Want To Become a Jewelry Professional? Get Certified in the UAE!

When I started my online wholesale jewelry store in Dubai, I never imagined one day wanting to create my own designs. But more and more, I am feeling the need to make something: to bead, to string, to draw... I've been dabbling in designing my own collection for a while, but after watching countless YouTube videos, I realized I needed professional help (for my jewelry work that is).

Being in the jewelry industry makes people assume that you know everything there is to it (and that should be the case if you want to be successful!)

I've been in situations where my friends and co-workers ask me about a certain gemstone, or the clarity of their diamond or what the difference is between gold plated or gold filled? Often times, I would just BS my way through my answer, hoping they won't Google it and find out I'm completely clueless.

Thus, I began my jewelry knowledge journey. I started off with iBooks and bought every book imaginable about the subject. I familiarized myself with the big dogs in the industry (Cartier, DeBeers, Van Cleef) and focused on some of the newer, less known designers. But of course, I am still learning and sharing my knowledge on this blog. And I need to study the subject academically.

So, if you are looking to get a proper certificate or degree in the UAE in any jewelry related field, read on to find out how you can get started.

International Gemological Institute
IGI is an international diamond and gemstones grading laboratory based in Antwerp, Belgium. They've been in the jewelry-certifying business since the 1970's and are the one of the oldest labs in Europe.

They began offering jewelry related courses both online and off since the early 2000's in several locations, including Dubai. The courses vary in duration and at the end you will be certified in:

• Polished Diamonds
• Rough Diamonds
• Colored Stones
• Pearl Grading
• Jewelry Design
• CAD Design
• e - Learning
• Retail Sales  

Tuition for the above courses are pretty steep, totaling to 23,000 AED ($6,270) for the entire module. But you can also register for the e-learning course, which is relatively cheaper and is self-paced. That will set you back 2,700 AED ($750).


ESMOD Dubai 
ESMOD is the only fashion-dedicated institute in the UAE. Although they specialize in fashion design and pattern-making, they do offer a jewelry workshop for beginners. The tuition for a 1 month workshop is 6,500 AED ($1,800) and you will learn beading and jewelery-making techniques as well as creating mood boards and concept creation.

National Institute for Vocational Training (AKA Damas University)
NIVE was established in 2006 to provide students with the opportunity to gain specific job competencies geared to enhancing their employ-ability. Shockingly, they have an extensive jewelry business development program fully funded by Damas Jewelry. The 2-year Higher National Diploma (HND) is inclusive of all things related to jewelry and the jewelry business. Not only do they give classes in design but they also include business courses on how to manage your own jewelry company!

Out of all the above programs, I feel this is the most comprehensive as well as the most reputable. Unfortunately, not much is known about the tuition but you can contact them and inquire here.

Do you know of other online/offline jewelry diplomas or certificates? Got a review to share with us? Let us know in the comments section below or email us at sales@lavalierdubai.com.

Exclusive Pictures Showing a Glimpse Inside the House of Christian Dior During the 1950's & 60's

The 1950's was a great time for fashion: People were done with war-time austerity and wanted to live it up. And what other way to spend cash than on looking good?

Only two years after the end of World War II, Paris fashion houses reopened their doors and solidified their role as the fashion capital of the world.

Enter Christian Dior, who resurrected the Haute Couture we now know and love. With the help of Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga, a new direction for women's clothing was formed: it was dubbed the "New Look".

We all know what 1950's fashion looked like: a nipped waist, knee-length skirts, neck and bust in full view. That's all the handy work of the genius who was Christian Dior.

The below were taken by Life Magazine photographer Mark Shaw, who snapped these behind-the-scenes images from the 1950's through the 60's. They don't only capture clothing but the mood of French society at the time.

Check them out and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Win at Gift-Giving with Al Liali Jewellery

The holidays are right around the corner and most of us will be scrambling last minute trying to find the perfect gift for that special person. But with our hectic work schedule, who has time to go around shopping all day?

The answer is: We do! 

We ventured out to the jewelry shops from all over the UAE to find the best and most affordable gifts, so you won't have to!

We kick start the Gift Guide with Al Liali Jewelry.

The company first opened its doors in 1999 and since then has seen an unprecedented growth, opening 21 stores across the UAE.

The store offers a lot of advantages like a 0% interest installment plan, an unconditional exchange policy and the ease of mind of buying conflict-free stones. Don't like what you see? Snap a picture and they will customize a ring just for you. 

The awesome people behind this growing brand shared their latest arrivals and holidays specials exclusively with Lavalier Dubai and we couldn't be happier. We spent the day sifting through their vast collection, picking out the trendiest pieces and talking all things bling with their store manager.

There has been a growing trend in the jewelry industry, a trend we are loving, which is the illusion diamond. Why splurge on full-carat stone when you can get the illusion of a one for half the price?

Check out the latest collections, and let us know what you think in the comment section below.

5- Carat Illusion Ring in White Gold

The White & Yellow Gold Filigree Set

Illusion Diamond Set

Illusion Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Smokey Quartz & Amethyst Gold Rings with Diamond Setting 

Smokey Quartz - Side View

Our favorite pieces? The white and yellow gold filigree collection, a stocking stuffer that will turn heads (and won't break the bank).

For more information, prices and locations, contact the store nearest you (and tell them Lavalier Dubai sent ya!)

Designers You Should Know: Dannijo

I learned about the beautiful sisters behind Dannijo Designs while browsing the Saks Fifth Avenue online store. I found myself drawn to their effortlessly stylish hand-crafted pieces of art.

Jodie and Danielle Snyder started making jewelry using their cardiologist father's surgery equipment. They quickly found their passion for jewelry-making and launched Dannijo, a brand synonymous with affordable luxury and trendy jewelry. 

Their items can be found in stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Shopbop, Holt Renfrew, Lane Crawford and Harvey Nichols.

As part of their social responsibility initiative, all Dannijo packaging is made in Rwanda as to promote sustainable economic opportunity for women in underdeveloped nations. 

Check out our favorite additions to their collection and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Jewelry Porn: Napoleon's Bling in Australia

If you're in Victoria, Australia this week, then you must check out Napoleon Bonaparte's belongings at Australia's National Gallery of Victoria. The collection includes 300-pieces of Napoleon's jewelry, watches and silverware. Not to mention the furniture, paintings and other ornaments owned by the Emperor of France from 1804 and 1815.

The intricate designs, the precious jewels, the history behind every item... that's what drives me to blog about this industry. 

"Among the impressive collection on display is a 200-year old Breguet “touch” watch by French horologist Abraham-Louis Breguet. 

The watch belonged to Napoleon’s youngest brother, Jerome Bonaparte and is impressive not only because Breguet was considered the leading watchmaker of his day, but because the design of the watch was advanced for its time. 

Encrusted in old mine cut diamonds which stand in to indicate the hour, and pearls that indicate the half hour, the ornate arrow turns with the watch’s movements and tells the time without the wearer needing to open a cover. 

The watch was considered a forward piece of technology within that era, and was popular among younger people who wanted to know the time discreetly by feeling the face of the watch without the ceremony of taking the watch out of their pockets."

Check out some of the gorgeous pieces from the exhibition, titled "Napoleon: Revolution to Empire".

Bling Must-Haves from CC Skye

We are currently obsessed with everything CC Skye. She's a beautiful and talented jewelry designer from the States. You should read her journey to become one of the most successful jewelry designers...so inspirational and a case-and-point for all of us who want to ditch the 9-5 for a creative and lucrative jewelry career.

Her gorgeous pieces can be found in over 800 retail stores around the world. Not to mention on the hands, necks and wrists of A-list celebrities.

What's not to love about her brand new collection (which now includes bags and other accessories)? Check out our favorite pieces.

What do you guys think about her background and her designs? Let us know in the comments section below!

Diamonds Are Girls Best Friend:Knuckle Ring

Check out this awesome 4-finger snake knuckle ring made of diamonds andwhite gold. Love it!

Young Chinese Designer Reinvents the Knuckle Ring

Warning: the below works of art will blow your mind. 

Payson Ni just graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and has already been named Young Jeweler of the Year by Bentley & Skinner. Personally, rarely do I see something to inspirational and creative coming out of the jewelry industry. 

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to dig out much information but we have hope! Both the new collection AND the online shop will be coming soon. I personally can't wait to see what else is in store from this young talent. But from the looks of it, these rings (which are of Chinese landscape) will cost and arm and a leg. 

Offices of the Most Creative & Influencial People in the World

Trying to get work done in a pile of food, empty coffee cups and stacks of paper on your desk is probably the worst way to start the day. I'm not an overly-neat person, but my workspace can't look like a tornado hit it if I want to get stuff done and, of course, done right.

If you need some inspiration for creating the perfect desk / office then take it from the world's most creative (and influential) people.