GJEPC and IIGJ Udupi’s Intensive CAD Training Program for Jewellery Designers
The GJEPC SEZ Sub-Committee, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Udupi, has spearheaded a cutting-edge CAD rendering training program. Held from 27th to 31st May, this initiative brought together designers for an intensive, 40-hour online course aimed at mastering Keyshot software. The training, delivered via Zoom, featured four hours of daily instruction via Keyshot. This immersive format included live demonstrations and hands-on practice. Participants also benefited from continuous support beyond class hours through a WhatsApp group. The curriculum covered essential topics for modern jewellery design, such as creating realistic gold colour renderings with 18 shades of gold and advanced editing techniques for diamond rendering. Participants learned to enhance their jewellery renders by adjusting environments and lighting sources, creating realistic animations, and developing photorealistic images of their 3D CAD models. The program also introduced plugins and additional resources to further enhance rendering capabilities, including HDRI maps and materials for gold and diamonds. The impact of this training was evident in the impressive student works produced. Participants created high-quality renderings and animations, showcasing their newly acquired skills. These works, formatted in true colour with alpha transparency and varying resolutions, highlighted the advanced techniques and attention to detail imparted during the course. Participants enthusiastically praised the course’s effectiveness, highlighting its significant positive impact on their professional skills. The training was described as highly engaging and interactive, with many expressing high satisfaction and some rating it as exceptional. While most participants found the resources provided to be adequate, there were constructive suggestions for potentially allocating more time to complete tasks. The instructor received widespread praise for clear and effective instructions. While opinions varied slightly on the effectiveness of online training versus traditional methods, the consensus was that the program led to substantial skill improvement. Valuable suggestions were offered for enhancing future iterations of the program, such as extending the duration to cover more advanced topics, increasing the frequency of courses to stay current with evolving technology, and considering opportunities for follow-up sessions. Additionally, there was interest in exploring the possibility of incorporating in-person sessions to further enrich the learning experience. By equipping designers with cutting-edge skills, GJEPC and IIGJ Udupi are paving the way for innovative and superior jewellery designs, ensuring that Indian craftsmanship continues to shine brightly on the global stage.
IIGJ Jaipur Conducts First Convocation, 19 Students Awarded Degrees
The Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ) Jaipur celebrated its first convocation on 26th July, with 19 students from the inaugural batch receiving their degrees. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Shri Kalraj Mishra, Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan and Chancellor, Vishvakarma Skills University, Jaipur, who conferred the degrees. Col. Rajyawardhan Singh Rathore, Cabinet Minister, Government of Rajasthan, was the chief guest for the event. Other dignitaries including Dr Nawal Agarwal, Chairman, IIGJ Jaipur; Shri Sudhir Kasliwal, Secretary, IIGJ Jaipur; and Shri Nirmal Bardiya, GJEPC’s Rajasthan Regional Chairman were also present on the occasion. The degrees were awarded to students who completed their programs in interior, fashion, and jewellery skills under the Fashion Department. Shri Anish Kappil, Dean, IIGJ Jaipur, announced the names of the degree recipients.
IIGJ Concludes GLIMPZ ’24 Awards Ceremony
The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Mumbai successfully hosted the annual GLIMPZ ’24 Awards Ceremony on 3rd August, 2024. The exhibition celebrated the creative achievements of the 16 students comprising the graduating batch of B.A. in Gems & Jewellery Design (2021-2024). Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, served as the Chief Guest. He was joined by dignitaries Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC. The event was facilitated by Mr. Debasish Biswas, CEO, IIGJ India, who is also the interim Head of Institute of Mumbai. Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC emphasised the crucial role of young designers in shaping the industry’s future. “Your innovative ideas and unique approach are exactly what our industry requires to stay ahead and evolve,” Shah stated. He further encouraged the graduates to aim for global markets, stating, “As emerging designers, it is vital for you to hone your skills for not only the Indian market but also the diverse global markets we serve.” Mr. Debasish Biswas welcomed the dignitaries, students, faculties, alumni members and industry professionals present in the audience, and the event commenced with the national anthem. In his brief inaugural address, he shared glimpses of how IIGJ Mumbai was founded in 2003, while highlighting snippets of success stories of the institute during the past 20 years. Addressing the students, he said “you are the next generation leaders of the gems & jewellery industry, and you should keep the flag of IIGJ flying high in decades to come.” Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC remarked, “IIGJ Mumbai has been playing an important role for more than 20 years, nurturing the talent much needed for our industry. We as a sector should promote ‘Design in India’ and export our designs worldwide. I am sure Institutes like IIGJ will play an important role in this transformation.” Mr. Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ, praised the students and assured them of the vast opportunities that await them. Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, added, “The jewellery industry is on the cusp of a revolution. With a projected domestic market size of $140 billion dollars by 2030, it’s an unprecedented opportunity for young designers. You are entering an industry that is gaining the recognition it deserves, much like the fashion industry. The potential for growth and impact is immense. Your creativity can shape the future of jewellery, just as fashion designers have redefined the apparel industry. Embrace this moment, work hard, and be relentless in your pursuit of innovation.”
