GIA Education through University, China

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) distance education programs, including student workrooms, will be available in China through a cooperative program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). GIA’s Graduate Gemologist (GG), Jewelry Design, accelerated Graduate Diamonds and accelerated Graduate Colored Stones programs are already available on campus at SJTU. Prospective students will now also have access to GIA education programs on-campus and through distance education.

 “Education is the cornerstone of GIA’s mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry, and this initiative with SJTU brings us a step closer to providing more accessible gem and jewelry education to students around the world,” said Duncan Pay, vice president and chief academic officer.

GJSCI and WJA organised Design Connect

Design Connect 2019, a platform for jewellery designers to help connect and collaborate with manufacturers and retailers, was well received. Held in Mumbai, at the last week of June, the event organised by Gem and Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI) and Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) - India Chapter witnessed more than 35 jewellery manufacturers and retailers conducting interview rounds with 100+ jewellery designers.

Ms. Nirupa Bhatt, President, WJA-India Chapter moderated a panel discussion on the topic, “Designers – Path to Success.” The panellists included Ms. Poonam Soni, Designer; Ms. Vaishali Banerjee, Managing Director – Platinum Guild India; Mr. Aftab Bandukwala, Director, V-Design Architectural Solutions; and Mr. Colin Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC and Managing Director, Kama Schachter. The panellists shared insights on how jewellery designers can seek inspirations, how they need to build an understanding of jewellery manufacturing techniques, how they need to identify trends, build stories and come up with exciting designs to meet consumers’ demands.

IISC launched as a pilot operational in 14 centres

The India International Skill Centres (IISC) program was launched as a pilot operational in 14 centres in the country. A total of 583 students were trained in these centres. The IISCs at present and is the form of a future network model has the following as their focus:1: Counselling and guidance along with Foreign Employment Support for employment opportunities in the overseas market, information on the required skill set, minimum wages etc. to the potential emigrants.

2: Skill Testing & certification aligned with employer standards, 3: Incremental skill training & Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) & 4: To focus on emerging opportunities in all regions of the world.

GJC budget idea, pro-consumer initiatives

All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) has sought reduction in Import Duty on Gold as per of its pre-Union Budget recommendations. GJC Chairman and delegation submitted the pre-Budget recommendations to the Hon. Union Finance Minister. The indigenous Gem & Jewellery industry is predominantly hand crafted and labour intensive. Over 1 crore skilled labour force is engaged in manufacturing of jewellery in the domestic sector. 

Mr. Anantha Padmanaban, Chairman, GJC, said, “The 10% Import Duty on gold was levied to curb Current Account Deficit. However, India's trade deficit narrowed to 2.5% of GDP in 2019. Reduction in the gold duty will directly reduce other social & economic menace in the country. GJC has suggestions to make the Gold Monetary Scheme more effective and benefit the government and citizens at large. GJC has proposed key customer-friendly initiatives such as exemption from Capital Gains; enhancement of cash limits and PAN Card limits; extension of EMI facility and availability of NEFT/RTGS on weekends.”

GJC opens Manthan today!

All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) is opening Manthan Gems & Jewellery Conclave 2019 today for two days- July 2nd-July 3rd 2019. Manthan, a cross-industry knowledge event with over 1,000+ jewellery owners with over 20 riveting sessions conducted by 30+ industry leaders at Hotel Sahara Star, Domestic Airport, Mumbai.

Manthan 2019 raises the diversity bar higher with inspirational and transformational leaders such as Mr. RS Sodhi (MD, GMMFL - Amul), Mr. Vikram Limaye (MD & CEO, NSE), Mr. Sunil Dutt (President, Reliance Jio), Mr. Mahesh Gupta (MD, Kent), Mr. Dhimant Bakshi (MD, Adlabs Entertainment), Mr. J. Muruga (CEO, BharatMatrimony), Mr. Vikram Mehra (MD, SareGama), Mr. Kewal Handa  (Chairman, Union Bank of India) & many more.

Technology & Shopping Experience

Consumers are embracing the use of retail technology to improve their shopping experience, according to the latest issue of the Consumer View report released today by the National Retail Federation.

“Technology has become part of our everyday lives, and consumers are open to adopting technologies that make shopping easier,” NRF Vice President for Research Development and Industry Analysis Mark Mathews said. “Retailers know this and are embracing investments in technologies that improve customer service and the customer experience whether it’s online, in store or on mobile devices.”

“Consumers are very interested in solutions that take the uncertainty out of shopping,” the report said. “The ability to address these needs is already shaping consumers’ decisions on the brands and retailers they shop.”

SSR Mining acquires Contiguous area to Marigold Mine

SSR Mining Inc announces it has acquired approximately 8,900 hectares contiguous to the Marigold mine in Nevada, U.S. comprised of a 100% interest in the Trenton Canyon and Buffalo Valley from Newmont Goldcorp Corporation and Fairmile Gold Mining, Inc for an aggregate purchase price of $22 million in cash and the grant to Newmont of a 0.5% net smelter returns royalty on each of the properties, and transaction and Property!

Acquisition of a large wholly-owned prospective of land is package with 340,000 ounces of historical gold production, contiguous to the southern boundary of the Marigold mine.           Historical Indicated Mineral Resources estimate of 418,000 ounces of gold at Buffalo Valley.

SSR increases Marigold's land position on trend with the Mackay pit to 19,800 hectares in Nevada's Battle Mountain Eureka gold belt, an 84% increase. Planned exploration activities aim to further define and potentially increase Mineral Resources at the Properties.

3 Gemstones that sparkle for the month of July

The American Independence Day or the Fourth of July is when we celebrate our country’s freedom and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It’s also considered the height of summer! It’s a time for family reunions, barbecues, picnics, parades, and the much-anticipated fireworks displays. On this day, we proudly display our nation’s colors: red, white, and blue.

15 July, the World Youth Skills Day

The United Nations, at its General Assembly in November 2014, declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day. WorldSkills is proud to be part of a global recognition and promotion of skills. Join us using the hashtag #wysd2019 to we can see all your activities and events. During the week of 15 July, in celebration of World Youth Skills Day, WorldSkills will have exhibition space at the United Nations High-level Political Forum at the New York headquarters.

In support of UNESCO’s theme for the day “Learning to learn for life and work” our Champions Trust are developing a video campaign to encourage young people from around the globe to develop selfie style videos that outline how their life has changed by learning a skill.

E-Commerce Policy prepared

A draft National e-Commerce policy has been prepared and placed in public domain. This policy addresses six broad areas of the e-commerce ecosystem viz. data, infrastructure development, e-commerce marketplaces, regulatory issues, stimulating domestic digital economy and export promotion through e-commerce. The Policy takes into account interests of all stakeholders, like investors, manufacturers, MSMEs, traders, retailers, startups and consumers.

The FDI Policy on e-commerce, first pronounced in 2000, permitted 100% FDI in B2B e-commerce activities. With a view to clarify already existing policy framework, after extensive stakeholder consultations, was issued by DPIIT in 2016. B2C e-commerce, that is multi-brand retail through inventory based model, has all along remained prohibited for FDI.