How to Choose the Right Jewellery Course?
In today’s fast-evolving design landscape, jewellery is more than just an accessory- it’s a statement of identity, culture, craftsmanship, and commerce. As India continues to cement its global leadership in the gems and jewellery industry, the need for skilled professionals has never been greater. But for many aspiring talents, the first big question is: How does one choose the right jewellery course? Begin by identifying your interests. Are you someone who enjoys sketching and creative expression? Or are you drawn to the technical side of things like manufacturing and gemstone identification? Perhaps you’re business-minded and dream of launching your own jewellery brand. Knowing where your passion lies—be it design, CAD, gemmology, manufacturing, or retail—will help you narrow down the right area of study. IIGJ offers a variety of programs suited for different stages in your academic or professional journey. If you’re fresh out of school and looking to make jewellery your lifelong career, a comprehensive Undergraduate Degree program like a Bachelor of Arts in Gems and Jewellery or Bachelor of Design in Jewellery may be ideal. For graduates looking to enter the jewellery sector or shift careers, we offer Postgraduate Diplomas and Advanced Certificates. It provides long-term foundational knowledge in areas like gemmology, design theory, manufacturing, and market trends. On the other hand, if you’re already in the industry or looking to upskill, short-term courses in diamond grading, CAD, or gemstone identification may serve your goals better. All our courses are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), allowing flexibility and credit-based progression. What matters even more than the course format is the jewellery designing institute you choose. The right jewellery institute doesn’t just teach, it immerses. From live workshop training to industry-expert mentors, from access to advanced tools to exposure through real-world projects, hands-on learning is everything in this field. Institutions like the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), backed by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), offer an unmatched ecosystem across campuses in Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Udupi, Guwahati, and Ratnagiri. Curriculum is another important filter. In a world increasingly driven by both craftsmanship and technology, a jewellery course should seamlessly blend practical training with theoretical understanding. Look for modules that include both studio work and classroom concepts, tools like Rhino and Procreate, and a strong focus on global jewellery trends. One should check if the institute actively offers placements or has alumni working in top brands, as this indicates industry trust and relevance. Each course at IIGJ is designed with specific career outcomes in mind. Depending on your specialization, you can build a career as a Jewellery Designer, CAD Technician, Gemmologist, Manufacturing Executive, Quality Analyst, Retail Professional, or even start your own jewellery label. Our dedicated placement team and industry network help connect you with leading brands and manufacturers for internships and job placements. IIGJ Universe offers over 40 diverse programmes across India’s leading jewellery hubs, curated to serve every kind of learner—from young dreamers to career switchers. With the right start, the sparkle you bring into the world may just begin with you.Explore courses now at www.iigj.org. Admissions Open!
Decoding Diamond Cuts – What Your Choice Says About You
Diamonds are more than just sparkling stones. They hold stories, memories, and emotions. But what often goes unnoticed is that the cut you choose doesn’t just define how your diamond reflects light- it can also reveal aspects of your personality and style. From timeless rounds to bold cushions, each diamond cut holds meaning. It’s no wonder that people gravitate toward specific shapes, often unknowingly selecting a cut that mirrors their character. We at the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery are here to explain how your diamond cut choice speaks volumes about who you are. The Round Cut – Classic and Timeless The most classic and popular cut, known for its unmatched brilliance and symmetry. Its 57/58 facets maximize light reflection, making it exceptionally sparkly. Choosing a round cut diamond reflects a love for tradition, elegance, and timeless beauty. People who prefer round diamonds are often loyal, dependable, and grounded. They appreciate classic aesthetics and value enduring quality over fleeting trends. The round cut, with its perfect symmetry and exceptional brilliance, mirrors those who believe in consistency and perfection. The Princess Cut – Bold with a Modern Twist Square or rectangular with sharp, clean edges and brilliant faceting. A modern favourite for its sparkle and contemporary look. The sharp angles and clean lines of the princess cut diamond suggest a personality that is ambitious, modern, and driven. If you’re someone who likes structure but enjoys taking bold steps, this cut likely speaks to you. It appeals to those who balance sophistication with a contemporary edge, often natural leaders who aren’t afraid to stand out. The Cushion Cut – Romantic and Nostalgic A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and soft edges, resembling a pillow. Known for its vintage charm and romantic appeal. Soft corners and vintage vibes make the cushion cut a favourite among old souls and romantics at heart. If this is your choice, you probably love stories, nostalgia, and all things timeless with a touch of softness. You may be someone who cherishes quiet moments, values emotional connection, and finds beauty in the imperfect. The Oval Cut – Elegant and Unique An elongated version of the round cut, offering a flattering, elegant shape with brilliant sparkle. It creates the illusion of longer fingers. The oval cut offers the brilliance of the round with a distinctive elongated shape, often chosen by those who are creative, graceful, and a little unconventional. If you love this cut, you likely have a modern eye but respect tradition. You carry an understated confidence and enjoy adding a personal twist to classic choices. The Emerald Cut – Sophisticated and Discerning Rectangular with long, clean facets arranged like steps. It emphasizes clarity and elegance over sparkle, with a sleek, sophisticated appearance. Emerald cuts are less about sparkle and more about clarity. They reveal everything—flaws and all. If you’re drawn to emerald cuts, you’re likely a person who values honesty, depth, and intellect. You are calm under pressure, have a refined sense of taste, and prefer quiet luxury over loud statements. The Pear Cut – Free-Spirited and Emotional A teardrop-shaped hybrid of round and marquise cuts. It’s elegant and unique, often worn with the point facing the fingertip. The teardrop shape of the pear cut resonates with those who wear their hearts on their sleeves. It suggests a dynamic personality that is both emotional and energetic. If you prefer this cut, you’re likely sensitive yet strong, intuitive, and full of passion. The Marquise Cut – Dramatic and Ambitious A dramatic, eye-catching shape with pointed ends and an elongated body. It appears larger than other cuts of the same carat weight. The dramatic flair of the marquise cut reflects a personality that loves attention and has a flair for drama, in the best possible way. This choice is often made by those who are ambitious, expressive, and not afraid to challenge convention. With its royal roots, it’s a favourite of those who enjoy luxury and uniqueness. The Heart Cut – Playful and Romantic The ultimate symbol of romance, shaped exactly like a heart. A complex cut requiring skilled craftsmanship to maintain symmetry and brilliance. Choosing a heart-shaped diamond says you embrace emotion and love freely. It’s the ultimate expression of sentiment and is often chosen by those who are deeply romantic, fun-loving, and idealistic. You’re someone who celebrates love in all its forms and isn’t afraid to show it. While each cut reflects an element of personality, it’s important to remember that every diamond is unique, just like you. Sometimes, your chosen cut may reflect your current phase in life, your aspirations, or even your sentimental values. In the end, diamonds don’t just shine—they speak. At IIGJ, we believe that understanding gems means understanding people.Our programs help you master the art and science behind diamonds, beyond the 4Cs. Explore our Diamond Grading, Gemmology and Jewellery Design courses at www.iigj.org and begin your journey into the world of diamonds, design, and personal storytelling.
The Importance of Gemstone Certifications and How to Interpret Them
In the intricate world of gemstones, ensuring authenticity and understanding the true value of a gem is paramount. Whether you’re a jeweller, collector, or enthusiast, gemstone certifications serve as a vital tool in verifying the quality and characteristics of these precious stones. This guide delves into the significance of gemstone certifications and provides insights on how to interpret them effectively. What Is a Gemstone Certification? A gemstone certification, often referred to as a gemmological report, is an official document issued by a recognized gemmological laboratory. It provides a detailed analysis of a gemstone’s attributes, including its type, weight, clarity, cut, and any treatments it may have undergone. This certification acts as a gemstone’s “passport,” offering assurance about its authenticity and quality. How to Read a Gemstone Certification Each certificate contains vital information such as: Now comes the question: How to Interpret a Gemstone Certificate? We should know understanding a gemstone certificate involves familiarizing oneself with the various components detailed within: 1. Identification This section specifies the type of gemstone (e.g., ruby, sapphire), its variety, and whether it’s natural or synthetic. 2. Measurements and Weight Provides the gemstone’s dimensions (length, width, depth) and weight in carats, essential for determining size and value. 3. Cut Types Assesses the quality of the gemstone’s cut, including its proportions, symmetry, and polish, which influence brilliance and overall appearance. 4. Treatment / Enhancement Information Discloses any enhancements or treatments the gemstone has undergone, such as heating, irradiation, diffusion, Fracture filling, dyeing, coating, etc. 5. Origin Determination Some certificates may indicate the geographic origin of the gemstone, which can impact its value and desirability. 6. Security Features Authentic certificates often incorporate security measures like holograms, QR codes, or embossed seals to prevent forgery. Where to get a reliable certification? When it comes to gemstone certification in India, the IIGJ Research & Learning Centre (IIGJ RLC) stands at the forefront of scientific testing, gemstone analysis, and education. Located in Jaipur and Delhi, IIGJ RLC is a premier institution under the banner of GJEPC. It offers: Whether you’re a professional jeweller or a student looking to build a career in gemmology, associating with a trusted certifying body like IIGJ RLC ensures credibility and industry alignment.
Poornima University and IIGJ Jaipur Forge Academic Alliance to Strengthen Gems & Jewellery Education
In a significant move to advance the landscape of gems and jewellery education in India, Poornima University (PU), Jaipur, and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ), Jaipur, have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in key academic and research areas. The agreement, signed on 17th January 2025, establishes a shared vision between two esteemed institutions to enhance education, innovation, and professional development in jewellery design, manufacturing, and allied creative fields. IIGJ Jaipur, established by the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), has long been recognised for its commitment to offering world-class training in jewellery design, manufacturing, and gemmology. The institute is renowned for blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern technological advancements and industry best practices. Through this alliance, IIGJ Jaipur aims to further its mission of providing structured, hands-on learning in the jewellery domain to a wider audience, while also enriching its curriculum with interdisciplinary exposure. Poornima University’s Faculty of Design and Arts (PU-FDA), known for its innovative programmes in visual arts, product design, interior design, fashion, and animation, shares a similar vision of empowering students with future-forward creative education. Endorsed by IIID and aligned with FDCR standards, PU-FDA brings a strong academic foundation and institutional credibility to this partnership. Key Highlights of the MoU: The MoU is designed to promote cross-disciplinary learning, industry-relevant curriculum, and practical skill-building among students and faculty members alike. With this collaboration, both institutions will work toward shaping a new generation of jewellery professionals who are not only creative but also industry-ready. This academic partnership further positions Jaipur as a thriving hub for gems and jewellery education, uniting design and technical excellence under one umbrella. It is a strategic step towards equipping aspiring professionals with the tools, insights, and experiences they need to succeed in the global jewellery industry.By joining forces, Poornima University and IIGJ Jaipur reaffirm their commitment to “Crafting Excellence in Jewellery Education” and nurturing future leaders in India’s vibrant jewellery sector.
The Business of Jewellery – What it Takes to Build a Brand
Jewellery is more than decoration; it tells stories about who you are, where you’re from and what you stand for. We have brands pushing boundaries with materials, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and more. While there is place for everyone who wants to start their own brand, it takes more than beautiful designs to make an impact. Here’s a 5-step breakdown covering the essentials of brand-building. Step 1: Who are you? What will be the brand called? What are the core values that your brand stands for? Do you want to create pieces that are traditional or contemporary? Having a niche helps with a Unique Selling Proposition. Tell people what makes you special. Tanishq positions itself around trust and family. It all starts with defining both the basics and specifics. Step 2: Who are you selling to? It is important to know your audience so that you can shape all communication towards them. The more you know, the better – from age and income to buying motivations. For example, Mejuri’s target audience is young, educated, trend-savvy women, and their marketing collaterals emphasizes female empowerment. Another example, consumers are increasingly demanding conflict-free diamonds, recycled metals, and fair-trade practices. Brands like Chopard and Cred Jewellery are leading with transparency and sustainability. Step 3: It’s all about the Product Your products will speak for themselves; brands have signature styles that often become synonymous to the brand. For example, the Alhambra collection is iconic to the luxury brand, Van Cleef. Besides that, you may be creating wearable art, but relevance is everything. Balancing creativity with market demand is key. Today’s consumers crave uniqueness, but they also want comfort, wearability, and personal connection. Step 4: The Business End of It Make sure that your pricing is in alignment with your audience; for example, 14kt daily-wear jewellery for a young working woman cannot be priced the same as high luxury brand or even demi-fine party jewellery. Apart from your audience, it’s also important to keep in mind your competition and overall brand value. Your brand value is the monetary worth of your brand, counting both tangible and intangible assets such as, customer loyalty and perception. Things that help build this trust: certification, good customer service and transparency. Step 5: The Power of Visual Branding Branding and Marketing are both indispensable but what’s the difference? The first answers ‘why this brand’ and creates value while the second extracts the value and creates the need for the product. This means not only creating campaigns and packaging that align with your core values and business targets but ensuring that all touchpoints are cohesive and then strategically promoting your narrative. Don’t stop at Instagram. While is a huge help for businesses today, other marketplaces, exhibitions, multi-designer stores and more help with visibility, which is important for a new brand. Starting a jewellery brand is not just about having a passion for design — it’s about patience, people, and positioning. The most admired jewellery brands in the world don’t just sell ornaments — they sell identity, emotion, and culture.
IIGJ’s Revamped Website Launch Ceremony at IIJS Signature 2025
Mumbai, [6th January 2025] – The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new website, ushering in a new era of digital interactivity and accessibility for students, alumni, industry professionals and stakeholders alike. The revamped website reflects IIGJ’s commitment to staying ahead in the nationally evolving landscape of education, training and skilling in the gems and jewellery sector. The website was inaugurated by Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC and Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, in the presence of Chairmen of Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur campuses; Executive Director, GJEPC and other industry and academic stalwarts. The newly revamped and redesigned website features:
IIGJ GLIMPZ 2025: A Vibrant Display of Creativity and Innovation
The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Mumbai proudly presented GLIMPZ 2025, the Capstone Project of the final-year B.A. in Gems & Jewellery Design students (batch 2022-2025), on April 4th at Bharat Ratnam – Mega CFC. This prestigious annual exhibition and awards ceremony showcased the creative brilliance of 37 graduating students, who conceptualised, designed, and manufactured their unique jewellery collections under expert faculty mentorship. The exhibition took place on April 2nd and 3rd at the IIGJ campus, featuring well-crafted jewellery pieces displayed with student-designed visual merchandising. The event was open for public viewing and jury evaluation, highlighting the next generation of jewellery design pioneers. The theme for this year was “Newstalgia”, which was divided into four sub-themes: Soft Surreal, Super Charged Deco, Vintage Victorian, and Baroque. First-year B.A. students of IIGJ Mumbai wowed the audience with a fabulous fashion show, showcasing jewellery and accessories entirely designed and crafted by them. The distinguished jury members who judged the pieces were Mr. Pratik Shah, Chairman & MD, Estaa Gems Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Aneesh H Kumarr, Head, New Product Development, Indriya (Aditya Birla Jewellery), and Ms. Richa Singh, MD (India & Middle East), Natural Diamond Council. The event began with Mr. Debasish Biswas, CEO, IIGJ India, greeting the audience, which included dignitaries, students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals, before commencing with the national anthem. In his brief opening speech, he outlined IIGJ Mumbai’s founding in 2003 and highlighted key success stories from the past two decades. In his keynote address, Mr. Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, remarked, “Congratulations to each of you on completing this intense three-year journey. It’s truly inspiring to see what you’ve accomplished. Remember, there will always be things in our control and things beyond it—but India is a great place to build something meaningful. Let your ideas grow from the inside out. Build with India at heart, and take it to the world.” In an inspiring message to the students, Chief Guest Mr. Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman of GJEPC, noted: “Graduates, as you step into the world, carry with you the values of IIGJ – creativity, integrity, and innovation. The jewellery you create will adorn lives, mark milestones, and become heirlooms of tomorrow. Go forth and shine!” Guest of Honour Mr. Amit Pratihari, Managing Director of De Beers India, offered insightful advice to the graduating students: “Talent is a myth if you don’t work hard. What truly matters is showing up every single day and being curious enough to keep learning. In today’s world, it’s not about doing just one thing well—it’s about having the range, the hunger, and the discipline to keep improving, even by just 1% each day. That’s how you reach the top.” Distinguished guest, Mr. Sanjay Kothari, Convener, IIGJ Governing Board “You’ve learned in three years what once took a decade and more, to learn the skills on the workbench. In this ever-evolving industry, aim to be No. 1—because there’s space for everyone, and the sky is the limit.”The awards were presented by Mr. Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, Mr. Parikh, Mr. Pratihari, and Mr. Sanjay Kothari, and the distinguished jury members Mr. Pratik Shah and Mr. Aneesh H Kumarr. GLIMPZ 2025 reflects IIGJ’s commitment to talent and innovation in the jewellery industry. Keep an eye on this space to see who bagged the awards and check out the amazing designs from each of the talented students!
IIGJ Celebrates Its 16th Convocation Ceremony, Honouring 36 Graduating Students
The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery, Mumbai, an initiative under the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), celebrated its 16th Convocation Ceremony, recognising and honouring the achievements of 36 graduating students, who completed the rigorous 3-year B.A. in Gems & Jewellery programme. The prestigious event featured Chief Guest Somasundaram PR, Regional CEO of the World Gold Council, who presented certificates and trophies to the distinguished group of graduates. He was accompanied on the dais by Milan Chokshi, Chairman of IIGJ; Leena Amin, National Training Manager at De Beers Forevermark; Debasish Biswas, Chief Executive Officer of IIGJ; and Bharat Vaswani, Head of Institute, IIGJ Mumbai. In recognition of outstanding academic performance, Lucky Choudhari was awarded the title of Best Student in the batch, while the 1st Runner Up prize was bestowed upon Diya Rathod, and Shreya Pawar was honoured as the 2nd Runner Up. Commending IIGJ for the event, Somasundaram PR urged students to seize the abundant opportunities in the gem & jewellery industry. He presented a global perspective, emphasizing gold’s enduring appeal as an investment not only in India and China but also in countries like Germany. Discussing the transformation from the days of the Gold Control Act to the present, he stressed the need to leverage the India’s emphasis on technology, education, and skills. Somasundaram encouraged students to innovate by creating smart jewellery that merges intelligent design with health benefits and tracking capabilities. He emphasised that India should be a jeweller to the world and showcase its skills in both domestic and international markets. Imparting words of advice, Milan Chokshi shared valuable insights, “Ensure that whatever you create or whichever business you embark on bears your distinctive signature. In an industry saturated with homogeneity and generic products, strive to build something uniquely your own. I urge all of you to maintain a connection with the institute, stay in touch with the faculty, and support future students in any way you can. Your contributions will greatly enrich the industry.” During his address, Debasish Biswas encouraged the graduates to take pride in the institute where they spent their formative years. He also advised students to embrace a trait akin to a sponge during their initial years in the workforce, allowing them to absorb knowledge and maintain a steep learning curve. Congratulating the graduates, Leena Amin stressed on the importance of “3 Ps”. She noted that designers must harbour a deep passion about their profession; cultivate a personal identity in terms of design identification; and take pride in their work. “After three years of a splendid journey, we are thrilled that you have successfully graduated. Now is the time to believe in yourselves and promote Brand India,” Bharat Vaswani said in his thank you note. “Compete with yourselves, and rest assured, we have faith in you. You will undoubtedly make us proud in your careers.”
GJEPC Ties Up With Karnataka Social Welfare Department For Training Students At IIGJ Udupi
Dr. Vidyakumari, IAS, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Udupi inaugurated the first batch of training for the Social Welfare Department at IIGJ Udupi on 9th November 2023. Joining her on the occasion were Mr. Prasanna H, IAS, Chief Executive Officer of Udupi Zilla Panchayat and Ms. Anita, Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department. Mr. Nagaraj Acharya and Mr. Ravichandra Marali of the Implementation Committee were also in attendance. Mr. Koushik, Head of the Institute, gave the outline of the program to the students.
IIGJ Mumbai Completes 20 Years
The anniversary event was attended by Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai and Founder CEO, Moksh; Sanjay Kothari, ex-Chairman, GJEPC and GJSCI; Debasish Biswas, CEO, IIGJ India; and Apoorva Mehta, Director of the Board, IIGJ Mumbai and Partner, Touchstone Fine Jewellery. They addressed the students, faculty and staff of the institute and shared their insights and experiences. Biswas highlighted the vision of the founder members led by IIGJ Founder Chairman the late Tanvirkumar Chokshi, who foresaw the need for trained gem and jewellery professionals for the fast-growing industry back in 2003. Biswas also outlined plans for the expansion and outreach of the institute and reaffirmed its commitment to serve the industry. Milan Chokshi described the rapid changes taking place in the gem and jewellery industry and the importance of IIGJ’s role in nurturing future generations of jewellery professionals. He urged the students to use their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the industry and to give back to the industry and contribute to its growth and development. Sanjay Kothari, who has headed GJEPC and GJSCI in the past, and is a founder member of IIGJ Mumbai, shared fond memories of the institute’s legacy. He spoke about the early days, when the institute was still an idea shared by a few visionary diamantaires. He recalled how donors contributed the entire sum for building the institute in minutes upon being assured that the institute would be of great help to the industry and that the founder members would always be involved in its progress. Apoorva Mehta congratulated the institute on completing two decades and spoke about the high expectations from IIGJ Mumbai alumni upon entering the gem and jewellery industry. He reiterated that IIGJ Mumbai students were fortunate to get the benefits of state-of-the-art facilities at the institute as well as the wealth of opportunities available to them on the basis of the name of the institute itself. The institute also recognised the members of faculty and staff who completed 10 years and 20 years of service. A total of four faculty and two non-teaching staff were honoured by the dignitaries present on the occasion.
