Explore alluring careers in gems and jewellery

Glitz and glamour is what comes to mind when you think of diamonds and other gemstones, but from a practical perspective the gem and jewellery industry represents one of the fastest growing industries in India. It is also the diamond manufacturing centre of the world; an estimated 14 out of every 15 diamonds are processed in India.

From gem mines in Africa and Australia to the trading centres of Antwerp and London; from the manufacturing hubs of Surat and Bangkok to retail markets in Mumbai, New York and Tokyo, the gem and jewellery industry is a great career option for those looking for a global experience. 

Creative and technical careers in the industry range from retail sales and jewellery design to diamond grading and manufacturing. A specialised education is a great stepping stone to a diverse range of career paths and lot of institutions offer a wide range of educational programmes that serve as a foundation for these careers. Read on, as Gemological Institute of America (GIA) gives you an insight into the colourful world of gems and jewellery careers.   

Consider a career as a Gemmologist

Are you interested in the science of gems? Consider a career as a gemmologist, someone who specialises in identifying gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and even pearls. The need to accurately identify stones is greater than ever because of the increase in gemstone treatments and synthetics. Gemmologist credentials can open doors to diverse job opportunities like a buyer, trader or even a laboratory and research professional. Gemmological laboratories worldwide continuously seek new talent to accommodate the growing amount of gemstones submitted for identification and grading.

Specialise in diamonds or coloured stones

As the world’s largest diamond manufacturing centre, a specialisation in diamonds holds high value in the Indian market. Knowing about origins, colour and quality of both common and unusual coloured gemstones is a highly sought skill as well, especially in Jaipur, the coloured stone manufacturing hub of India. Gemstone manufacturers, jewellers and jewellery retails chains are always on the lookout for individuals who have tailored gemmological training.

A creative field

Creative individuals should consider an art-and-design-related career in gems and jewellery. Technical training from a respected institute like GIA in the art of jewellery design helps provide the basis for numerous opportunities in the business. Jewellery design programmes help with the technicalities of translating a vision into a finished jewellery piece. There are courses in jewellery design that range from two-day programme that gives students the basic understanding of counter sketching to a nine- week comprehensive course that provides students with the opportunity to develop a product portfolio.

Other options

A position in retail jewellery sales may be a perfect fit for outgoing individuals who enjoy interacting with others. There are courses that specialise in jewellery retail and build a strong foundation in product knowledge and sales. Another exciting retail career option is merchandising where you get to design store layouts or plan a product mix that is showcased in stores for different kinds of audiences. Merchandising and retail sales training programmes generally range from two to five days.

 Tips on choosing the right course

To get a well-rounded and comprehensive education, be sure to choose a globally recognised institute. If you’re interested in gemmology, sign up for a course that exposes you to a variety of real stones. Identifying treatments, simulants and synthetics is learned through understanding technical concepts and hands-on training. Choosing an intensive course like the ones offered by GIA, which typically lasts from nine to 26 weeks, will provide a holistic training in the field. These programmes teach the use of the latest gemmological equipment like microscopes and refractometers, and focus on smaller class sizes to ensure personalised assistance from instructors.

For aspiring designers, choose a course in design basics that exposes you to both Indian and western styles of jewellery. Meanwhile, retail sales courses should have a healthy mix of theory (basics of jewellery) and role playing. This will give retail jewellers the confidence to handle customers efficiently on the sales floor.

Consider your overall development as a gem and jewellery professional when choosing an education path. For instance, a reputed institute like GIA conducts field trips to manufacturing units that demonstrate how gems are processed or jewellery is manufactured and also invites industry leaders to share their experiences and knowledge. It also provides language assistance to understanding complex technical concepts.

Also, questions like if the Institute offer networking opportunities at industry events and trade shows? All these aspects add up to give you the best learning experience as a newcomer to the industry.

Prominent institutes in gems and jewellery:

GIA is a global non-profit institute known as the “Harvard of Gems and Jewellery”. GIA offers industry recognised courses in gemmology, jewellery design, retail sales, merchandising and more. It also offers students services, placement assistance and alumni networking opportunities.

For more details about GIA in India, visit www.giaindia.in, email eduindia@gia.edu or call 1800 1021566.

[Content sponsored by: Gemological Institute of America (GIA)]