Industry leaders on Wednesday stressed the need to integrate formal education with skill-based training to ensure the long-term growth of India’s jewellery sector and preserve its rich tradition of craftsmanship.
Speaking on the sidelines of an industry event in Kolkata, experts said artisans remain the backbone of the jewellery industry, but attracting younger generations to the profession has become an increasing challenge.
They said linking jewellery-making skills with recognised academic qualifications and certifications could make the sector more appealing to students and young 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), said the industry is facing a shortage of young artisans as fewer people are choosing jewellery craftsmanship as a career.
According to Bamalwa, one of the key reasons is the lack of formal recognition of jewellery-making as a structured vocational education pathway.
He said integrating technical skills with degree and certification programmes could help elevate the profession’s status and attract more talent to the sector.
Bamalwa noted that efforts are underway to introduce jewellery manufacturing and related technical subjects to students at the school level, with industry participation playing a key role in designing and supporting such programmes.
He said the industry has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the government to build a stronger 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, said West Bengal has long been a hub of jewellery craftsmanship, with artisans from the state contributing significantly to jewellery centres across the country, including Mumbai, Surat and southern India.
Sen pointed out that jewellery education extends far beyond the art of making ornaments and encompasses areas such as metallurgy, marketing, sales techniques and product management.
Introducing such subjects at school and college levels, he said, could open up employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.
He emphasised that combining education with practical skill development is essential if the jewellery sector is to evolve into a more organised and professionally managed industry.
Gold, silver prices
Meanwhile, gold prices rebounded on Wednesday, September 30, after falling to a two-month low, while silver remained unchanged for the second consecutive session in the national capital.
According to local traders, 99.9% pure gold rose ₹700 to ₹1,49,300 per 10 grams, including taxes, from Tuesday’s closing price of ₹1,48,600 per 10 grams. The recovery was attributed to value buying at lower levels and a firm global trend.
Silver remained steady at ₹2.32 lakh per kilogram, including taxes, in Delhi.
In international markets, spot gold was trading around $4,190 per ounce, while silver declined 1.28% to $60.68 per ounce. Analysts said movements in the US dollar continued to limit gold’s gains.
Gold’s recovery came after recent losses, with traders turning to value buying at lower levels. Market analysts also noted that China’s upcoming Golden Week could provide some support to jewellery demand.
For buyers tracking precious-metal prices, Wednesday’s Delhi rates stood at ₹1.493 lakh per 10 grams for 99.9% gold and ₹2.32 lakh per kg for silver. Rates can vary across cities and retailers depending on taxes, making charges and local market conditions.