GIA celebrates India’s contribution to gemstone industry with donation to CSMVS

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Nov 19, 2019

The Gemological Institute of America in India gifted a set of replicas of of famous diamonds to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum in Mumbai to celebrate the country’s contribution to the industry.

The GIA managing director for India and the Middle East Nirupa Bhatt presented part of the replica collection to the CSMVS director general Sabyasachi Mukherjee on November 7, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council said on its website. The collection of replica gems has now been housed in the museum’s newly introduced jewellery gallery and will be open for public viewing next year.

“The replicas will form part of the section on Golconda within CSMVS, and help educate and enthral visitors about the contribution of India to the world of gemstones,” said the GIA about the donation.

The collection includes 16 replica diamonds, nine of which were handed over at the recent event, and include replicas of famous stones such as the Black Orlov, Dresden Green, Nassak, and Regent. The remaining replica stones will be handed over at a later date.

“Everyone will get to see these spectacular gemstone replicas and we are happy to showcase replicas of these famous diamonds to a larger audience,” said Bhatt at the handover.

The GIA launched its India operations in 2004 when it opened its Mumbai campus in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, close to the Bharat Diamond Bourse. The campus features a gem grading laboratory which opened in 2008.