Hunnarbaaz series: Skills and jobs in gem and jewellery sector

Inspiration : Industry leader’s story

Here is an inspirational interview with one of the leading designers in the industry. In this interview you will see that the talented designer gives a lot of useful advice, tips and guidance to entrepreneurs in the gem and jewellery sector. Shaheen Abbas is a jewellery designer, she was an air hostess in the past. She was interested in jewellery from a very young age as her mother was interested in jewellery. She says trends are artificial. Designs should always be classic. They can be modern or traditional. She talks about her new collection called the Mashrabia collection which is inspired by the Arabic mesh in Saudi Arabia.

When asked as a designer what can she offer a skilled worker she says inputs like letting them know which piece will sell is helpful .She has done the graduate course from GIA. Some things that people are not aware of is making a rough diamond into a round one incurs about 50% wastage. A skilled worker can control this.

There is a lot of opportunity for workers in this field, It’s a skill and if you are interested you can learn and experience makes you better. India is one of the biggest diamond cutting sectors.

She stresses on the importance of quality checks in the diamond industry without which clients cannot be made happy. Here’s her inspirational message “don’t make your skill just a hobby. Make your passion your profession. Go learn and work hard and the world is yours.”

There are several bodies which certify diamonds. For instance GIA certifies Solitaires. More information can be found regarding the certifications at http://www.gjsci.org/