International grading authority becomes the first to offer education services for the country
The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory, has begun providing its education services in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The Institute provides retail sales training programs for diamonds and gemstones, as well as facilitates accredited training courses for jewelry professionals.
“We are honored to extend IGI’s world-class expertise into the Egyptian market,” remarked IGI General Manager Shaunak Shastree. “This expansion is in line with the Institute’s ongoing efforts to be a growth catalyst in market development by educating the industry professionals as well as by attracting the best talent in the sector with formal globally recognized gemology education opportunities.”
IGI’s debut in the country was announced during a Iftar dinner ceremony held during the Ramadan month at a Cairo hotel in the presence of Dr. Wasfi Wasif, head of the gold division of the federation of Chambers of Commerce, and Aida Zayed, director of the fashion and design center of the Egyptian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as well as representatives from leading jewelry brands in Egypt, including Damas Jewelry, Cherif El Sirgany, Botros Jewelry, Rafaat Jewelry, Sarana Jewelry and Omar El Khayam Jewelry.
“The Arab Republic of Egypt works hard to provide high-quality jewelry and gemstones to our residents, and we are confident IGI will help us meet and exceed that standard,” said Wasif. “In addition to its well-known and widely accepted certification services in the classification and evaluation of fine jewelry, gemstones, natural and lab-grown diamonds, the Institute’s training courses will help increase our country’s knowledge and empower consumers who aspire to specialize in jewelry trading or design.”
IGI currently offers training courses that cover fundamental jewelry topics, ranging from raw diamond classification to gemstones, pearls, modern processing types and jewelry design. Trainees interested in becoming a specialist in precious stones can also complete training courses for a certification from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and IGI. This achievement is one of the most prestigious recognitions that qualifies candidates to confidently enter the labor market and start their careers in the jewelry industry.
About IGI
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has 18 laboratories spread across all major diamond and jewelry centers around the world, as well as eight educational facilities. For 45 years, IGI has provided jewelry retailers and consumers with a wide range of services including independent diamond classification reports, colored stone reports, stone identification and evaluation reports, diamond certification and proof of origin, laser engraving services, as well as the issuance of traditional jewelry certificates. IGI has been in the Middle East since 2001, with its first office in the UAE. For more information, please visit: www.igi.org.
