Gone are the days when jewellery was only a symbol of financial security; today it is a trend-setter and Indian designs are making waves internationally. The count of celebrity designers is on the rise and they are pushing India to be the second-highest export earner and one of the fastest growing consumer markets.

So for all those wannabe designers, SinGem, Calcutta, offers a good opportunity to make a headstart in this field. It has recently launched a BSc programme in jewellery studies. The programme will be initially offered from the institute’s five centres in Calcutta (Bhawanipore, Salt Lake, Shova Bazar, Howrah and New Alipore).

Richa Daga, the director of the institute, says a three-year degree programme will help students make an early start. “Usually jewellery institutes offer a diploma programme that most students pursue while doing their graduation. We felt that there was a need to introduce an exhaustive programme at an undergraduate level to help students gain maximum knowledge in this field.”

The course is recognised by UGC and will be administered in collaboration with the Punjab Technical University. It commences from June 2007 and the application for this course is still open. The programme is divided into 12 semesters (containing 54 modules) that cover jewellery manufacturing, diamonds, gemology, fashion jewellery and accessories, jewellery design, gem studding and jewellery arts.

Apart from designing, the course focuses on the business aspect of jewellery designing. It also emphasises advertising, international trade, marketing, brand management and finance. Udita Duggar, marketing head of a jewellery house in the city and an ex-student, believes that the institute has given her a strong base. “The industry has immense potential in terms of creativity and business and this programme will surely benefit those who wish to make a mark in this field,” adds Duggar.

Richa Shroff, a quality supervisor and a freelance designer in a jewellery export house agrees. “When I opted for the course, there weren’t many people looking at this field. But the market is booming. And the best part is that one could opt for the creative or the business side,” points out Shroff.

The course is 90 per cent practice-oriented with emphasis on the theoretical aspects. Although there is no written examination, the selection is based on past academic records. Students, however, need to clear a group discussion and an interview round. The fee is Rs 1.45 lakh, with a provision for student loans from the Punjab and Centurion Bank, payable semester-wise or in monthly instalments. They offer scholarships as well.

Soumi Chatterjee, a faculty member at SinGem, says this programme offers an insight into the field. “The programme includes a one-year internship which gives students a hands-on experience. Moreover, we have a placement cell that guides students in the best possible way,” says Chatterjee. Swarup Roy, placement supervisor, SinGem, says one could choose from various profiles like designing, marketing and management, consultancy, product in-charge and even start one’s own business. “Jewellery houses such as Tanishq, Senco, P.C. Chandra, among others, have recruited students from the institute. A fresher could get anywhere between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000,” adds Roy.

SinGem gives students a platform to showcase their creativity. The institute participates in trade and consumer fairs like Sonar Sansar in Calcutta, India International Jewellery Show in Mumbai and ExpoWorld in Bangalore.

Though it is said that diamonds are a woman’s best friend, the course has garnered male attention. “The number of male students in my class is less but there are many who are interested. I want to get into manufacturing and establish something of my own,” says Sandeep Verma, a student at SinGem.

It’s a rush of golden opportunities and the glitter is bright.