Gems and Jewels: Passing Down Specialized Knowledge and Skills in Pakistan’s Mineral-Rich Province of Balochistan

Abstract

Gemology and jewelry training are at the core of what the Gems and Jewelry Training and Manufacturing Centre in Baluchistan’s mineral rich province in the southwest of Pakistan does and stands for. Widespread poverty, illiteracy and resistance against foreign influence set a stark contrast to what is happening within the circuit of artisans whose surface this descriptive social analysis is an attempt to enter more deeply into this world hidden from the outside gaze. For this study, mixed research methods were used like participant observations, focused group discussions and household questionnaires for a tool for data collection. Contradicting, what one may expect the data revealed that the vast majority (95 percent) of this study participant were young and educated. In addition, 55 percent of their income comes from applying the acquired specialized knowledge and skills. On average, they saved Pakistani Rupees 266,311/- a year, which is a commendable amount considering the local circumstances. Nearly all of the respondents had received practice-oriented education from the Gems and Jewelry Training and Manufacturing Centre. Faceting is, besides knowing the qualities of precious and semi-precious stones, a core focus of the training program. The program’s alumni had originally learnt of the Centre’s existence through sign boards, the Internet, and print media. Their savings, interestingly, are spent on education, with their children going to private schools. About two thirds of the interviewed men and women confirmed that on completion of their training, they purchased raw materials/gems. They also bought mobile phones and motorbikes, which they considered to be part of the ‘tool kit’ required to be successful in their business. Importantly, about half of the respondents regretted not having been able to set up their own business, partly because they lacked the requisite business skills. Hence, based on this field-based survey, we a comprehensive study program is required at the college-level that combines gemology, gem cutting and faceting and fine and fashion jewelry, with business administration and marketing. Ideally, this would be carried out in collaboration with professional schools and colleges from China, The United Arab Emirates, and Thailand in order to give greater importance to this sector with its high development potential.