International Institute of Gemology (IIG)

What International Institute of Gemology (IIG) does

International Institute of Gemology (IIG) is a Mumbai-headquartered private educational institute founded in 1965 (originally as SRDC, rebranded 2017-18) that delivers specialized vocational training across four disciplines: gemology, diamonds, jewellery design and manufacturing, and gold/silver assaying. The institute operates through a multi-modal platform combining in-person classroom instruction at five Indian campuses (Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru) with an expanding portfolio of online courses that extends reach to international learners. Course architecture spans entry-level certifications (₹10,000-₹50,000), professional diplomas (₹35,000-₹175,000), graduate programs (₹175,000-₹325,000), and Masters degrees (₹350,000-₹900,000), with notable subject areas including lab-grown diamond identification, CAD-based jewellery design, and diamond grading.

IIG's revenue model is primarily tuition-driven through one-time course fees, supplemented by corporate training contracts with jewellery businesses and ancillary revenue from branded study materials sold via its online shop. GTM is hybrid: sales-led via direct website enrollment, phone/WhatsApp enquiry, and 'Book a Demo' CTAs; event-driven through IIJS and India Gem and Jewellery Show participation; and community-led via an alumni base of 125,000+ professionals and 145+ placement partnerships with leading Indian jewellery brands (Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold, Rosy Blue, Asian Star, Kiran Gems). The institute has no disclosed external funding and operates as a privately-held entity under founder Kantibhai Desai and Director Rahul Desai.

The institute's competitive positioning rests on global credentialing partnerships (Gem-A, De Beers, Gemewizard, IBJA, 3.0 University, Polygon), industry body recognition (Auguste Piccard Award, IBJA Leadership Conclave), and curriculum content covering emerging areas such as blockchain traceability and AI applications in jewellery retail. Technology investment is concentrated in digital learning infrastructure and content production rather than proprietary AI/ML systems. Operational scale remains modest (11-50 employees) for a 60-year-old institution, indicating a niche, high-margin education business rather than a scaled vocational platform.

Name

International Institute of Gemology (IIG)

Legal name

International Institute of Gemology

Website

https://iigindia.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

International Institute of Gemology (IIG) is a Mumbai-based private vocational training institute, founded 1965, delivering gemology, diamond grading, jewellery design, and assaying courses across five Indian campuses and online channels to aspiring jewellery professionals and corporate clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Gem and Jewellery Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Diamond Grading & Certification Laboratories (CRAKAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Colored Gemstone Identification & Certification Laboratories (CRAKAJAH)

Keywords

• Gemology education
• Diamond grading courses
• Jewellery design training
• Professional gem certification
• Corporate jewellery training

Headquarters

HQ city

Mumbai, Maharashtra

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Course Fees: IIG generates primary revenue through tuition fees for various programs including Masters courses (₹475,000-₹900,000), Graduate courses (₹250,000-₹325,000), Professional courses (₹35,000-₹175,000), and short courses (₹10,000-₹50,000). Both online and offline delivery modes are available.
2. Corporate Training: IIG offers corporate training programs for jewellery businesses, providing customized skill development and training solutions for employees.
3. Study Materials and Resources: IIG sells study books, study charts, study materials, and birthstone trivia through its online shop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

International Institute of Gemology (IIG) is a Mumbai-based private vocational education institute founded in 1965 that delivers classroom-based and online courses in gemology, diamond grading and identification, jewellery design and CAD, jewellery manufacturing, merchandising, and gold/silver assaying. It supplements its teaching with corporate training programs for jewellery businesses and an online shop selling study books and reference materials, and serves learners through five campuses across India.

Product overview

International Institute of Gemology (IIG) is an educational institute offering a comprehensive portfolio of courses across four core disciplines: Gemology (covering gemstone identification, coloured stones, and pearls), Diamonds (including grading, rough assortment, and lab-grown diamond identification), Jewellery Design (spanning manual design, CAD, manufacturing techniques, and merchandising), and Gold & Silver Assaying. The institute operates on a platform-plus-modules architecture with in-person classroom programs, online distance learning options, and corporate training services. IIG also offers supplementary study materials and books through its online shop. The course portfolio ranges from introductory foundational programs to advanced master's degrees, serving aspiring professionals and industry practitioners globally through campuses in Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 125,000+ professionals graduated and building careers in the industry
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• PolygoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2026Polygon is a strategic partner providing blockchain and digital solutions for global trade access and industry-connected learning. This partnership strengthens IIG's digital education offerings and traceability training.
• Gem-AcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGem-A is the global authority in gemmology education. IIG's collaboration with Gem-A provides students with internationally recognized gemology education and certification aligned with global standards.
• De BeerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Beers provides expert-led diamond education through a premium partnership with IIG. This collaboration ensures students receive cutting-edge diamond education from the world's leading diamond company.
• GemewizardcoreTechnology or IntegrationGemewizard provides state-of-the-art coloured-stone and diamond grading technology. IIG integrates this technology into its curriculum for accurate gemstone and diamond grading education.
• IBJA (India Bullion and Jewellers Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIBJA strengthens India's bullion and jewellery trade. IIG's partnership with IBJA includes joint certification programs and IBJA Skill Development Council endorsement of IIG courses.
• 3.0 UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner3.0 University provides future-focused learning for jewellery professionals. This collaboration brings modern, industry-aligned education to IIG students.
• FinestarmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinestar is IIG's Diamond Partner, providing industry collaboration and placement support for IIG graduates in the diamond sector.
• SanghimajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSanghi is IIG's Jewellery Partner, supporting the institute's jewellery design and manufacturing programs with industry expertise and placement opportunities.
• Green LabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGreen Lab serves as IIG's Lab-Grown Diamond Partner, providing education and certification related to lab-grown diamonds.
• SVAR GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSVAR Group is IIG's Media Partner, supporting the institute's marketing and brand visibility initiatives.
• Mehta (Mehta Tools)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMehta Tools serves as IIG's Machinery & Tools Partner, providing students exposure to industry tools and equipment.
• Designer Class (IBJA Skill Development)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIG's partnership with Designer's Class and IBJA Skill Development Council provides online accessible, affordable education with IBJA-endorsed certificates.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• NGTC (National Gemstone Testing Center): China's state-affiliated gemstone testing and education authority. Provides gemological certification and training primarily in the Chinese market, competing for Asian student mindshare.
• Jewellery World (Jewellery Designing Institute Network): India-based jewellery design education providers operating across multiple cities. Compete with IIG in the jewellery design and manufacturing course segment, particularly for non-technical design-focused learners.
• AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences): Thailand-based gemological education institute founded in 1978, offering programs in gem identification and diamond grading. Regional competitor focused on Southeast Asian markets, particularly Thailand's colored gemstone trade.

Direct peers

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America): The world's leading gemology education and diamond grading institution, offering programs in gem identification, diamond grading, and jewellery design. Directly competes with IIG on curriculum and credentialing, but with far larger global brand recognition and physical footprint.
• HRD Antwerp: Belgian diamond grading authority and education provider offering diamond education and certification. Competes with IIG in the diamond grading segment and appeals to students seeking European/Antwerp-based credentials with strong ties to the Antwerp diamond trade.
• Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain): The UK-based global authority in gemmology education, which is actually a formal collaboration partner of IIG. Offers comparable gemology and diamond education with internationally recognized credentials, competing for the same Indian and global student pool.
• GII (Gemological Institute of India): India-based gemological education institute offering diploma and certification programs in gemology and diamond grading. Direct domestic competitor to IIG in the Indian market with similar target audience and curriculum scope.

Emerging players

• Polished Diamonds Institute: Specialized diamond training provider offering focused diamond grading and assorting courses. Competes with IIG in the narrow diamond education segment with practitioner-focused short programs.
• IGS (International Gem Society): Online-focused gemology education platform offering affordable courses and gemological resources. Competes with IIG's online offerings at lower price points, targeting self-directed learners globally.

Others

• IBJA Skill Development Council: India Bullion and Jewellers Association's skill development arm, which endorses IIG's courses. Acts as both an enabler (industry credibility) and a potential competitor in standardized jewellery workforce certification across India.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/iigofficial
• YouTubeyoutube.com/iigofficial
• Facebookfacebook.com/iigofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iigofficial
• Instagraminstagram.com/iigofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Institute of Gemology (IIG)