Understanding international jewellery

The first month at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham is well underway. Bustling workshop demonstrations and creative experimentations are taking place, contextual study-trips and talking practice events are stimulating minds and the students are settling into the routine of formative lectures and seminars. But there is nothing routine about the learning experiences they are partaking in; externality is the buzz word in education and here at the School of Jewellery, we embrace our connections with industry. The relationships forged through education and manufacturing practices explore new markets, design concepts and technology alongside traditional methodologies; through live projects, competitions and work experience opportunities set by the trade. There are two new courses that have started this year, responding to feedback and communications with key figures in our trade; firstly the undergraduate BA (Hons) International Jewellery Business, secondly the postgraduate Luxury Jewellery Management MA. The two courses actively promote a mix of home and international students and are housed within the Birmingham Assay Office, alongside the established Birmingham City University Gemmological facilities. The degrees compliment the design and concept driven courses already offered at the School. Both of these courses aim to equip the students with theoretical and applied methodologies to studying management and marketing for jewellery businesses in a global market. Whilst the classroom sessions give insights in the history and culture that have shaped attitudes around the world, it is the organised field trips that provide tangible connections to historical and contemporary works, such as the inspiring excursion to Chatsworth House. The exclusive and intimate behind the scenes event allowed the students to see part of the private collection belonging to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and to visit the ‘House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth’ exhibition. A seminar with keynote speakers Sash Giles, Chatsworth’s Curator of Decorative Arts, Lisa Simpson; Head of Retail and Buying at Chatsworth, and Chris Sellors; Managing Director at CW Sellors captivating the audience with lively discussions on the history of the family through the jewellery they wore, the reconstruction process of the Duchess’s tiara by local manufacturers, how supplier exclusivity and creating a ‘point of difference’ has helped the success of the Chatsworth’s gift shop. These invaluable insights were shared because of the precious relationships and business connections we have at the School. On the International Jewellery Business course students apply a range of marketing and management techniques during group projects and simulations by accessing specialist books, digital analytical data, tutors and visiting lecturers. Whilst optional modules in Diamond grading and Gemmology deliver an introduction to the science of jewellery. The students are encouraged to engage with local and national companies such as visiting the Birmingham Assay Office’s hallmarking floor, private library and silver collection. Comparing international exhibitions such as Vicenza Oro with Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, by travelling overseas and attending national trade shows like IJL giving them unique insights into the jewellery industry and future career contacts. Graduates of these courses, with appropriate skills, knowledge and understanding will be the next business leaders in our Industry; entrepreneurs, researchers, trend forecasters, jewellery strategists, marketeers, event and project managers, business owners and more. Whilst the pitch for the course is powerful, please consider the journey of new students for whom this is a huge learning curve and help them on their way. Studying a new subject is challenging enough but going to university is also about taking responsibility for self-directed learning, coping with the emotional trepidation of leaving home and managing the swings between fear and excitement when venturing on a new independent pathway. The international students choose to leave their country of origin to study in a second language in the hope to develop a global business. Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery welcomes students from all parts of the globe and two of this years’ intakes talk about their experiences here. Laura Mecattaf: “I come from a very small country, Lebanon, located in the Middle East region, crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian hinterland. It is the smallest country on the entire Asian continent but yet very rich in history and culture. Due to our freedom of religion we count 18 different religious groups across the country. Despite all that diversity we have known a lot of wars especially on the borders with Syria and Israel. “I have been surrounded by Lebanese jewellers my whole life, many of who have had international success and have a fascination for gemstones, so decided to study gemmology after school. After eight intense months, I qualified as a graduate gemmologist at the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) in San Diego. It took a lot of courage to go by myself at the age of 18 because it was such a long way from home but I did it! After the GIA I felt like I needed to learn more about the business side of the industry, as I did not want to be a designer. “I did my research and found the course that complemented my previous studies - the BA in International Jewellery Business; the new course that Birmingham City University offers. I came to the School Of Jewellery and met with the program leader Kate Thorley to understand more about the course. I applied straightaway knowing that it was what I wanted to do next. When I got accepted I was really happy and excited because it offered all the areas I wanted to explore and build my way into the industry. The University website was really helpful and I got the accommodation I wanted. Settling in was easy for me as it was not the first time I left my home country to study elsewhere. “I have started the course now and I am really enjoying it, it was really what I expected and even better! All the staff and the teachers are friendly and that is very helpful and a nice environment to study in. My dream job is to be a wholesale gem dealer one day, but to get there, I have a lot of steps to achieve. I hope that someday I can reach my goal.” Kevin Ngo: “Singapore is a small, beautiful and prosperous island nation, both a city and a country. Our family has resided there for nearly 15 years since my mum and dad, an Indonesian and a Hong ‘Kongese’ decided to migrate there for better coming times. My education has been pathed in 3D design, majoring in the jewellery course with some of my works gaining recognition in competitions and exhibitions. As a Singapore citizen, I had then completed my national service in the Singapore Armed Forces as an officer for two years. “Upon concluding my military life, I decided to pursue my study here by the strong history and academic profile the University provides. A decision was made quickly from the School with consistent support to aid you in your progression, as well as your arrival with a free meet-and-greet service in the airport. The halls of residence, Old Fire Station is where I am currently residing, the staff are friendly and the environment pleasant, just imagine staying with all the original fireman’s installation and tower still around. There are also activities arranged for us to socialize with each other. “The BA (Hons) International Jewellery Business is a unique course that apply us with a range of marketing and management skills for a career in the field. We gain support for our learning too with the access to industry insights like Mintel and Euromonitor. Our class consists of students coming from different part of the world and it makes our group project engaging as we learn each other’s practice. The program could not be better with our upcoming gemmology / diamond grading module. “Each of us have different goal to strive and my aspiration is to establish Singapore as a significant jewellery hub in Asia.” This article first appeared in the November 2017 issue of Jewellery Focus