A new educational centre, the International Fine Jewellery Academy, is being launched in Milan to boost education in craftsmanship, research and development, standards, sustainability and new technologies, the CIBJO Congress heard.

One key pillar of the courses is Craft & R&D: Craft as a Research Discipline.

Another focus will be R&D in Luxury.

“Expertise is needed about sustainability and new technologies,” said Gabriele Cartasegna, director general of CAPAC Confcommercio.

“Students will be exposed to international standards. Innovation, skills and technology will be a focus.”

Alessia Crivelli, president of Fondazione Mani Intelligenti, spoke of the importance of maintaining competitiveness in craftsmanship in a fast-changing, increasingly technology-driven jewellery industry.

Gaetano Cavalieri, president of CIBJO, said the courses were just starting from a small base and invited enquiries from prospective students.

“This is something that was born to grow,” he said.

The founding members of the International Fine Jewellery Academy are CAPAC — Polytechnic of Commerce and Tourism; Fondazione Mani Intelligenti; and CIBJO.