Get answers to common questions about IIG South’s Gems & Jewellery courses, admissions, eligibility, B.Sc. programme, career opportunities, practical training, and industry exposure.
GEMOLOGY COURSES
What is gemology?
Gemology is the scientific study of gemstones – how they form, what they’re made of, and how to identify, grade, and value them. It sits at the intersection of geology, chemistry, and optics, but in practice it’s a hands-on skill: using instruments like loupes, microscopes, refractometers, and spectroscopes to tell a natural stone from a synthetic, an untreated stone from a treated one, and a fine-quality gem from an average one.
What is the scope of gemology?
Trained gemologists work across gem testing laboratories, retail and wholesale jewellery, manufacturing, export houses, mining and sourcing, and auction houses. As Indian consumers increasingly ask for certified, quality-verified stones, demand has grown for professionals who can grade and authenticate gemstones with instrument-backed accuracy rather than guesswork.
Do I need a science background to study Gemology?
No. Gemology is taught from first principles at IIG South, so students from science, commerce, arts, or design backgrounds all join and succeed. What matters more is attention to detail, patience with hands-on instrument work, and genuine curiosity about gemstones; the science itself is taught step by step.
What skills are required to be a successful Gemologist?
A keen eye for detail, steady hand-to-eye coordination, and patience with precision instrument work matter more than any prior qualification. A working knowledge of basic chemistry and optics helps, but IIG South builds this from the ground up rather than assuming you already have it.
What is the qualification needed to enrol in a gemology course?
Eligibility depends on the program level — see our Admission FAQs below for exact requirements by course tier. In general, gemology courses are open to students from any academic stream (science, commerce, or arts); no prior science background is required.
What qualifications does a working gemologist need?
Formally, a recognised gemology diploma or degree — like our Gemology Graduate or Masters program — plus hands-on experience with grading instruments (loupe, microscope, refractometer, spectroscope). Beyond the paperwork, employers look for a trained eye, patience with detailed identification work, and a track record of practical, hands-on stone handling rather than theory alone.
What will I learn in a Gemology course?
Gemology training at IIG South covers gemstone identification and classification, colour and clarity assessment, detecting treatments and synthetics, and hands-on use of grading instruments — building toward the same skills professional gem testing labs use.
How long does a Gemology course take to complete?
Duration depends on the level you choose. The Graduate program runs over 3 months, and the Master’s in Gemology — which combines the Gemology Graduate and Diamond Graduate programs — runs over 6 months.
What is the Master's in Gemology Program, and what does it include?
The Master’s in Gemology is IIG South’s most comprehensive gemology program. It combines all three graduate tracks — Gemology Graduate, Rough Diamond Graduate, and Diamond Graduate — into one course, so if you enrol in the Master’s, you don’t need to take any of those programs separately.
How many gemstones will I study in the Gemology Graduate program?
IIG South maintains an extensive collection of real gemstones for hands-on study, we believe practical, instrument-based training builds skills that theory alone can’t.
How are Gemstones graded?
Unlike diamonds, most coloured gemstones aren’t scored on a single universal numeric scale. Grading generally weighs four factors: colour (hue, tone, and saturation), clarity, cut, and carat weight, but the ideal balance shifts by species. An emerald with visible inclusions is normal; the same inclusions in a diamond would be a flaw. Labs like AGL and Gübelin typically issue descriptive reports covering origin and treatment rather than a single letter or number grade.
Do Gemstones have a grading scale like diamonds' 4Cs?
Not in the same standardised way. “4Cs” is diamond-specific terminology (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat) tied to a universally accepted scale. Coloured gemstones are graded on similar underlying factors, but there’s no single industry-wide numeric scale; the “best” grade for a ruby (a vivid, saturated red, sometimes called “pigeon blood”) looks nothing like the criteria for a top emerald or sapphire. Our Gemology programs teach you to apply species-specific standards, not a one-size-fits-all scale.
What is the difference between a Gemologist, a Diamond Grader, and a Jewellery Appraiser?
A Gemologist studies and identifies gemstones — their formation, properties, and authenticity — across precious and semi-precious stones. A Diamond Grader specialises in evaluating diamonds against the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, carat). A Jewellery Appraiser goes a step further and assigns a monetary value to a finished piece, factoring in the gemstones, metal, and craftsmanship. Many professionals train across more than one of these; our Diamond and Gemology programs let you specialise in one or combine both.
What is the best course or degree for gemology?
There isn’t a single “best” option — it depends on your goal. A dedicated Gemology Diploma or Graduate program (like ours) gets you job-ready fastest, with the specific instrument and identification skills employers look for. A broader science degree (chemistry, geology) pairs well with gemology training if you’re aiming for a research or lab-development path. If you want both technical skill and a full academic credential in one, our BSc in Gems & Jewellery combines the two.
What are the job prospects after gemology courses?
Following Career options are available for a Gemologist
- Jewellery Business Management
- Gem Testing Laboratories
- Retail Jewellery Business
- Jewellery Manufacturing
- Mining Industry
- Product Development Departments
- Art Auction Houses
- Gem Exporting Companies
- Goldsmithing at a senior, quality-control level
- Jewellery Shops and Showrooms
- Companies manufacturing synthetic or artificial gems
Is gemology a good career option in India?
Yes — gemology is one of the more stable, skill-based careers in India’s gems & jewellery industry. Trained gemologists work in gem testing laboratories, retail jewellery, manufacturing, export houses, and auction houses, and demand has grown steadily as Indian consumers shift toward certified, quality-assured jewellery. Because the work is hands-on and instrument-based, it’s harder to automate than most desk careers — which is part of why it continues to attract career-changers alongside fresh graduates.
Are gemologists in high demand?
Demand is steady and growing, driven by India’s push toward certified, quality-assured jewellery and by the expansion of gem testing labs, export houses, and organised retail. It’s a specialised, skill-based field rather than a mass-hiring one, so demand tends to favour well-trained, certified professionals over self-taught ones.
Can I study gemology online?
Yes, for select programs. Theory is delivered live via webinar/Zoom sessions; full practical certification still requires an in-person lab session at our Bengaluru campus.
What is the salary of a gemologist in India?
Based on outcomes from our own graduates, Gemology Graduates typically start around ₹40,000+ per month, with earnings scaling alongside specialisation (colour-stone expertise, lab experience) and employer type — gem testing labs and export houses generally pay more than entry-level retail floor roles.
What are the fees for a gemology course?
Fees vary by program tier (Professional, Graduate, or Master’s). Contact our admissions team for the current fee chart.
What equipment is used in practical Gemology training?
Training uses the same instruments professional gemologists rely on: loupes for magnified inspection, microscopes for detailed internal examination, refractometers to measure a stone’s optical properties, and spectroscopes to analyse light absorption — the core toolkit for telling a natural stone from a synthetic or treated one.
DIAMOND COURSES
Which Diamond Courses does IIG South offer?
IIG SOUTH offers all levels of Diamond Programs for Diamond enthusiasts, Students, entrepreneurs, and business professionals. In all, there are three categories.
Master’s – For Diamond enthusiasts who also want to start their own business in the long run, for entrepreneurs and family-owned business houses and jewellers.
Graduate – For Students who want to learn completely and professionally, and Employees who want to opt for higher-standard professional jobs.
Professional – For employment and job purposes.
What are the 4Cs of a Diamond, and will I learn to grade them at IIG South?
The 4Cs — Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight — are the global standard for describing and valuing a diamond. Our Diamond Graduate and Diamond Master’s programs teach you to assess all four hands-on, using loupes, microscopes, and other grading instruments on real diamonds, not just in theory.
What does "Cut" mean in Diamond Grading — is it the same as shape?
No, and this is one of the most common misconceptions in the industry. Shape is the outline — round, princess, emerald, oval. Cut refers to the proportions, symmetry, and polish that determine how well the diamond interacts with light — its brilliance, fire, and sparkle. A well-cut diamond in any shape will outperform a poorly-cut diamond of the same shape and size. Our Diamond programs train you to assess cut quality independently of shape.
What is the Diamond Colour scale?
Diamonds are graded on the GIA colour scale from D (completely colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). D–F is considered colourless, G–J near-colourless, and so on down the alphabet — the closer to D, the rarer and more valuable, all else being equal. Our Diamond Graduate program trains you to assess colour under controlled lighting against master comparison stones.
How do you grade a Diamond?
Diamond grading follows a standardised process: the stone is examined loose (unmounted) under controlled lighting, assessed under 10x magnification against master comparison stones, and evaluated against each of the 4Cs — cut, colour, clarity, and carat — along with checks for treatments and, where relevant, natural vs lab-grown origin. This is exactly the process our Diamond Graduate and Master’s programs train you to do hands-on.
What is a Diamond Grading report, and will I learn to prepare one?
A diamond grading report (or certificate) documents a stone’s 4Cs, measurements and proportions, a clarity plot mapping its inclusions, fluorescence, and any treatments — issued by a gemological lab after examining the diamond under controlled conditions. Our Diamond programs walk you through the same evaluation process professional labs use, so you understand exactly what’s behind every report you’ll read or issue in your career.
Can I learn to identify lab-grown vs natural diamonds in this course?
Yes. With lab-grown diamonds now a significant part of the Indian market, our Diamond courses cover how to distinguish lab-grown (CVD/HPHT) stones from natural ones, alongside the synthetics and simulants (“look-alike” gemstones) covered in the curriculum.
What types of diamonds will I study in the Diamond Graduate program?
You’ll study diamonds across the full range of sizes, clarities, and colours, along with diamond synthetics and simulants (look-alike gemstones), so you can confidently tell them apart
Do I get to learn the valuation/pricing of diamonds?
Yes — valuation is a core part of the course. We cover world markets, source countries, and pricing across every size, colour, and clarity, so you understand what actually drives a diamond’s price, not just how to describe it.
What is Master's In Diamonds Program, and what it includes?
The Master’s in Diamonds is our most comprehensive diamond course, covering both Rough and Polished Diamonds. It includes the Rough Diamond Graduate and Diamond Graduate programs together, so there’s no need to take either one separately — it’s already built in.
Do you provide the necessary equipment?
Yes — a full tool kit is provided at no extra cost.
Is there a Diamond Graduate course near me in Bengaluru?
Yes — our Diamond Graduate program runs at our Bengaluru campus in Richmond Town, with hands-on training on real diamonds using professional grading instruments.
Will there be a final assessment at the end of the Diamond Grading course?
Yes, There’s a formal final exam and practical assessment before certification is issued.
JEWELLERY COURSES
I am not good at drawing. Can I still pursue a Jewellery design course?
Yes. Jewellery design is a skilled craft with a creative side, but at IIG South we teach from scratch and help you develop concepts, which is a vital part of the design process. Many of our strongest designers started with no formal art training.
Is jewellery design easy?
It’s learnable, but not effortless; like any skilled craft, it rewards practice more than raw talent. What makes it approachable is that IIG South teaches every stage from first principles: sketching fundamentals, materials, gemstone knowledge, and CAD. You don’t need to walk in already knowing how to draw or use design software.
What's the difference between jewellery design courses and jewellery making courses?
Design courses focus on concept, sketching, and CAD — creating the plan for a piece. Jewellery making (manufacturing) courses focus on the physical fabrication — casting, setting, polishing, and assembly. Our Jewellery Design and Jewellery Manufacturing programs are structured separately for exactly this reason, though many students benefit from taking both, since understanding how a piece is physically made makes you a better designer.
What's the difference between manual jewellery design and CAD jewellery design?
Manual design is hand-sketching and traditional rendering — it builds your fundamental sense of proportion, form, and ornamentation. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) uses specialised software to build precise, manufacturable 3D models that go straight to casting or 3D printing. We recommend building manual design skills first, since they inform stronger CAD work — most working designers today use both.
Which CAD software will I learn?
Our CAD lab teaches Matrix, RhinoGold, and Rhino3D.
Is CAD / 3D jewellery design a good career?
Yes, it’s one of the fastest-growing specialisations in jewellery today, since manufacturers increasingly need precise, print-ready 3D files rather than hand sketches alone. Skilled CAD designers are in demand across manufacturing hubs like Mumbai and Surat, and the skill compounds well with manual design training, giving you both the creative and technical sides of the job.
What does a CAD/3D jewellery designer earn in India?
Based on outcomes from our own graduates, CAD jewellery designers typically start around ₹35,000+ per month, with earnings scaling quickly alongside software proficiency, portfolio strength, and 3D rendering skill — experienced CAD designers in manufacturing hubs like Mumbai and Surat often earn considerably more.
What is the highest salary a jewellery designer can earn?
There’s no fixed ceiling — pay scales with specialisation, portfolio strength, and employer type rather than a flat cap. Designers who combine strong manual design skill with CAD proficiency, and who build a track record with recognised manufacturers or export houses, command significantly more than entry-level starting salaries over time.
Which course is best for jewellery design?
It depends on your goal. If you want the fastest route to job-readiness, our standalone Jewellery Design course covers manual and CAD skills directly. If you’re building toward a longer-term, senior-track career — merchandising, export, or management roles — our BSc in Gems & Jewellery pairs design training with a full academic credential.
How many years does it take to study jewellery design?
The time required to study jewellery design depends on the type of programme you choose. At IIG South, jewellery design courses range from 2 weeks to 10 months, while a university-affiliated B.Sc. in Gems & Jewellery takes 3 years.
For professional jewellery design training, IIG South offers options such as:
- Fundamentals of Jewellery Design: 2 weeks
- Manual Jewellery Design Professional: 4 months
- Jewellery Design CAD Professional: 4.5 months
- Jewellery Design Graduate: 8.5 months
- Master’s in Jewellery Design: 10 months
If you want a full undergraduate degree with jewellery design as part of a broader Gems & Jewellery curriculum, the B.Sc. in Gems & Jewellery is a 3-year programme.
Explore the Jewellery Design Courses at IIG South to choose a programme based on your career goals, available time, and level of specialisation.
How do I become a jewellery designer?
Most designers combine three things: foundational design training (sketching, materials, gemstone knowledge), technical skill in CAD software for manufacturable designs, and a portfolio built through real projects. A structured course — like our Jewellery Design program — compresses this into a guided path rather than years of trial and error, and gives you the design manual, kit, and portfolio templates to start building a body of work from day one.
How do I design my own jewellery?
If you’re designing purely for yourself rather than pursuing a career, start with sketching your concept, then either work with a jeweller who offers custom CAD/manufacturing services, or learn basic CAD yourself to create a manufacturable file. If you want to go further than a one-off piece, our Jewellery Design course teaches both the manual and CAD sides properly from the ground up.
What materials are included with the Jewellery Design course?
IIG SOUTH provides all its Jewellery Designing Students with a full designing kit bag which includes all required stationery, a design manual Guide, Portfolio papers, design templates, etc.
What about the Jewellery Manufacturing Course?
Our Jewellery Manufacturing course is fully equipped with the required machinery and tools, and we provide metals so you make jewellery in the institute itself. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to manufacture a small piece of jewellery independently. The course runs 120 hours, and a relevant certificate is issued on completion.
Why are only a few metals suitable for making jewellery?
ewellery metals need three things most metals don’t have together: malleability and ductility (so they can be shaped and set without cracking), resistance to tarnish and corrosion (so a piece stays wearable for decades), and enough rarity to hold value. Gold, silver, and platinum hit all three; most other metals are either too brittle to work finely, too reactive and prone to corroding, or too common to carry lasting value. Our Manufacturing course covers how these material properties actually shape what’s possible in a design.
Is there a jewellery-making course near me in Bengaluru?
Yes — our Jewellery Manufacturing course runs at our Bengaluru campus in Richmond Town, with full hands-on access to machinery, tools, and metals.
What jewellery design courses does IIG South offer?
IIG South’s Jewellery Courses span Masters in Jewellery Design, CAD Professional, ZBrush for Jewellery Design, Procreate, Manual Design, and Jewellery Manufacturing — running roughly 6–12 months depending on the specific course.
What is the difference between the Jewellery Design Graduate and CAD Professional courses?
Broadly, Jewellery Design Graduate builds foundational design skills — sketching, concept development, materials — while CAD Professional focuses specifically on digital modelling software for manufacturable designs.
What can I do after completing a jewellery design course?
- In-house designer for a jewellery brand or manufacturer
- Freelance or independent jewellery designer
- CAD/3D design specialist for manufacturing houses
- Studio or boutique designer-entrepreneur
- Design lead within a larger retail or export business
Does IIG South teach jewellery manufacturing along with design?
Design and Manufacturing are separate, dedicated courses at IIG South, though many students take both — understanding how a piece is physically made (casting, setting, polishing) makes for stronger, more manufacturable designs.
JEWELLERY MERCHANDISING
What is jewellery merchandising?
Jewellery merchandising is the business side of getting a piece from the display case into a customer’s hands — planning what to stock, how to price it, how to present it in-store, and how to position a collection so it sells. It sits at the intersection of retail strategy, branding, and consumer psychology, applied specifically to how jewellery is bought and sold.
What is visual merchandising in jewellery retail?
Visual merchandising is the craft of using store layout, window displays, lighting, and product placement to make jewellery more desirable and easier to buy — everything from how a ring is angled under a spotlight to how a collection is grouped on a counter. IIG South’s Merchandising course applies visual merchandising specifically to jewellery retail, where lighting and presentation affect perceived value more than in almost any other product category.
What's the difference between merchandising and retailing?
Retailing is the broader business of selling goods to end consumers — the store, the transaction, the whole operation. Merchandising is one discipline within that: the specific work of planning, presenting, and pricing product to maximise sales. Every retailer does retailing; not every retailer does merchandising well.
What's the difference between merchandising and marketing?
Marketing builds demand — awareness, brand story, why someone should want a piece before they’ve seen it. Merchandising converts that demand into a sale once the customer is in front of the product — pricing it right, displaying it well, stocking what people actually want. IIG South’s course covers both sides: the marketing mix and STP (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning) alongside hands-on merchandising execution.
How is Jewellery Merchandising different from Jewellery Design?
Design courses train you to create jewellery; Merchandising trains you to sell it. If you want to sketch, model, and build pieces, our Jewellery Design or CAD programs are the fit. If you’re drawn to the business, branding, and retail-strategy side — pricing, positioning, consumer behaviour — Merchandising is built for that, and it’s a strong fit for business or marketing-minded students who aren’t looking to design or manufacture themselves.
What does a jewellery merchandiser actually do?
Day to day, a jewellery merchandiser decides what stock to carry and in what quantities, sets pricing strategy, plans how collections are displayed in-store, and tracks what’s selling to adjust inventory before it’s too late. It’s a role that blends creative judgement (what looks good, what’s on-trend) with commercial discipline (what actually moves).
What's the difference between merchandising and inventory management?
Inventory management is about tracking and controlling stock levels — what you have, where it is, when to reorder. Merchandising uses that data to make commercial decisions — what to stock more of, what to discount, how to plan an assortment around what customers actually want. Our course covers both: inventory and quality control sit alongside pricing, costing, and valuation in the curriculum.
Is digital or e-commerce merchandising covered in this course?
Yes — the course includes ERP systems and digital marketing as tools for merchandising and brand growth, alongside the traditional in-store skills. It’s built around the reality that most jewellery brands today sell across both physical counters and online storefronts.
What is a planogram, and is it covered in this course?
A planogram is a visual map showing exactly where each product should sit on a shelf or in a display case to maximise visibility and sales — a core tool of in-store visual merchandising. Our course’s visual merchandising module covers the underlying principles behind this kind of in-store planning, applied specifically to how jewellery is displayed and cased.
What will I learn in IIG South's Jewellery Merchandising course?
The course covers, in sequence: the merchandising ecosystem and the 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion); marketing mix and product life-cycle planning; adapting jewellery designs to customer and cultural trends; visual merchandising for store appeal; pricing, costing, and valuation strategy; brand identity through packaging, logo, and positioning; STP for market planning; consumer behaviour, quality control, and ethical merchandising; ERP and digital marketing tools; and business communication with SWOT analysis.
Do I need a design, art, or business background for this course?
No — beginners are welcome. It’s built for anyone starting a career in jewellery sales or retail, as well as working professionals already in a store who want to formalise and upgrade their merchandising skills.
How long is the Jewellery Merchandising course, and is it available online?
The course runs for 8 weeks and is available both offline and online, depending on the batch strength.
Does the course include practical, hands-on training?
Yes — it includes store visits, real case studies, and market analysis exercises using frameworks like SWOT and PESTAL, not just classroom theory.
What career paths open up after this course?
Graduates move into roles like Jewellery Merchandiser, Visual Merchandiser, Retail Manager, and Inventory or Brand Manager.
BSc IN GEMS & JEWELLERY
What is the B.Sc. in Gems & Jewellery at IIG South?
It’s IIG South’s flagship degree program — a 3-year, full-time, university-recognised course that combines practical studio training with an academic credential. It covers jewellery design, gemology, diamond grading, manufacturing, and merchandising across six semesters, and includes an industry internship and placement assistance.
What is the eligibility for BSc in Gems & Jewellery at IIG South?
Class 12 pass (any stream) is standard for this program.
Is the BSc in Gems & Jewellery a UGC-recognized or university-affiliated degree?
Yes. The B.Sc. in Gems & Jewellery is a university-affiliated undergraduate degree programme. It is offered by APS College, affiliated with Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University (BCU), with IIG South serving as the Official Training Partner for the programme.
The programme combines a university-affiliated B.Sc. degree with specialised, industry-focused education and practical training in gemology, diamond grading, jewellery design, CAD, manufacturing, and other areas of the gems and jewellery industry.
In short: You earn a B.Sc. degree through the university-affiliated programme, while IIG South provides the specialised Gems & Jewellery training.
View the B.Sc. in Gems & Jewellery curriculum | Learn about IIG South
How long does the B.Sc. in Gems & Jewellery take?
It’s a 3-year, full-time programme.
Can students from Science, Commerce, or Arts backgrounds apply?
Yes — the BSc is open to Class 12 pass students from any stream. No prior art, design, or science background is required.
Is there an internship or industry training in the B.Sc. programme?
Yes — the BSc includes a hands-on industry internship as part of the program, alongside placement assistance on completion.
Is a BSc in Gems & Jewellery a good choice if I want a high-paying career?
A BSc gives you the broadest base — it combines technical training with an academic credential, which matters for export, merchandising, and management roles that a shorter certificate course doesn’t fully prepare you for. Pay scales with specialisation and experience regardless of course type, but a degree keeps more senior, cross-functional roles open to you long-term.
What career paths open up after a BSc in Gems & Jewellery?
Graduates move into gemstone and diamond grading, jewellery design and CAD, retail and merchandising, manufacturing quality control, gem export businesses, and auction houses. A degree gives broader option value than a single-skill certificate, which suits students planning a longer-term or senior-track career.
What is the difference between the B.Sc. degree and IIG South's professional courses?
The BSc is a 3-year, full-time academic degree covering all core disciplines — design, gemology, diamond grading, manufacturing, and merchandising — in one structured program with an internship built in. The Professional, Graduate, and Master’s courses are shorter, focused certifications (6–12 months) built for faster job-readiness in one specific discipline. Choose the BSc if you want breadth and a formal degree; choose a Professional/Graduate/Master’s course if you want to specialise quickly in one area.
ONLINE COURSE
What is the minimum qualification to join IIG South?
Class 10 or 12 pass, depending on the program tier (Professional, Graduate, or Master’s). The BSc program has its own separate eligibility: Class 12 pass, any stream.
Is there an entrance exam or interview for admission?
No — none of our programs require an entrance exam. Admission is based on submitting the completed admission form along with the required documents.
Is there an age limit to enroll in gemology or jewellery courses?
No, all our programs have no upper age limit. Anyone willing to learn can join our courses.
What is the admission procedure at IIG SOUTH?
Parents or Students to submit the completed admission form along with the mentioned documents, such as Copy of Aadhar Card or Passport or PAN card or any other residential address proof. Two passport size photographs should be compulsorily submitted for admission to any IIG Program.
Note: For Non–Residential or Foreign students, a copy of the Passport and self-declaration is a must.
When should fees be deposited for an IIG South program?
Fees as per current Fees Charts should be submitted before or along with the Admission form at least one week prior to the starting date of that particular program.
Do you offer EMI or fee installment options?
Fees are payable in full, upfront. Get in touch with our admissions team for any EMI or Installment options.
Can working professionals join weekend or evening batches?
Yes, we run dedicated weekend batches for working professionals. Reach out to our admissions team to check current slot availability.
What is the maximum batch size?
Our offline batches run 5–6 students; online batches are capped at 5, so every student gets close to one-on-one attention.
PLACEMENT & CAREERS
What are the placement options once I complete the course?
We provide placement assistance through our network of reputed wholesalers, retailers, factories, and manufacturers in the gems & jewellery industry. We also connect students with companies offering internships immediately after course completion.
Which companies or brands hire IIG South graduates?
Our students are placed in many reputable brands like Bhima, Bluestone, CaratLane, Joyalukkas, Kalyan, Krishniah Chetty, Malabar, Navrathan, Tanishq and many more.
What is the minimum pay scale I can expect after the completion of the course?
Based on outcomes from past students, starting salaries generally run around ₹20,000+ for Diamond Graduates, ₹40,000+ for Gemology Graduates, ₹25,000+ for manual Jewellery Designers, and ₹35,000+ for CAD Designers — though actual pay depends heavily on individual skill, specialisation, and drive.
Can I start my own jewellery business after this course?
Yes — several of our graduates go on to start their own ventures like independent jewellery design and manufacturing businesses. Our Diamond and Gemology Master’s programs in particular are structured with entrepreneurs and family jewellery businesses in mind.
Which type of jewellery business is best to start?
It depends on your capital, network, and specialisation — retail (a physical or online storefront), manufacturing (supplying to other retailers), or design-led (a personal label built on a strong portfolio) each suits different strengths. Our Master’s programs are built with exactly this decision in mind, covering the market knowledge — sourcing, pricing, valuation — that any of these paths need.
Does IIG South conduct placement drives?
Yes — placement assistance includes regular placement drives and interview assistance for graduating students, alongside our ongoing employer network.
CAMPUS
Where is the IIG South campus located?
Our campus is located at 11/1, 4th & 5th Floor, Temple Tree Studios, Alfred Street, Richmond Town, Bengaluru – 560025, with dedicated classrooms and lab space for Diamond, Gemology, and Jewellery Design training.
What is campus life like at IIG South?
Each discipline — Diamond, Gemology, Jewellery Design, Merchandising and Manufacturing — has its own dedicated classroom and lab space, kept small by design: offline batches run just 5–6 students, so training stays hands-on rather than lecture-hall generic. The atmosphere leans competitive in the best sense, students pushing each other’s work forward, while staying genuinely supportive.
Does IIG South organise industrial visits and study tours?
Yes — the curriculum includes industrial visits (recent examples include a field visit to Mysore) and, for select programs, international study tours, giving students direct exposure to how jewellery businesses operate beyond the classroom.
Are there opportunities to attend jewellery exhibitions and workshops?
Yes — students get access to exhibitions, seminars, and hands-on workshops as part of the learning experience, not just classroom instruction.
Does IIG South provide industry exposure?
Yes — training includes sessions with industry mentors, guest lectures from working professionals, and masterclasses, so what you learn stays connected to how the industry actually operates day to day.
FACULTY
How experienced is the faculty at IIG South?
Our faculty bring more than 10 years of industry experience on average, with deep, hands-on expertise across Gemology, Diamonds, and Jewellery Design. Classes are structured around live case studies and real projects rather than pure theory, in an environment we’ve built to be organised, collaborative, and genuinely challenging — the goal is a portfolio you build during the course, not just a certificate at the end of it.
What is the procedure to be a Faculty at IIG SOUTH?
IIG SOUTH always allow experienced persons to apply for Faculty positions, at least two years of work for Jr. Faculty and five years of work experience for Sr. Faculty position in the industry or similar and reputed gemology institutes together with 6 month probation training period is required for Gemology, Diamonds, and Jewellery Designing department.
CERTIFICATION
Are IIG South certificates recognised in the gems & jewellery industry?
Yes — our graduates are placed with established, reputable employers including Bhima, Bluestone, CaratLane, Joyalukkas, Kalyan, Krishniah Chetty, Malabar, Navrathan, and Tanishq, which reflects industry confidence in the training.
Is IIG South affiliated with any industry bodies or organisations?
Yes. IIG South has strong connections with the gems and jewellery industry through industry experts, exhibitions, industrial visits, and professional exposure. The institute conducts guest lectures with national and international industry experts, organises domestic and international industrial visits, and participates in major jewellery exhibitions such as SJS, SSI, and IIJS.
IIG South also operates as the educational wing of Laxmi Diamonds, Bengaluru, and has a long-standing institutional legacy in gems and jewellery education dating back to 1965 through IIG’s founding history.
These industry connections give students opportunities for practical exposure, industry insights, networking, and a better understanding of the professional gems and jewellery sector
ADMISSIONS
What is the admission process at IIG South?
Admission follows a simple, guided path: course enquiry, attending a demo session, selecting your program, completing the application form with required documents, fee payment, admission confirmation, and finally beginning classes. Fees should be submitted along with the admission form, generally at least a week before your batch starts.
When do admissions open?
Admissions currently run on a rolling, batch-by-batch basis rather than fixed calendar intake dates — check with our counsellors for the next available batch.
Can I visit the IIG South campus before enrolling?
Yes, you can visit the IIG South campus before enrolling. Every prospective student can attend a demo session as part of the admission process, which gives you a direct feel for the teaching style and environment.
Can beginners join IIG South courses?
Yes — across every course category, IIG South teaches from first principles. No prior drawing ability, science background, or industry experience is required to start.
Are IIG South courses available online, offline, or hybrid?
It depends on the course. Jewellery Design courses can be completed fully online through Zoom Sessions. Gemology and Diamond courses cover theory online via live sessions, but hands-on practical training — working with real stones, diamonds, and instruments — requires attending in person at the Bengaluru campus, since that’s central to how these skills are actually assessed.
How do I choose the right Gems & Jewellery course?
It depends on what draws you in. If you’re fascinated by stones themselves — identifying, grading, valuing them — Gemology or Diamond courses are the fit. If you want to create jewellery, Design or CAD courses build that skill. If you’re drawn to the business and retail side, Merchandising is built for that. If you want all of it plus a formal degree, the BSc combines every discipline into one 3-year program. Still unsure? Our counsellors can help match your interests
How much do IIG South courses cost?
Fees vary by program and tier — a Professional certificate course, a Graduate or Master’s program, and the 3-year BSc are priced very differently. Contact our admissions team or download the course e-brochure for the current fee structure for your chosen program.
How can I get the course brochure and fee details?
You can request the e-brochure and current fee details by calling +91 70196 99357, emailing bengaluru@iigsouth.com, or filling out the enquiry form on our website — our counsellors typically respond within 24 hours.
Still have questions? Talk to our admissions team
