By Chisomo Phiri
Malawi’s only Gemological Institute of America (GIA) gemologist graduate, Yamikani Jimusole,has been awarded a merit-based scholarship to study Jewelry Design at GIA’s London campus.
The announcement, made on December 7, 2024, marks another milestone in Jimusole’s mission to elevate Malawi’s gemstone industry.
The scholarship, valued at £4,698, will cover part of the tuition for the 8-week Jewelry Design Certificate Program, which costs a total of £7,227.
Jimusole will personally fund the remaining £2,529, alongside his accommodation, travel, and living expenses during the course, which begins in June 2025.
ENHANCING EXPERTISE IN MALAWI’S GEMSTONE SECTOR
Already a seasoned gemologist with over a decade of experience, Jimusole aims to combine his gemological expertise with jewelry design skills to unlock new opportunities for Malawi’s gemstone industry.
Once certified as a jewelry designer, he will address a significant gap in Malawi’s gemstone value chain, as the country currently lacks professionals in this critical field.
Jewelry designers play a pivotal role in the gemstone industry, transforming raw materials into high-value, market-ready pieces.
They utilize their creative and technical skills to design, draft, and render unique jewelry.
Certified designers often work as custom designers, hand renderers, business owners, or consultants, collaborating with clients and businesses to add value to gemstones and craft exquisite jewelry.
YAGLE’S TRANSFORMATIVE VISION
As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yamikani Gemstone Lab & Exports Pvt Ltd (YAGLE) , Jimusole is spearheading efforts to transform Malawi’s gemstone sector.
His plans include establishing:
A state-of-the-art gemological laboratory to ensure accurate grading and certification.
A Gemological and Entrepreneurship Institute to train future professionals.
A gemstone and jewelry museum to promote Malawi’s rich gemstone heritage.
These initiatives aim to strengthen Malawi’s position as a key player in the global gemstone market while creating jobs and empowering local communities.
Malawi has over 25 types of gemstones, including rubies, tourmalines, zircons, aquamarines, and more, with the potential to generate billions of dollars annually.
However, the lack of proper grading, certification, and appraisal systems limits the country’s ability to realize this potential.
Gemstones are often exported undervalued, reducing their economic impact.
Jimusole has been a vocal advocate for the introduction of these systems, emphasizing that such measures will not only increase revenue but also boost investor confidence in Malawi’s gemstone sector.
SCHOLARSHIPS: A PATHWAY TO INDUSTRY GROWTH
GIA’s merit-based scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on academic performance and professional potential.
This opportunity enables students like Jimusole to access world-class training while reducing financial barriers.
The Jewelry Design program will equip him with skills in design theory, technical drawing, rendering, and portfolio development, preparing him to add immense value to Malawi’s gemstone exports.
Jimusole has encouraged other Malawians to pursue scholarships or self-fund studies in gemology and jewelry design, highlighting the endless opportunities available in the sector.
A PIONEER FOR MALAWI
Having graduated as a gemologist from GIA’s Thailand campus in 2017, Jimusole is a trailblazer in Malawi’s gemstone industry.
His certification as a jewelry designer will further solidify his leadership, allowing him to create bespoke, high-value jewelry that meets international standards.
With his dual expertise, Jimusole envisions a future where Malawi’s gemstone industry can thrive, competing on a global scale while benefiting local communities.
His story is an inspiring example of how education and innovation can transform an entire sector.
MOVING FORWARD
Jimusole’s scholarship is more than a personal achievement; it’s a step toward revolutionizing Malawi’s gemstone sector.
By integrating gemology and jewelry design, he is paving the way for a brighter, more lucrative future for Malawi’s natural resources.
 gemologist graduate, Yamikani Jimusole,has been awarded a merit-based scholarship to study Jewelry Design at GIA’s London campus. The announcement, made…){kind=link}