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At the International Institute of Gemology (IIG), we believe that education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It is about creating opportunities for our students to experience the global gem and jewellery industry, exchange knowledge across borders, and gain exposure to real-world practices that shape the future of our profession.
As part of this vision, we proudly initiated a collaboration with the Consulate General of the Argentine Republic in Mumbai and CAMYEN S.E. to host an exclusive masterclass titled “From the Mine to the Market”, focusing on Argentina’s national gemstone, Rhodochrosite.
This whole initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Rahul Desai, CEO & MD of IIG, who strongly emphasized the importance of education and global learning for the next generation of gemologists. In his address, he highlighted how international collaborations enrich student experiences, broaden perspectives, and create global opportunities.
As part of his vision, Mr. Desai also extended a warm invitation to the CAMYEN team and the Argentine Consulate to visit India, further deepening cultural and academic ties.
The session began with a welcome note by Ms. Gunjan Sapra, COO and Head of Department at IIG, who emphasized the importance of this collaboration. She spoke about how partnerships like this open avenues for student exchange programs, mine visits, and joint research, allowing IIG students to experience the gemstone journey from its natural origins to its global market value.
The session was attended by dignitaries and partners who played a vital role in making this collaboration possible:
Their presence reinforced the shared vision of strengthening India–Argentina ties through education, culture, and responsible gemstone practices.
The training session was conducted by Marina Corvalán – Geology Department and Jessica Felsztyna – Operations and Commercialisation who,offered students in Mumbai (offline) and worldwide (via Zoom) an in-depth look at the history, geology, extraction, and commercialization of Rhodochrosite from the famed Minas Capillitas. Students were able to connect theory with practice, expanding their knowledge of responsible mining, market trends, and Argentina’s unique gemstone heritage.
In a remarkable symbol of friendship and collaboration, CAMYEN donated 3 kilograms of Rhodochrosite to IIG as part of its Specimen Library. This honorary gesture ensures that IIG students will be able to study and appreciate Argentina’s national gemstone first-hand. The specimen is brought by a student of Catamarca who is travelling to India and now on its way to Mumbai and will soon be part of IIG’s library collection — a permanent reminder of this historic partnership.
This collaboration is just the beginning. At IIG, we are working towards creating student exchange programs, field visits to mines, and joint academic projects with global partners like CAMYEN. Such initiatives give our students the rare chance to experience gemstone mining at its source, understand sustainability practices, and develop a holistic view of the gem and jewellery industry.
Through this partnership, IIG continues its mission of shaping future gemologists, designers, and entrepreneurs with a global perspective. Together with CAMYEN and the Consulate General of Argentina, we are not only celebrating the beauty of gemstones like Rhodochrosite but also fostering responsible mining and international cooperation.
✨ At IIG, we don’t just teach Gemology — we connect cultures, share values, and open doors to the world.
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