Photo: GIA Jewelry Design students with their certificates. (Seated, from left): Aneri Raichada, GIA Instructor; Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India; Vijay Golecha, Owner and Jewellery Designer, Golecha’s Jewels; Rajesh Lakhani, General Manager and Head India Sales, Kiran Gems Pvt. Ltd.; and Apoorva Deshingkar, Senior Director – Education and Market Development, GIA India.
GIA India recently held a graduation ceremony for students of its Jewelry Design course at the Mumbai campus. Vijay Golecha, the Owner and Jewellery Designer of Golecha’s Jewels, was the chief guest. Also present at the ceremony were Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India, and Apoorva Deshingkar, Senior Director – Education and Market Development, GIA India.
Addressing the students, Vijay Golecha shared some personal life lessons and valuable insights into the gem and jewellery industry. He said, “The best thing that has happened to you is that all of you have earned your credential from GIA. All you now need to do is follow your dreams. Equipped with the knowledge gained from GIA, go ahead and pursue them.”
He added, “There are many designers in the industry with far better resources than you, which will give them easy access to precious gemstones and materials. At the end of the day, it is your knowledge and the finesse of your jewellery design that will set you apart.” He encouraged students to “compete with yourself”.
Speaking at the event, Sriram Natarajan added, “GIA education prepares students for their journey in the gem and jewellery industry. I am glad to see these students embark on a career in jewellery design. I wish them the best of luck.”
Apoorva Deshingkar noted, “All GIA students go through intensive training in jewellery designing. Empowered with the GIA credentials and now with Vijay Golecha-ji’s words of encouragement, I am confident our students are ready to create their mark in the gem and jewellery industry.” The GIA Jewelry Design programme is a comprehensive, nine-week certificate course that offers students an in-depth understanding of jewellery design theory and artistry, teaching them the professional skills to illustrate their ideas.