The Indian Diamond Institute (IDI) has decided to start a new course in synthetic diamonds.

The course will teach students to identify the Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) technique by which a diamond can be grown from a hydrocarbon gas mixture.

During the institute's 36th convocation and foundation day on Tuesday, IDI chairman Aagam Sanghavi said, "There is a need to impart education to the future gemologists and jewellery designers regarding the CVD technique by which diamonds could be grown in the laboratory. This will go a long way in identifying such diamonds through the expert gemologists passing out from IDI."

Around 179 students were given away diploma certificates in the presence of the leading diamantiares from the industry at the convocation function held at IDI's City Centre at Vesu on Tuesday. Eight students were awarded with gold medals for their exemplary performance in different courses namely gemology, diamond grading, diamond manufacturing, jewellery manufacturing, diploma in jewellery designing and manufacturing etc.

SP Shah, chairman of DTC sightholder company, Venus Jewel said, "Indian diamond industry is in dire need of young and energetic pool of degree and diploma holders from the diamond institutes. Industry owners have practical knowledge of business, but the youngsters have both practical and theoretical knowledge."