Organised by Nepal Gem Jewellery Association (NEGJA) under the theme of “Taking Nepali Jewellery Globally”, the expo seeks to promote traditional Nepali jewellery in domestic as well as international markets.

on Thursday, NEGJA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai-based Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories to set up a gem laboratory in Nepal. The proposed laboratory will function as an independent international body that identifies and grades gemstones.

“As Nepal’s gem and jewellery industry has a great growth potential, we aim to create awareness among the public about how jewellery was historically crafted, and the evolution of sector amid the advent of modern-day technologies,” said NEGJA President Manish Pradhan, adding the domestic jewellery market has not been able to grow as expected due to the lack of proper branding.

“Illegal exports of precious metals, lack of skilled manpower and new technologies are some of the problems the industry has been facing. So the government needs to form a council to addresses these issues,” added Shakya.

Chirag Soni, director of Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories said: “If we assure the purity and authenticity of gems and jewellery, foreign industries would come in Nepal that would ultimately benefit the manufacturers, retailers and craftsmen.”

According to Nepal Mineral and Mines Association, precious and semi-precious gem stones like ruby, blue sapphire, aquamarine, spinal, tourmaline, kyanite, garnet and many types of quartz are available in the country.

Nepali ruby is among the most-sought after precious stones across the globe due to its exceptional quality. For its colour and size, kyanite also holds a first-rate reputation in the international gem market.

Data maintained by the association show Nepal exports around 200 tonnes of tourmaline, 100 tonnes of kyanite and quartz annually to countries like Japan, the USA, Australia, India and European countries.

NEGJA is also taking part in Indian Gems and Jewellery Expo that is slated to be held in Calcutta in January.

n Information and Communications Minister Minendra Rijal inaugurates Nepal Gems and Jewellery Expo 2014 in Kathmandu on Friday.