How Contemporary Tools are Developing Traditional Skills

Sunil Jahangir, a CAD designer, meticulously works on perfecting the design of a gold pendant.

A 3-dimensional design of a pair of earrings shows each layer of the design. It gives a clear idea to the craftsmen and designer, of the exact size and placement of the stones.

In the words of Akhil Dhaddha, marketing manager of the establishment, "CAD has made designing faster and more precise as compared to hand drawn blueprints".

Shamool Dev selects gemstones and arranges them in the required order. He assesses the effect on a wax replica of a multi-tier neck piece.

Detail of a craftsperson placing gemstones on a wax mould of a neckpiece by assessing its final effect.

Satish Shukla, a quality controller, supervises a craftsperson and checks the frame of a gold neckpiece before stones are set in it.

A quality control expert oversees the fineness of a gold frame of a neckpiece.

The frame is placed on wax to avoid displacement of the tiny joints of the neck piece.

Once a piece of jewellery is created by craftsmen, it goes through multiple rounds of cleaning. It involves cleaning with an ultra-sound machine.

Then it is dipped in water in which vibrations are created as a further form of cleaning.

Earlier, the moulds were made of silver and it was only after the final approval of the design that the use of precious metal for the final piece would start.

A range of 3-D printed wax moulds show the role of technology as an accelerator in the process of creating a design in a cost effective manner.

A wax model of Lord Ganesha, a Hindu deity, made in a 3-D printer can be seen at many work stations.

Artists use the same technology to create a wax image of their favourite deity..

Shashankan Devnath uses an earthen pot full of Plaster of Paris to join the metal ends of the ring by soldering it with a fire gun.

The master craftsman is also the oldest employee of the establishment. He has been working here for 23 years.

He expresses satisfaction with the work culture at the organisation which encourages the building of long-term relationships between craftspeople and their managers.

An inside view of the jewellery workshop.

It offers a dignified working environment and adequate functional space that is well-lit, well-equipped, and well-organised.

A picture of the Hindu deity Durga, pinned on the workstation of a craftsperson, shows the sanctity attached to the craft of jewellery making.

A goldsmith considers his work, which demands total and prayerful concentration, equivalent to an act of worship.

Read more about jewellery from Rajasthan here:

- Through the eyes of a collector
- The unrivalled craft of Jaipur’s jewellery making