The jewellery industry has the potential to offer to budding designers with a host of opportunities. Its revenue is no longer dependent to occasion wear. With the surge of young professionals ready to splurge on every day pieces and online shopping alongwith an increase in export has seen a boom in this sector. (sociobits.org) Jobs in the jewellery sector are no longer limited to just that of a designer or a sales representative but has a fair amount of profiles that has opened a number of possibilities for aspiring students. A deep dive into the genesis of the industry and how far it has come will help understand it better.

 Beginning

The origin of Jewellery can be traced to the pre-historic times. However, before precious metals were used to carve jewellery, based on where humans resided be it inland or near the sea shore, they would make jewellery with fish or animal bones, teeth, colourful pebbles, shells, tusks, antlers, bird feathers and animal skin.

BONE JEWELLERY

Image Source: eurekalert.org

How did it get to where it is?

As man started living a settled life which inadvertently led to him to choose fertile land that made it easy for the development of animal husbandry and agriculture. These places had deposits of minerals which eventually led to the discovery of precious stones. The finding then resulted into carving jewellery for every part of the body. The civilized society then provided meanings for the number of pieces worn as a sign of wealth and status in society. The evolution of jewellery from the pre-historic times to its current advancements has come a long way with varied designs and purposes.

Gold and agate ornaments from Mohenjo-daro and Harappa

Image Source: Harappa.com

Nature inspired modern jewellery

Image Source: Etsy

 Market Size and Statistics

The jewellery sector is one of the fastest growing sectors and the global market is touted to $480.5 billion by 2020 as stated in matterofform.com. The sector contributes around 7% of the country’s GDP as per an article in ibef.org (India and Brand Equity Foundation) published in December 2019. The article continues to add that based on the jewellery sector’s potential of growth and value, the Government of India has declared the Gems and Jewellery sector as a focus area for export promotion. By 2020 it is expected to employ 8.23 milliion.

India’s gems and jewellery sector is not just one of the largest exporters but also one of the largest in the world contributing 29% to the global jewellery consumption. It contributes a major chunk to the total foreign funds of the country.

New technologies

From 3D printing, CAD, tech-based jewellery, lasers, online shopping and advertising; the industry has redefined the way pieces are created to creating a user friendly shopping experience that saves time. The technological advancements have helped to globalise the industry.

3D Printing

Image Source: pick3dprinter.com

Collaborations with Fashion Designers

Collaborations between fashion designers and jewellery brands is a trend that is catching up. Well known designers have joined the bandwagon to create masterpieces that resonate with their collection to give it an extra edge, whereas some have started their own line of jewellery to tap into the growing market. Some of the known designers who have collaborated with jewellery brands are Anju Modi and Vishal Jewels for India Couture Week 2017; Tarun Tahiliani and Shri Hari Diagems for India Couture Week 2017; Bibhu Mohapatra and Narayan Jewellers for New York Fashion Week S/S 18. Designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee have diversified his skills and has added jewellery designing to his repertoire.

Anju Modi x Vishal Jewels for ICW 2017

Image Source: aninews.in

Bespoke and upcycling

The well-heeled customers demand nothing but the best when it comes to bespoke jewellery. They want to include their own designs on the pieces they purchase. Remodelling of family pieces into a more modern design is also on a rise.

Bespoke Jewellery

Image Source: Gravograph

Upcycled Jewellery

Image Source: Pinterest

Unisex jewellery

Designers have started catering to a breed of new fashionistas who do not want to adhere to convention. Gender-fluid jewellery pieces though not new, is gaining an in-way with the new age of inclusivity with noticeable effect on the world of jewellery.

Unisex Jewellery

Image Source: The Jewellery Editor

eCommerce and Social Media

Easy social media interface with simple online checkout processes. As customers are directly taken from the brand’s social media page to the online shopping site.

Image Source: Mobicommerce

Inorder to thrive in a fast pace and ever changing business scenario it is imperative to stay alert and imbibe latest trends and developments. With a surge in buying and the far reaching impact of the gems and jewellery industry, it definitely is an area with employment and job opportunities.

Keeping the impact of the industry in mind, JD Institute of Fashion Technology offers a 1 year Diploma in Fine Jewellery course across its South Centers. The comprehensive course is curated to fit the requirements of this growing industry. The students are provided with hands on experience that helps them to better understand the course and learn the technicalities involved in the creation of jewellery. Well-informed and industry experienced faculty further help to accelerate effective knowledge sharing.

The students on the completion of the course are provided with a platform like JD Annual Design Awards designed specially as an opportunity to showcase their final collections for keynote audiences and industry experts. This provides with an exposure that may lead to networking and work or collaboration opportunities. Apart from experts the audience also comprises of media personnel from well-known news agencies, bloggers and influencers who help to put the budding designers in the limelight.

Many of our students have gone ahead to open their own establishments or work alongside some of the best known brands in the country.

Career Opportunities

Post the successful completion of a jewellery designing course there are a multitude of opportunities apart from working with renowned jewellery brands, you can work in either of the following positions:

• Jewellery Designer
• Gemologist
• Independent Consultant
• Buyer and Trader of Gems
• Manufacturer
• Jewellery Merchandiser
• Exhibition Manager
• Lecturer
• Assistant Manager in Exploration
• Manager in Museum & Art Gallery
• Sales Representative
• Illustrator
• Entrepreneur
• Planning and Concept Manager
• Gem Grinder
• Gem Polisher
• Gemstone Appraiser
• Jewellery Setter
• Gem Assorter
• Engraver
• Jewellery Historian
• Grading Consultant
• Auction House Cataloguer

Image Source: hamstech.com

Admissions for the academic year 2020-21 are now open for 1 year Diploma in Fine Jewellery Design – https://www.jdinstitute.edu.in/apply-online/. For any further information or queries you can go through our website https://www.jdinstitute.edu.in/course/diploma-in-fine-jewellery-design-1-year/

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THE POTENTIAL OF THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY