JB Insights
IIG South Hosts 4th Convocation Ceremony, Celebrating Future Leaders of the Jewellery Industry
IIG South, the educational arm of Laxmi Diamonds, Bangalore, marked a proud chapter in its journey by hosting its 4th Convocation Ceremony at the prestigious Shangri-La Hotel. The grand event celebrated academic excellence, innovation, and the future of India’s gem and jewellery sector.
The ceremony was graced by two industry stalwarts — Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman of the Joyalukkas Group, who attended as Chief Guest, and Samruddhi V Manjunath, CMD of SiriSamruddhi Gold Palace Pvt. Ltd. and Honorable Member of the Legislative Assembly, Karnataka, who was the Guest of Honor. Their inspiring presence added great significance to the milestone occasion, which was attended by dignitaries, proud parents, alumni, and students.
Key Highlights from the Convocation
A total of 220 students were felicitated across various academic programs, signifying IIG South’s growing impact on grooming talent for the jewellery industry. Several alumni, now successful entrepreneurs, showcased their brands through stalls at the event—living proof of the institute’s influence beyond the classroom.
Book Launch – “Spreading Joy”
The event also saw the Bengaluru launch of the autobiography “Spreading Joy” by Dr. Joy Alukkas. Each graduate received a personally signed copy, making the day even more special and motivational.
Launch of B.Voc Degree Program
A landmark moment came with the official launch of the B.Voc in Gems & Jewellery Design, a new academic program by IIG South in collaboration with Jain (Deemed-to-be) University. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Easwaran S Iyer, Vice Chancellor of Jain University, further strengthening the institute’s academic footprint.
Coffee with Chetan Kumar Mehta – 15th Edition
The latest edition of the popular series, “Coffee with Chetan Kumar Mehta,” featured a special conversation with Dr. Joy Alukkas, who candidly shared insights into building one of the world’s most iconic jewellery brands. His journey left the audience inspired and motivated.
Student Showcase of Creativity
The convocation also included an exhibition of manual jewellery sketches, handcrafted ornaments, and award-winning designs—a testament to IIG South’s emphasis on creativity, skill development, and design excellence.
Recognising Support Partners
The day concluded with mementoes presented to vendors and support staff, acknowledging their contribution to the institute’s continued success.
A Vision for the Future
Addressing the gathering, Chetan Kumar Mehta, Chairman & MD of Laxmi Diamonds, stated:
“At IIG South, we don’t just teach jewellery; we nurture innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will shape the future of this industry.”

With its 4th convocation, IIG South reaffirms its mission to provide world-class education and create global career pathways for the next generation of jewellery professionals. The event underscored the institute’s commitment to excellence, entrepreneurship, and a bright future for India’s gem and jewellery industry.

Education
The New-Age Jewellery Professional: Why Tech Education for Jewellery Industry is the Biggest Growth Driver
#JbExclusive
The jewellery industry is no longer defined by craftsmanship alone. Today, it sits at the intersection of design, technology, sustainability, finance, branding, and global trade. As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, structured education and continuous skill development are emerging as the most powerful growth catalysts for the sector.
For a dynamic industry like India’s jewellery market, education is not optional — it is strategic.
From Karigar to Knowledge Professional
For decades, the backbone of the industry has been generational craftsmanship. While this legacy remains invaluable, modern jewellery businesses now demand professionals who understand:
- Gemology and diamond grading
- CAD and 3D jewellery design
- Retail management and consumer psychology
- Digital marketing and brand storytelling

- International trade compliance and tariffs
- ESG and sustainability frameworks
Institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery have played a key role in formalising education pathways, helping transform traditional artisans and retailers into globally competitive professionals.
Trend Watch: Rise of Tech-Integrated Learning
One of the strongest education trends shaping the industry is technology integration.
- CAD & CAM Training: Digital prototyping reduces costs and speeds up product development cycles.
- AI in Retail Forecasting: Data-driven inventory planning is replacing intuition-based buying.

- Blockchain Awareness: Traceability in diamonds and coloured gemstones is becoming a compliance requirement rather than a luxury.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Expertise: As lab-grown diamonds gain market share, understanding grading, pricing dynamics, and consumer positioning has become critical.
Educational programs now increasingly blend online modules with hands-on workshops, enabling faster upskilling for working professionals.
The Bridal Economy & Consumer Education
India’s bridal jewellery segment continues to drive demand, but the modern bride is informed and research-oriented. She compares:
- Natural vs lab-grown diamonds
- Hallmarking standards

- Ethical sourcing claims
- Design originality
Retailers who invest in staff education see higher trust conversion rates. Well-trained sales professionals are no longer “salespeople” — they are consultants guiding life-defining purchases.
Financial Literacy in Jewellery
Another emerging area is financial education within the industry itself. With gold functioning as both adornment and asset, professionals must understand:
- Gold monetisation frameworks
- Hedging strategies

- Commodity price cycles
- Working capital management
Structured knowledge helps businesses move from being inventory-heavy traders to strategically managed enterprises.
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
Global buyers increasingly demand proof of ethical sourcing and environmental compliance. Education around responsible mining practices, supply-chain transparency, and ESG reporting is becoming central to export competitiveness.
Industry bodies such as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council regularly conduct seminars and workshops to align Indian exporters with evolving global standards.
The Future: Hybrid Skills Will Win
The next generation jewellery professional will not be defined by a single skill. The future belongs to those who combine:
- Design sensibility
- Technical expertise
- Business acumen

- Digital fluency
- Ethical awareness
For a sector contributing significantly to India’s exports and employment, education is the bridge between heritage and high growth.
Knowledge is the new luxury. As the jewellery industry transitions into a more organised, tech-enabled, and globally integrated ecosystem, continuous learning will determine who leads and who lags. The sparkle of the future will not just come from diamonds — it will come from informed minds shaping the industry.
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