IIJS virtual will further our partnership with GJEPC and the gems and jewellery industry by leaps and bounds

Mr Sriram, the managing director of GIA, believes that education is the key to the sector’s brilliance, and hopes to continue spreading awareness that will make the Indian diamond industry a global force

What are your thoughts on the IIJS Virtual?

It is truly exciting to partner with GJEPC for their first-ever virtual show. IIJS has emerged as the most important trade show in our industry over time. People come together with new and trendy jewellery and drive inventory decisions for the year. The show is a barometer that provides the industry’s mood. For us, it’s a great opportunity to reach out, spread awareness and it also aligns with our mission. We launched the DOR programme at IIJS in 2019. We connect with existing clients and with prospective ones too. Education is very important for us at GIA. We conduct seminars and sessions to share important aspects of the trade at IIJS. We have been participating at the IIJS for 10 years now. I must congratulate the team as they were quick to organize the show amid such trying times.

Your partnership with GJEPC has been there for some time now. How do you see this evolving further?

This is a deep question. GIA’s commitment to the growth of the gem and jewellery industry is very steadfast. India is the epicentre of the diamond industry. GIA India has worked closely with GJEPC and other bodies to protect public health. IIJS helps us reach out to trade partners and make them aware of our grading process. We also spread the knowledge through our educational programmes and seminars. We have been able to build confidence in retailers and faith in customers. Going forward, we believe this knowledge is what will help cement relationships, as customers normally walk into a store with all the information now. It is important for the selling side to be informed. Retail is becoming organized now. The need for a skilled workforce is very high. We give out scholarships, complimentary education plans, special initiatives in retail training for women. We will continue our partnership with GJEPC with all our initiatives.

What is your outlook on the next 6 months of the financial year? What is your advice to the diamond businesses?

We are seeing positive signs of revival. The market is picking up in China and North America slowly. Our labs are all operational at different capacities. Our focus is on the health and safety of our staff, and also on serving the industry. We are working on several new initiatives too — DOR is getting positive feedback. Our delivery systems are improving and speeding up. Most of our campuses around the world are open right now. In India, we are active through webinars. Our education team in India is very active with sessions for traders and retailers. My advice to the outstanding diamantaires in India is simple. Be intensely focused on the customer. You will need to know what changes are happening at the ground level. You need to be agile, flexible to meet the needs of the customer first. That will get you where you want to be.

Courtesy: Retail Jeweller India News Service