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IGI Graduates First Polished Diamond Grading Class from Fudan University

International Gemological Institute and Fudan University’s Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts start students on path to global diamond industry excellence

SHANGHAI, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The International Gemological Institute (IGI) announced the graduation of its inaugural Polished Diamond Grading class, jointly organized with Fudan University’s Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts (SIVA).

The 10-day IGI/SIVA course, which began July 5 and culminated in a graduation ceremony on July 16, was designed to give students a thorough grounding in international grading standards, a basic requirement for getting started in the diamond industry. Graduates are equipped to identify, grade and understand diamonds according to world grading and market standards.

Following the success of past pilot classes, IGI and SIVA initiated an agreement in February to develop gemological programs to support the school’s jewellery design curriculum. In an effort to make its first joint offering more suitable for Chinese students, IGI utilized years of market research and added several chapters specially customized for the nation.

Jean Mangnay, IGI Worldwide head of Education, flown in from IGI headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium, and IGI Shanghai-based instructor Wang Yuting, led the course. Mangnay said, “It was clear the students wanted to make their mark in this industry. They spent a huge amount of time and energy trying to understand the core values of diamond practice.” He continued, “It was quickly obvious these students wanted to soak up as much gemological knowledge as they possibly could from their course materials and interactions with teachers.”

Marc Brauner, IGI’s Hong Kong-based CEO, called the completion of the first class a significant milestone for both IGI and SIVA. “At the diploma ceremony, many students asked when we would hold the next course,” he said. “We look forward to a long and successful relationship with SIVA.”

Fudan University is one of the top three universities in China and its Shanghai Vision Art Institute is a highly-regarded comprehensive university of art and design. SIVA combines governmental support of public school with flexibility of private school, and educates vision art talents for cultural development and social needs. The Institute began enrolling students in 18 provinces beginning in 2005 and the number of students reached 3,000 in 2008.

IGI has been running educational programs since 1981. With an option for career-bound students to pursue the IGI Graduate Gemologist Diploma, the programs are held in more than a dozen countries including India, the UAE, Italy, Turkey and Belgium. In China, IGI has graduated over 1000 students since 2000.

IGI’s other China initiatives include participation in the annual jewelry show in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, 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 www.igiworldwide.com.

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Rachel Chung
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Source: International Gemological Institute
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