GIA India is preparing to offer two new courses - Pearl Grading Lab class and a Retail Jewellery Management (R.J.M.) business course, as announced by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Registrations for the tutorials have begun. “Hyderabad has a large population of professionals who are discerning customers,” said Nirupa Bhatt, managing director, GIA India/Middle East. “The programmes have been offered based on the significant number of retail businesses with large showrooms and multiple locations, and the need to meet their demand for educated retail sales associates. Hyderabad is also the pearl capital of India, creating significant potential for our offerings.” %% The Pearl Grading Lab class is scheduled between May 18-19, offering all the product knowledge people need to buy inventory, build confidence and increase profits. It is a hands-on class, wherein participants can practice with cultured pearls graded by the GIA Laboratory, discern evaluation techniques and understand aspects of beauty, value and quality of the merchandise. %% The R.J.M. course is scheduled between May 21-23 and May 24-25 at the Golconda Institute of Diamonds in Hyderabad. Its portfolio offers an introductory course for counter staff to learn retail business management, store display and security, enabling participants acquire product knowledge, and skills to close more sales. %% Bhatt added, “GIA is taking world-class education to key Indian markets to align local skills with international standards. As India moves up the value chain and becomes a vital jewellery consumption market, retail becomes an important area requiring educated personnel. GIA India aims to fill this need.”