by AIGS

For nearly five decades, AIGS – Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences has remained one of Asia’s most recognized names in gemological education and colored stone expertise.

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Founded in Bangkok in 1978, the institute has witnessed the gemstone trade evolve through multiple generations from handwritten reports and traditional trading floors to sophisticated laboratory technology and globally recognized certification standards.

Now, as AIGS approaches its 50th anniversary, the institution is preparing for its next chapter: regional expansion through strategic partnerships in some of Asia’s most important and emerging gemstone markets.

“Fifty is not just a number,” says Kennedy Ho, Chairman of AIGS.

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“Those years represent sweat, tears, migraines, hopes, sacrifices, and the sparkle and reflection of gemstones themselves. Looking back, nothing was ever easy. Every step we took, every project we built, was created little by little, day by day, to become what we are today.”

His reflection captures the philosophy behind AIGS, an institution built not only on education, but also on resilience, credibility, and long-term commitment to the gemstone industry.

Building More Than a Business

According to Mr. Ho, creating a successful company is only part of the challenge. Building a system that can sustain itself across generations and markets is something far more complex.

“Starting a business is one thing,” he explains. “But creating a structure that continues to work consistently across different cultures, industries, and time periods requires patience, vision, and strong foundations.”

That approach has helped AIGS establish a distinct position within the gemological sector, particularly in the field of colored stones. While many institutions focus heavily on diamonds and jewelry retail, AIGS has become widely recognized for its expertise in ruby, sapphire, emerald, spinel, jadeite, and other important gemstones sourced throughout Asia.

As global demand for transparency and professional gemological standards continues to grow, AIGS now sees an opportunity to extend that expertise beyond Thailand.

India: A Global Powerhouse in Colored Stones

Among the institute’s key priorities is India a country with centuries of history tied to gemstones and jewelry craftsmanship.

Today, India remains one of the world’s largest hubs for gemstone cutting, jewelry manufacturing, and colored stone trading. Cities such as Jaipur and Mumbai play major roles in the international gemstone supply chain, handling stones sourced from Africa, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and other producing regions.

The country’s domestic market is equally significant, driven by strong jewelry culture, investment demand, and astrological traditions.

At the same time, the industry is evolving rapidly. Greater consumer awareness and increasing international trade standards have created stronger demand for professional gemological education and reliable laboratory services.

“AIGS specializes in colored stones, and India is one of the most important colored stone markets in the world,” says Mr. Ho. “We believe we can contribute by sharing knowledge, strengthening standards, and helping support greater confidence within the industry.”

Through future partnerships, AIGS hopes to support training, gemstone identification education, and internationally aligned gemological development within the Indian market.

Vietnam: A Rising Market with Untapped Potential

Another market attracting AIGS’s attention is Vietnam, where the gemstone sector has been steadily gaining momentum over the past decade.

Mining regions such as Luc Yen have drawn growing international interest for deposits of ruby, sapphire, spinel, and tourmaline. Compared to more established gemstone markets, Vietnam still offers considerable room for development particularly in education, laboratory infrastructure, and professional training.

For AIGS, that creates both opportunity and long-term potential.

“Vietnam is a blooming market,” Mr. Ho explains. “The mining activity, trading environment, and openness to growth make it very exciting.”

Rising tourism, increasing luxury consumption, and growing interest among younger consumers are also contributing to the country’s expanding jewelry and gemstone sector.

While Vietnam’s industry is still developing compared to larger regional markets, many within the trade believe the country could become one of Southeast Asia’s important emerging gemstone centers in the years ahead.

Sri Lanka: The Island of Gems

For AIGS, Sri Lanka represents both tradition and natural alignment.

Known globally as the “Island of Gems,” Sri Lanka has been associated with gemstones for more than 2,000 years and is especially famous for producing some of the world’s finest sapphires particularly the highly sought-after cornflower blue sapphire.

Mining regions such as Ratnapura continue to supply international markets with sapphire, ruby, spinel, garnet, zircon, chrysoberyl, and numerous other gemstones.

“The positioning of Sri Lanka fits naturally with AIGS,” says Mr. Ho. “They are internationally respected for sapphires and colored stones, which is also where our expertise lies.”

Although Sri Lanka already has a well-established gemstone ecosystem, AIGS believes there remains strong potential for deeper international collaboration, advanced training, and greater regional connectivity between gemstone professionals across South and Southeast Asia.

Looking Toward the Next Chapter

As AIGS approaches its milestone 50th anniversary, the institution is focused not only on celebrating its history, but also on preparing for the future.

Its expansion plans into India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam reflect a broader vision: strengthening gemological education, supporting industry transparency, and helping develop the next generation of gemstone professionals across Asia.

For nearly half a century, AIGS has built its reputation through consistency, specialization, and long-term dedication to colored stones. Now, the institute is looking to take that experience into a new era of regional growth.

Partnership Inquiries

AIGS – Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences is currently exploring strategic partnership opportunities in India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

For inquiries:

registrar@aigsthailand.com

Thailand Address:
Jewelry Trade Center (48th Floor)
919/539 Silom Road, Bangrak
Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Phone: +66 (0) 2267 4315
Mobile: +66 (0) 84 439 7577

Special note: This is a guest article contributed by Ms. Erika Kyi Sin Yu Ya, Communication and Business Development Lead of AIGS

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