Industry leaders gathered in Kolkata on 30 September to stress that integrating formal academic qualifications with vocational skill-based training is essential for the long-term professionalisation of India's jewellery sector — and for preserving its centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship. The consensus, expressed on the sidelines of an industry event, was that without structured educational pathways, the sector risks losing its next generation of artisans.

A Shrinking Talent Pipeline

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 already grappling with a shortage of young artisans, as fewer people are choosing jewellery craftsmanship as a career path. He attributed this, in part, to the absence of formal recognition for jewellery-making as a structured vocational education pathway.

Bamalwa noted that efforts are underway to introduce jewellery manufacturing and related technical subjects at the school level, with industry participation playing a key role in designing and supporting such programmes. He added that the industry has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the government to build a stronger talent pipeline.

West Bengal's Role in National Craftsmanship

Subhankar Sen, Co-Chairman of the ICC National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle and Managing Director and CEO of Senco Gold & Diamonds, highlighted that West Bengal has long served as 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 well beyond the art of making ornaments, encompassing areas such as metallurgy, marketing, sales techniques, and product management. Introducing these subjects at school and college levels, he argued, could unlock both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.

Why Education-Skills Integration Matters

Experts argued that linking jewellery-making skills with recognised academic qualifications and certifications could make the sector more appealing to students and young professionals. This comes amid a broader national conversation on skilling, with the Centre's National Education Policy (NEP) framework already encouraging vocational integration at secondary levels.

Notably, the jewellery industry is one of India's largest export earners, yet it remains largely unorganised in terms of workforce development and professional certification. Sen emphasised that combining education with practical skill development is essential if the sector is to evolve into a more organised and professionally managed industry.

The Road Ahead

Industry bodies are reportedly in dialogue with government agencies to formalise jewellery-related subjects within existing vocational education frameworks. Whether those conversations translate into curriculum changes at scale remains to be seen, but the urgency expressed by sector leaders on 30 September signals that the window for action is narrowing as the artisan workforce ages.