IGI, Istanbul Diamond Exchange to Offer Diamond Grading Courses

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Istanbul Diamond Exchange will offer IGI diamond grading courses for Turkish jewelers, as part of a cooperative education agreement.

The first IGI course will take place in the new offices of the Istanbul Diamond Exchange August 18-22. The courses will be given in Turkish and will be fully equipped with gemological necessities, including 100 diamonds.

“The consumption of diamonds in Turkey is rising around 25 percent annually. The younger generation increasingly prefers diamonds to traditional jewelry,” said Oguzhan Aloglu, vice president of the Istanbul Gold Exchange of which the diamond exchange is part.

The courses come to address the issue of rising demand for diamond jewelry in Turkey and consumers asking more gemological questions.

Osman Saraç, president of the Istanbul Diamond Exchange, made the decision to collaborate with IGI.

“The IGI School of Gemology prides itself on intensive and hands-on learning methods,” Roland Lorié, IGI CEO, said, adding that graduates will receive ‘IGI Diamond Grader’ diplomas.