titled “Introduction to Rhodochrosite”, celebrating Argentina’s national gemstone, admired worldwide for its rarity and cultural significance.
This initiative highlights IIG’s mission to expand both in breadth, by extending its reach across borders, and in depth, by delivering expertise-driven education that equips students with insights unavailable through conventional sources. With this approach, IIG is steadily positioning itself as a global leader in gem and jewelry education, bridging knowledge gaps through world-class teaching and meaningful collaborations.
The session began with a welcome address by Ms. Gunjan Sapra, COO and Head of Department at IIG, who emphasized how such partnerships create opportunities for student exchanges, mine visits, and joint research. She noted that collaborations like this enable IIG students to follow gemstones on their journey, from their natural origins to international markets, providing exposure that prepares them for the realities of the industry.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Mr. Rahul Desai, CEO & MD of IIG; Ms. Gunjan Sapra; Consulate General Daniel Quer Confalonieri; Deputy Consulate María Virginia Yapur; and CAMYEN Board of Directors; Hugo Moya (President), José Barrera (Vice President), and Gabriel Molina (Member). Their presence strengthened the shared commitment to advancing gemological education and strengthening India- Argentina ties.
Adding depth to the program, CAMYEN experts Marina Corvalán (Geology Department) and Jessica Felsztyna (Marketing Department) offered students in Mumbai and worldwide (via Zoom) a masterclass on the geology, mining, and commercialization of Rhodochrosite from the renowned Minas Capillitas mines.
Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Desai emphasized the global responsibility of institutes like IIG: “Across the world, there is still a gap in how gemological education is delivered. Real learning cannot come from quick searches, it must be imparted with expertise, experience, and context. At IIG, we are creating that platform and scaling it globally. Our collaboration with Argentina is a living example of cross-border education, proving that diverse perspectives and shared expertise are essential for shaping the future of the gem and jewelry industry.”
CAMYEN authorities emphasized that this initiative reflects and strengthens the growing relationship between Argentina and India, a bond recently highlighted by the visit of India’s Prime Minister. The province of Catamarca, home to significant Indian investment in lithium exploration and growing interest in copper and other key minerals for the energy transition, stands at the heart of this collaboration. At the same time, the rise in Rhodochrosite exports to India aligns meaningfully with this training initiative, opening new pathways to promote the gemstone’s potential in the Indian market.
Adding his perspective, Consul General Daniel Quer Confalonieri said: “Education is the strongest bridge between nations. This collaboration with IIG not only highlights Argentina’s rich gemstone heritage but also creates a channel for knowledge exchange that benefits students in both our countries. We are proud to contribute to IIG’s vision and to see Rhodochrosite becoming part of their specimen library as a symbol of this partnership.”
In a gesture symbolizing this new partnership, CAMYEN donated three kilograms of Rhodochrosite to IIG’s Specimen Library. This rare gemstone, now en route to Mumbai, will serve as a permanent educational resource for students.
This collaboration marks a new milestone in IIG’s global vision. By uniting expertise from India and Argentina, it reinforces the institute’s belief that the future of gemology must be rooted in responsible mining, sustainable practices, and knowledge without borders. With initiatives like this, IIG is not only strengthening its international presence but also shaping the next generation of gem and jewelry professionals.
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