The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced the dates for its first gemological course to be given in Israel's diamond complex in Ramat Gan. At the initiative of GIA Chairman Ralph Destino, the GIA has explored the optimum way to bring its popular gemological courses to this foremost gem-quality manufacturing and trading center.
Destino said that GIA has scheduled its first course to take place during Nov. 25 - 29, 2007 in Israel. The course will be taught by GIA instructors from Carlsbad, Calif., and all the needed gemological equipment will be flown into Israel in time for the inaugural course.
Destino also announced that GIA has teamed up with the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association (IsDMA) as a strategic partner, which will provide the logistical support and assist in processing the enrollment applications. IsDMA President Moti Ganz, who also serves as chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI), expressed his deep appreciation to the GIA for, as he called it, "this greatly welcomed initiative."
Ganz said, "Our customers are demanding exact and precise information from us about the diamonds we sell around the world. The entry of the GIA's educational programs into Israel will widen the knowledge base of our manufacturers and their staff and in this way will raise the comfort level of our customers on our expertise."
Ganz continued, "Though we are proud to have a number of very good local schools, the GIA is considered to be the foremost authority on gemology in the world. Completing a GIA course is tantamount to having the best gemological education in the world today."
Destino expressed his appreciation to the various diamond industry leaders who have been involved in reaching this milestone, and is confident that this is just the beginning of what is likely to become a major involvement by the GIA in the Israeli industry.
"I'd particularly like to thank Avi Paz, president of the Israel Diamond Exchange," said Destino, "for inspiring the initial proposal of GIA opening a gemological school in Ramat Gan."
13th October 2007