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A sparkling future

30 December 2007

A new academy opens doors for students interested in pursuing a career in jewellery, Manal Ismail writes

Picture this: You're popping in at a local jewellery store to pick up a diamond ring for a loved one. Looking through the display case, you find the perfect piece.

You ask the jeweller to take it out and you hold it in your hands while asking for the price. As the jeweller gives you a four or five-digit number you nearly drop the ring.

After minutes of negotiating with him, the jeweller agrees to drop the price by a few single digits. Thinking you've outdone yourself, you buy the ring and gracefully leave the store with a sense of accomplishment.

Little do you know that this glistening diamond ring you've bought is nothing but a mixture of glass and a few chemicals called "cubic zirconia."

Real vs fake
Many consumers are fooled by the price tag that hangs off anything shining and sparkly. Imagine if you could tell a local jeweller with full confidence that he or she is ripping you off and then explain why. Now, with the launch of ARY Academy of Gems and Jewellery, you can.

The institute, based in the Knowledge Village and located in the Dubai Gold Souq, offers certificate and diploma courses in the design, manufacture and management of gems and jewellery.

After five months at the academy, a student will be able to differentiate what is real from what isn't in diamonds, gemstones, pearls, gold and silver. Who knew that such an extraordinary area could become a field of study?

"There is a need for trained professionals to contribute to the growth and development of the jewellery industry in the market," said Sarwat Abdul Razak, CEO of the academy.

Growing industry
According to experts, gemology and jewellery are the third biggest contributors in the region. About 20,000 individuals are involved in the industry and the GCC represents the world's fourth largest diamond market.

However, the real progress of an industry is determined by the efforts undertaken to educate and mould qualified experts in it.

"Our ultimate aim is to help aspiring jewellery students become trained professionals in the field," said Naheed Annees, president of the academy.

Marc Segers, head of gemology at the academy, cited interesting statistics. "In our study, 58 per cent of consumers can't identify gemstones, 77 per cent can't differentiate between them and lack awareness of man-made stones," he said.

Educating jewellers and consumers
The academy not only aims to educate individuals seeking to work in the industry but also consumers who spend thousands on jewellery.

"Consumers need to be aware of what they are buying and how to go about buying it," Anees said. "What are real gemstones? What are colour-enhanced gemstones? What are filled diamonds?

With today's technology that could easily fool the naked eye, many customers are not aware that one small imperfection could make a difference of thousands of dollars."

The ARY Academy of Gems and Jewellery has set out to make consumers aware and to improve the gems and jewellery industry.

Students have the opportunity to engage in hands on learning at the Gold Souq where they can analyse different types of gems under the microscope.

The faculty comprises professional designers, technicians, craftsmen and educationists from around the globe. So for those who love jewellery your next class could be dealing with a jewel worth millions!

Studying at the ARY Academy of Gems and Jewellery

The ARY Academy is the only institute to provide this accredited diploma outside Europe. These certificates are internationally recognised.

By Manal Ismail

© Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.