Education-skills integration vital for jewellery industry growth; gold rebounds ₹700 to ₹1.49 lakh/10g
3 min read
Industry leaders on Wednesday emphasized the importance of combining traditional education with skill-based training to ensure the long-term sustainability of India’s jewellery sector and maintain its legacy of craftsmanship.
During a recent industry gathering in Kolkata, experts highlighted that skilled artisans continue to form the foundation of the jewellery industry, yet motivating younger generations to enter this profession remains a growing challenge.
Experts suggested that connecting jewellery-making skills with recognized academic credentials and professional certifications could enhance the attractiveness of the field for students and emerging professionals.
Vinod Bamalwa, Director of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons and Chairman of the National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle at the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), pointed out that the industry is currently facing a shortage of young craftsmen, as fewer individuals are inclined to pursue jewellery as a career option.
Bamalwa identified the absence of formal recognition of jewellery-making as a structured vocational path as one of the primary obstacles contributing to this trend.
He emphasized that integrating technical expertise with degree and certification programs could boost the perception of the profession and attract more talent to the sector.
Bamalwa also mentioned ongoing initiatives to incorporate jewellery manufacturing and associated technical subjects into school-level curricula, with active involvement from industry professionals in shaping and supporting these programs.
He added that the industry has committed to collaborating with government bodies to develop a robust talent pipeline.
Subhankar Sen, Co-Chairman of the ICC National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle and Managing Director and CEO of Senco Gold & Diamonds, noted that West Bengal has historically been recognized for its excellence in jewellery craftsmanship, with local artisans playing a significant role in major jewellery markets nationwide, including Mumbai, Surat, and southern regions.
Sen highlighted that jewellery education extends beyond crafting ornaments and includes disciplines like metallurgy, marketing, sales strategies, and product development.
He advocated for introducing these topics at both school and university levels, suggesting that doing so could create numerous job and entrepreneurial prospects for youth.
He stressed that merging educational learning with hands-on skill development is crucial for transforming the jewellery industry into a more structured and professionally managed sector.
Gold and silver pricing
In other developments, gold prices rebounded on Wednesday, September 30, bouncing back from a two-month low, while silver maintained its flat trajectory for the second consecutive trading session in the national capital.
As per reports from local traders, 99.9% purity gold climbed by ₹700 to reach ₹1,49,300 per 10 grams, inclusive of taxes, compared to the previous close of ₹1,48,600 per 10 grams. Traders attributed the uptick to renewed buying interest at reduced price points and favorable international market trends.
Silver prices held steady at ₹2.32 lakh per kilogram, including taxes, in Delhi.
On the global front, spot gold hovered around $4,190 per ounce, whereas silver dipped 1.28% to trade at $60.68 per ounce. Market analysts observed that ongoing fluctuations in the US dollar continued to restrict gold’s upward momentum.
This resurgence in gold came after a period of decline, driven by speculative purchases at discounted levels. Analysts also pointed out that China’s imminent Golden Week holiday might inject additional demand into the jewellery market.
For consumers monitoring precious metal prices, the retail rates in Delhi on Wednesday were listed at ₹1.493 lakh per 10 grams for 99.9% gold and ₹2.32 lakh per kg for silver. Prices may differ across various cities and outlets based on applicable taxes, craftsmanship fees, and regional market dynamics.
