he Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently hosted its Board of Governors meeting in Mumbai. This was

the first time the event has been located outside of the US-based headquarters. GIA president and CEO Donna Baker; GIA senior vice president of Laboratory and Research Thomas Moses; and GIA vice president and chief financial officer David Tearle represented the institute’s management at the gathering.

Members of the Indian gem and jewellery trade participated in the

GIA Board of Governors Meets In India

gathering to honour the Board of Governors. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), the Bharat Diamond Bourse and the Export Promotion Council for the EOUs and SEZs (EPCES) presented an industry overview. The governors also met with industry leaders in the diamond city of Surat and the coloured gemstone city of Jaipur. While there, they toured manufacturing units, retail outfits and branches of the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ) in Mumbai and Jaipur.

Baker said, “India is a significant global leader in the industry. Working alongside the trade community here is an integral element of GIA’s global campaign. On behalf of the board, I thank the diamantaires and retailers of India for their hospitality and for supporting GIA’s mission. We are confident that this association will continue to prosper and grow.”

The GIA Board of Governors’ wealth of knowledge guides the institute in its mission to protect the public trust in diamonds, gems and pearls through

INTERNATIONAL dEcEMBER 201192

The GIA Board of Governors with GIA president Donna Baker, GIA managing director – India and the Middle East, Nirupa Bhatt and GIA India senior management.

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India is a significant global leader in the industry. Working alongside the trade community here is an integral element of GIA's global campaign.

Donna Baker addresses the audience in Jaipur

Nirupa Bhatt interacting with Prem Kothari of Fine Jewellery and IIGJ chairman Vasant Mehta

Members of the GIA Board of Governors with Russel Mehta (second from left) of Rosy Blue

A traditional dance performance in Surat

Nirupa Bhatt and Donna Baker with Surat-based retailer Dilip Mehta (extreme left) of BR Designs

education programmes, laboratory services and research discoveries. The governors come from various industry backgrounds, including gem and jewellery, legal and compliance, finance, management and marketing. Susan M. Jacques, president and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, serves as the chairperson of the board.

“We are pleased that India was chosen as the first international location to host the Board of Governors meeting,” said Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of GIA in India and the Middle East. “This demonstrates the importance of the Indian market to GIA, and a commitment to delivering world class services to the gems and jewellery community.”