he Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently hosted its Board of Governors meeting in Mumbai. is was the first time the event has been located outside of the US-based headquarters. GIA president and CEO Donna Baker; GIA senior vice president of Laboratory and Research omas Moses; and GIA vice president and chief financial officer David Tearle represented the institute’s management at the gathering. Members of the Indian gem and jewellery trade participated in the GIA Board of Governors Meets In India gathering to honour the Board of Governors. e Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), the Bharat Diamond Bourse and the Export Promotion Council for the EOUs and SEZs (EPCES) presented an industry overview. e governors also met with industry leaders in the diamond city of Surat and the coloured gemstone city of Jaipur. While there, they toured manufacturing units, retail outfits and branches of the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ) in Mumbai and Jaipur. Baker said, “India is a significant global leader in the industry. Working alongside the trade community here is an integral element of GIA’s global campaign. On behalf of the board, I thank the diamantaires and retailers of India for their hospitality and for supporting GIA’s mission. We are confident that this association will continue to prosper and grow.” e GIA Board of Governors’ wealth of knowledge guides the institute in its mission to protect the public trust in diamonds, gems and pearls through INTERNATIONAL DECEMBER 2011 92 The GIA Board of Governors with GIA president Donna Baker, GIA managing director – India and the Middle East, Nirupa Bhatt and GIA India senior management. T