Unlocking Opportunities: Gemstone Cutting Skills Pave the Way for Youth Employment in Sistan-Baluchestan
In Sistan-Baluchestan province, the art of gemstone carving has emerged as a promising source of employment and income, transforming unrefined stones into exquisite works of art. This craft not only provides a means of livelihood for local artisans but also showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.
According to IRNA, the profession of cutting precious and semi-precious stones is accessible and can be initiated with minimal investment from the comfort of one’s home. With basic tools and a bit of skill, individuals can create beautiful ornamental stones, turning their creativity into sustainable capital.
Gemstone carving presents various employment opportunities for young people in areas such as:
- Exploration
- Production
- Trade
- Export
Iran is endowed with substantial resources for producing these stones. When processed adequately, the value of these stones can increase significantly, resulting in sustainable job creation and substantial income for the nation.
The popularity of jewelry and the artistry involved in stone carving has surged in recent years, driven by its potential for stable income and high foreign exchange earnings. This unique blend of art and craftsmanship has drawn an increasing number of individuals towards this lucrative field.
Sistan-Baluchestan is particularly rich in natural resources, boasting a variety of metallic and non-metallic mines, earning it the title of the ‘Rainbow of Mining’ in Iran. The pristine and expansive mines in this area have created vast opportunities for the development of mining and related industries.
In recent years, the implementation of exploration projects has led many young individuals to recognize this potential, prompting them to pursue skill training and establish stone-cutting workshops. Among the most notable gems extracted from provincial mines are:
- Salt crystal
- Red and blue agate
- Soleimani agate
- Lapis lazuli
- Jasper
Today, the sounds of machines and electric tools resonate in small home and educational workshops across Sistan-Baluchestan, bringing a sense of hope for employment and a brighter future for the youth.
Taha Abbasian, a gem-cutting entrepreneur based in Zahedan, shared insights about his journey in the field of jewelry making. He stated, “I have been involved in the field of jewelry making for the past four years and I work in the field of cutting precious and semi-precious stones.”
He elaborated, “At first, I started with carving the precious and semi-precious stones, then I had to learn how to make silver and gold stirrups to complete the ideas and achieve my desired designs.”
Abbasian emphasized the importance of incorporating local culture into his creations, saying, “Sistan-Baluchestan has a beautiful cultural heritage, and I have tried to combine this authenticity and local art with jewelry making to create more diversity and attractiveness.”
Highlighting the need for marketplaces, he mentioned, “Setting up a bazaar to sell artistic products, especially the opening of a new bazaar in Zahedan will have a significant impact on the prosperity of the artists’ work. In addition, we will use the capacity of cyberspace to introduce and sell the works.”
Abbasian also noted, “I exhibit the jewelry I make at exhibitions, and some of it is also sold in different cities. Usually, friends and visitors purchase the orders after seeing the works.” He added that most of the stones he cuts are available in various sizes and have gained popularity in metropolitan areas due to their unique styles and designs. These stones are used in crafting various types of jewelry, including:
- Rings
- Earrings
- Bracelets
- Textiles
- Clothing design
“At one time, I was a gem cutting instructor and had about 60 students in the field of jewelry making. This field has great potential for growth, and those interested can follow a successful path in it through having creativity,” he expressed.
Abbasian stressed that government support for artists could greatly enhance their motivation and success. “If the authorities support this art, it can create suitable employment for young people. Working with precious and semi-precious stones is very delicate and attracts people’s attention. If special and exemplary designs are presented, a good job market will be provided for activists in this field,” he stated.
Institutions like Jahad Daneshgahi (the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research) are actively involved in training individuals in gemstone cutting in Sistan-Baluchestan province. Mahdi Keshtegar, the deputy head of the center, highlighted that stone cutting courses aim to create employment opportunities and develop a robust labor market.
Keshtegar mentioned that students from Jahad Daneshgahi can enter the workforce and start their endeavors after completing their courses. “Three courses and three stone cutting workshops have been held in Sistan-Baluchestan, and these initiatives continue to thrive,” he noted.
He also shared that educational complexes are being established in Zahedan and Chabahar cities to maximize the benefits of this capacity. “We have three active workshops in Zahedan, with about 20 people receiving training in each workshop. In total, around 900 individuals have been trained in this field in Sistan-Baluchestan, with a significant portion successfully entering the labor market post-training,” he concluded.
