The Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI), in conjunction with Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) – India Chapter, announced that it will organise Design Connect, a one-day event for jewellery designers to help connect and collaborate with
manufacturers and retailers, at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, on June 26th.
The event will begin with a panel discussion on the importance of design for delivering growth and margins for jewellers, one-on-one mentoring sessions for designers to seek guidance, and interview desks—providing exciting opportunities for designers, manufacturers and retailers to collaborate and grow the industry.
Design Connect is supported by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic
Council (GJC) and the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).
Sanjay Kothari, chairman, GJSCI, said, “Often, talented designers are unable to approach jewellery manufacturers and retailers. On the other hand, while manufacturers and retailers recognise the importance of design, they are not certain how to access the talent pool of aspiring jewellery designers. To bridge this gap, GJSCI and WJA – with the support of GJEPC, GJC, IBJA and GIA – are creating this platform Design Connect.
“I believe design is the first thing that attracts consumers – it is the starting point of sales. Through Design Connect we are trying to provide a platform for designers to interact with retailers and manufacturers for job creation and, in turn, business growth.”
Kothari informed that in future the GJSCI plans to take Design Connect to other cities across India as well.
He added, “GJSCI also initiated ‘Anant – The Design Competition’ with a focus on promoting design development, product innovation and diversification of India’s four heritage jewellery art forms, Thewa, Gajra, Tarakasi and Hupari Payal. We will also be felicitating winners of the competition at Design Connect as a part of recognising and rewarding the jewellery design talent in the country.”
Nirupa Bhatt, president, WJA – India Chapter, said, “Majority of the WJA members are talented jewellery designers. Design Connect will serve as an ideal platform for collaboration opportunities.”