The pleasure of beautiful jewellery and the skill of those who work with it were some of the common grounds for dozens of civilizations that have risen in Anatolia. From the Hittites to the Ottomans, all civilisations developed their own jewellery style and technique, and added their colours to this vibrant heritage. These are the milestones in the history that has transformed Turkey into a jewellery country with exports valued at nearly $2.6 billion. The tourism sales revenue is not represented in these figures. If the expected rate of over $1 billion in tourism sales were included, the gem export value would reach nearly $4 billion.
Looking back at the history of jewellery in these lands, the use of gems in Anatolia dates back to the Neolithic ages, when mankind began to establish permanent settlements. Excavations performed at Gobeklitepe, one of the most significant recent archaeological discoveries, revealed ornaments made of natural shells, glass, stone and malachite from around 7000–8000 BC.
IFA Paris Istanbul Campus MBA Luxury Brand Management students have been exposed to a multitude of precious and semi-precious stones in all colors and shapes, in the Gemology laboratory. Mr. Emre Gunay has explained the importance of design in adding value to the jewelry itself.