FROM DIRECTOR'S DESK

I am really passionate about gems! And this love dates back to my University days. Soon after obtaining my Masters in Geology from Panjab University, Chandigarh, I felt the pull towards gemstones from my favorite stream of Mineralogy. This was way back in 1971. Once I found out about GIA, I wanted to be there to learn. However, my passage to GIA was not straight, and it was only in 1980 that I landed in the US to do my Graduate Diamonds from the New York Campus. This set the course of my life in Gemology. Although I was an officer of the Indian Police Service, love of stones always prodded me on to keep studying and keep practicing. 

A service posting brought me to Mumbai in 1993 and I could indulge somewhat more actively, getting associated with teaching at GII on weekends. This association showed me the way to another premier teaching institution of world-fame – THE GEMMOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN (Gem-A) and I happily got onto the bandwagon to enhance my knowledge and qualification, becoming an FGA (FELLOW OF THE GEMMOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN) in 1995. Occasional teaching and networking with gemologists and gem dealers gave me valuable experience. 

Negotiating my path through my Police Service, I returned to Mumbai on a very special assignment, to set up the first education center of GIA in Mumbai in 2004 and to be its first Director. A very challenging and satisfying assignment it was! By 2008, I was done with my task and returned to active police service. By that time, however, I was already taking steps to have an education center and a gemological laboratory of my own. That is how ACGS came about. Becoming an ATC (ACCREDITED TEACHING CENTRE) of the Gem-A gave even greater relevance to ACGS. 

So here we are, trying to make gemologists and diamontaires of all those wanting to get “rocks in their heads”. For our friends in the trade, we have a most reliable and prompt Laboratory Service. We also like to sell pre-tested stones to public, to ensure that they get natural gemstones to wear. And also diamonds of the right value!