IGI Deal Expands Fudan University's Gem Program

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• USA - English
• USA - English

SHANGHAI, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- World-leading gemological laboratory International Gemological Institute today announced an education agreement with Fudan University's Shanghai Institute of Visual Art.

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/02/25/20100225462052.html )

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/02/25/20100225871468.html )

Signed just before Chinese New Year, the deal calls for IGI and the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art to develop new gemological programs as part of the school's jewelry design curriculum. The new courses will be offered as early as the fall.

"This is significant inasmuch as IGI's expertise and its worldwide position is recognized by a world-class Chinese institution," said Marc Brauner, IGI's Hong Kong-based Co-CEO.

"Last year, after IGI's nationwide education series targeting the private sector, we were invited to host some pilot classes at the Institute for jewelry design students," Mr Brauner explained. "That turned out to be so successful that IGI and the institute decided to explore further cooperation."

IGI has been running educational programs since 1981. Now including an option for career-bound students to pursue the IGI Graduate Gemologist Diploma, the institute's programs are today offered in over a dozen countries, including India, the UAE, Italy, Turkey and Belgium. In China, IGI courses have been offered through the Shanghai Vocational Center which has produced 400 graduates since the center began hosting the program in 2000.

According to the Belgian expert, IGI's gemological programs have been attended by people from 105 countries. They have been trained in a range of areas, including rough and polished diamonds, and color stones. Courses are designed to be highly practical and target both students studying gemology and professionals already in the jewelry industry.

As China emerged as the world's No. 2 diamond market by consumption in 2009 (imports of polished diamonds totaled USD699m that year), consumers increasingly demanded accurate and complete information on what they are buying. That process, in turn, obliged jewelers to upgrade their professional skills.

"There is a notable market demand for gemological courses developed by international labs like ours," Mr Brauner said. He explained that IGI had been approached by a number of universities, "so we are naturally honored to have established ties with an institution of the caliber of Shanghai Institute of Visual Art at Fudan University."

The school is renowned for its promoting innovation and creativity, yet offering programs of intensely practical relevance. "And this is where we can contribute," Mr Brauner said. "We are keen to participate in China's effort to create future talent, armed with internationally recognized qualifications."

Mr Brauner called the agreement a big step for China's market development.

IGI's other marketing initiatives include participation in the annual Jewelry Shanghai show April 9-12, and Shanghai World Expo 2010, May 1 to October 31.

About IGI

The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world's largest independent laboratory for testing and evaluating gemstones and fine jewelry, was established in 1975 in Antwerp and is located in New York City, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Dubai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, Toronto, Kolkata, New Delhi and Surat. IGI is an ISO accredited worldwide organization. For additional information, please visit http://www.igiworldwide.com .

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SOURCE The International Gemological Institute (IGI)