The fact that Nirupa Bhatt is to join the GIA as its managing director for India and the Middle East, is more than just another industry transition. In a crowded gem-testing laboratory marketplace, the GIA has got itself something the others can’t offer in this part of the world – unreserved client confidence.

This is extremely significant given the entry of the Dubai Multi Commodity Centre’s (DMCC) entrance into the certification business with the launch of its International Diamond Laboratories (IDL), promising to replace human judgement with the impartiality of a computerised call in the colour-grading of diamonds. Nirupa is to manage the GIA’s Dubai operations as well.

She is universally trusted in the diamond industry and the GIA realised what an asset she would be. GIA head Donna Baker said in her official announcement of Nirupa’s appointment that, “She is a leader of tremendous stature and goodwill in our industry and brings superior personal and ethical strengths and organizational capabilities to the Institute. In her new role, she will help our organization further its mission to protect the public by establishing and expanding GIA’s international standards in India and the Middle East.” The certification business is all about trust. You have someone you trust and all the new-fangled gadgetry in the world won’t make an impression.

Rio Tinto Diamonds hasn’t yet announced how they plan to fill the gaping void left by Nirupa’s exit. After 18 years of being their India face and being responsible among other things for developing their flagship Business Excellence Model (BEM), Nirupa has left a really huge empty space for them to fill.