Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group introduces professional jewellery design course in association with IGI

Dubai has always captivated the world with its rich and varied collection of gold jewellery, dazzling diamonds, pearls and gemstones. But the entry of new and international brands in the market has led to increased demand for unique designs and specialised businesses. It has also given a new lease of life to jewellery designing as a prospective career for young designers.

'This course was introduced on popular demand. We had quite a few enquiries from those wanting to pursue a career in jewellery design about training programmes that could help them to achieve that. So we approached IGI and with their help we were able to organise a professional jewellery designing course. Considering the positive response from the participants, we look at conducting more advanced level courses, 'said K.P Baiju, general manager, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group.

The comprehensive programme, which took place at DGJG facility at the Deira Gold Souq, offered professionals, jewellers, aspiring jewellery designers and gem enthusiasts an opportunity to explore their creativity with a view to building a career in design and production of contemporary jewellery.

'The aim of the course was to provide jewellery designing enthusiasts with exposure to various facets of the profession so that they can eventually become avant-garde jewellery designers,'

said Lata Manghnani, Brand Manager, IGI Dubai.

'They learned how to design jewellery using the most advanced rendering techniques, understand conventional jewellery manufacturing processes, identify various gemstones and learn their unique characteristics, grade diamonds and present their designed jewellery to potential buyers, locally and internationally. As UAE is becoming a major centre for diamonds and gemstones, we see jewellery designing become a much sought after career option.'

The students were awarded the I.G.I Diploma in 'Professional Jewellery Designing'. This diploma is recognized worldwide and will open doors to participants to be freelance designers, salaried or self-employed professionals anywhere in the world.

One of the UAE national students, Fatima Al Falahi an interior and fashion designer and mother of three commented,' I have always explored my creativity in interior designing and fashion, though I have wanted to try my hands at jewellery designing I just didn't know how to go about it. When I heard of this course, I thought I must try it. Now I know how to put my designs into paper and how to combine creativity and practicality. I really look forward to starting my own workshop.'

For Anees Nahidi of ARY Jewellery, designing has always been close to her heart. 'I have always had an interest in creative design but this course has taught me how to use my imagination and inspirations in jewellery designing. This is only the beginning, there is so much more I want to learn. I look forward to enrolling for more advanced level courses.'

On the last day of the course, students got an opportunity to interact with Tawhid Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group and also the Managing Director of Damas. He was impressed by the original ideas and enthusiasm of the students, most of them designing jewellery for the first time.

'The imagination and passion the students have shown is absolutely stunning. As Dubai looks to further develop the jewellery trade, it is essential to nurture this kind of talent. We will be in touch with the students and guide them as they embark on their career, 'he said.

Recognizing the need for a strong talent pool to support Dubai's growing jewellery trade, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group conducts regular training programmes for its members and jewellery enthusiasts throughout the year. The courses include: Identification & Grading of Diamonds, Identification & Grading of Colour stones and Gold Manufacturing Techniques. Workshops are also conducted periodically on Managerial Excellence, Leadership & Motivation and Team Building.