Innovation & training behind Jewellery masterpieces

Jewellery aesthetics have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years and are an important part of global culture and heritage. India’s love for jewellery dates back centuries. From the Maharaja’s of Rajasthan to the Nizam’s of Hyderabad, each culture, each period in history and region in India has offered fascinating jewellery design techniques.

India’s Modern Retail Sector

Until the last decade, jewellery design was a closely guarded business of a select few jewellers (karigars). Today, however, the art of conceptualising and creating jewellery is a thriving career option for many.

The younger, urban and fashion-conscious population in India demands exclusivity and style when it comes to jewellery. This rapid expansion of the industry and consumer base has increased the demand for creative, professionally trained and qualified jewellery designers.

A jewellery designer today plays an essential role in the jewellery retail business contributing significantly to the success of business strategies. A uniquely designed jewellery piece is highly valued and tends to be sold at a premium; which is why retail jewellers continually look for skilled and innovative designers to translate their visions into reality.

 GIA’s Professional Training for Jewellery Design

GIA (Gemological Institute of America), an authority in gems and jewellery, has built world-class jewellery design programmes on the foundation of its 82 years of conducting research and education for the public benefit. From an intensive certificate course in Jewelry Design to a SWIFT Jewellery Design programme, the courses are selectively designed to suit the needs, design interests and schedules of budding designers or professionals looking to hone their skills.

GIA’s Jewellery Design Certificate gives students the skills to illustrate their ideas like an artist. The extensive nine-week course trains participants to illustrate the shape, form and texture of metal; render faceted gems, cabochons and pearls; and apply traditional drafting techniques to design jewellery. Students finish the course with a portfolio of designs that showcases their work for potential employers, and gain enhanced skills to build their collections and the confidence to enter the jewellery industry’s creative domain.

GIA’s SWIFT Jewellery Design is a perfect fit for those looking for a shorter course.  This five-day programme teaches participants the basic principles of design and composition, settings and representation techniques. The course provides the fundamental knowledge for designing collections and provides insight into manufacturing and pricing of design.

Going Beyond the Drawing Board

GIA believes in holistic training, as part of its diploma and certificate programmes; education that crosses the boundaries of theoretical learning. To facilitate better understanding of design, GIA regularly invites leading design professionals to share the latest trends and design techniques. In addition, students also get an opportunity to visit leading jewellery manufacturing companies and retail houses to gain an understanding of day-to-day business. 

Skills needed to be a Jewellery Designer   

Creativity, imagination and a keen eye for detail coupled with an understanding of the latest fashion trends are characteristics of a great jewellery designer. GIA programmes not only train students to enhance these skills and talents, but also provide technical training in the art of jewellery design. To be eligible to enrol for the jewellery design courses at GIA, a student must possess a minimum qualification of HSC (10+2).

GIA showcases Design talent

Supporting its students through various initiatives, GIA offers its alumni a unique opportunity to be part of the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW). Over the last three years, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in India has organised a jewellery fashion week featuring renowned Indian and international jewellery brands and designers. Each year, GIA handpicks 9-10 alumni from an extensive talent pool to display their individual collections to national and international audiences attending the show.

A recent study indicated jewellery design will be one of the most upcoming career options in employment market by 2015. GIA is geared to help aspiring designers gain a professional edge and provide them with the opportunity to have their talent and ability recognised worldwide.

For more details on GIA’s courses and the GIA show at IIJW, email education.giaindia@gia.edu, call 1800- 102-1566 or visit www.giaindia.in.