“NJA makes dreams come true,” says Rahul Desai, CEO & MD, International Institute of Gemology (IIG)

The International Institute of Gemology (IIG), a pioneer and global thought leader in gem and jewelry education, proudly celebrates the triumph of its students at the prestigious National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2025. This year, four IIG talents, Pratibha Sheshagiri, Priyanshi Chaudhary, Siddhi Lokhande, and Ujjwal Adeshara, emerged victorious on one of India’s most
respected platforms for jewelry design and innovation. More than a win, their success stands as evidence to what education, mentorship, and opportunity can achieve when combined with passion and perseverance.

IIG has been an Education Partner of NJA for seven consecutive years and has, together, consistently strived to identify, nurture, and showcase the finest emerging talent from the industry. For IIG, these triumphs signify more than individual awards. They reflect the institute’s founding philosophy, established in 1965: to provide every aspiring jewelry professional, irrespective of
geography, background, or access. the mentorship, confidence, and platform to compete at the highest levels of excellence.

Rahul Desai, CEO & MD of IIG, reflects: “It has always been my vision that every IIG student, from their very first sketch to their hundredth creation, finds recognition that authentically reflects their journey. The NJA makes dreams come true by creating an
equal platform where creativity is celebrated without boundaries. Over the decades, IIG has evolved from an institute of gemology into a complete ecosystem of learning and leadership. We don’t merely train skills, we cultivate mindsets. We teach our students to design with intention, influence with purpose, lead with conviction, and most importantly, present their vision with clarity, confidence, and without limits.”

This philosophy of equal access is also why IIG has instituted a dedicated Scholarship Program at NJA worth lakhs of rupees. These scholarships are designed to ensure that passionate and hardworking students, irrespective of their background, are given equal opportunity to learn, grow, and eventually be absorbed into the Gem & Jewelry industry.

Gunjan Sapra, COO and Head of Department –  Design, IIG, adds: “I know the value of a good design. Having dedicated my life to designing, I deeply understand what it means for a student when their creation is not only appreciated but celebrated. Recognition should never be limited by geography or circumstance. A child from a Tier 2 city may carry as much zeal, if not more, than one from a Tier 1 hub. An offline student’s passion may rival that of someone in a structured classroom, and vice versa. What NJA has created is remarkable… it places every student on the same stage, giving them equal opportunity. That is both humbling and inspiring.”

The NJA victories of Pratibha, Priyanshi, Siddhi, and Ujjwal highlight this philosophy. Year after year, IIG consistently grooms and prepares its students to participate in such prestigious competitions, showcasing their talent and skills not only at national platforms like NJA but also on global stages. Their success reflects not only technical mastery but also resilience, creativity, and the courage to present their work on a national stage.

As Rahul Desai further emphasizes, “Knowing how to design is one thing. Knowing how to present your vision with boldness is where true success lies. At IIG, we mentor not just skills, but confidence. That is what transforms a student into a leader, and a dream into a reality that impacts lives.”

Since its founding, IIG has stood as an academic and professional hub for the jewelry industry. Today, guided by Rahul Desai’s leadership, the institute is recognized as the “world-class center of Gemology and Jewelry Education”. The NJA stage this year was indeed proof that opportunity, when combined with the right ecosystem, produces excellence. Proof that talent can emerge from anywhere, and when given the stage, it shines without limit.

For the winners, this is not an endpoint, but a beginning, the beginning of many more dreams that do not remain sketches on paper, but evolve into creations that inspire, influence, and endure.

About IIG:
Established in 1965, the International Institute of Gemology (IIG) stands as a pillar of excellence in Gemology, Diamond, and Jewellery Design education. With a legacy built on integrity, innovation, and academic rigor, IIG has cultivated a reputation as one of the most respected institutions in the gems and jewellery industry. With over 1,00,000 successful graduates, IIG’s influence extends across national and international markets, playing a vital role in shaping skilled professionals and driving the industry’s growth. Today, IIG continues to shine as a beacon of trust, quality, and leadership in gemological education.