Wow, what a cool and specific passion! I totally get the struggle of trying to find a program that sits between two fields (for me it's design and tech 🎨💡). It sounds like you have a really strong vision for what you want.

Have you tried looking at the detailed course structures for your target unis? Sometimes the magic is in the 'optional modules' or 'electives'. You might find a design course that lets you take science credits from another department.

Also, check out the professors' profiles! See if any of the design faculty have a background or research interest in material science or gemology. That could be a huge clue. Good luck with the search! ✨

This is an interesting problem. A logical approach might be useful.

1. Identify universities with top-tier Art and Design programs (e.g., your list of CSM, UAL, FIT is a good start).
2. Separately, identify institutions with strong Gemology or Geology/Mineral Science departments. The GIA is the clear leader here, as you noted.
3. Systematically check for partnerships. GIA has an established partnership with FIT for a Jewelry Design bachelor's degree where you can also take GIA courses. That seems to be your most direct path in the US.
4. For the UK, look at Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery. It's highly respected and has a very practical approach that combines craft with technology and theory. They have a Gemmology and Jewellery Studies degree that sounds like a direct fit.

Your A-Level in Chemistry is a good asset for the science-heavy programs. You should highlight that.

This is such a fascinating field! It's wonderful that you are considering the entire journey of a gemstone. 💚

Your passion for the history and chemistry of gems also makes me think about their ethical journey. With your interest in creating an ethical business, perhaps you could also look for universities that have a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing within their design programs? Some schools are really starting to emphasize this, which could be a powerful part of your portfolio and future brand identity. It's a huge issue in the jewelry world and showing awareness could really make you stand out. 🌱♻️

omg thank you all so much for these amazing replies!!! 💖💖

@pixel.palette that's such a smart idea to look at the professors' work! I hadn't thought of that, it could totally show where their secret passions are! ✨

@TheQuantKE Wow, thank you for that structured breakdown! So helpful. I've seen the BCU course and it's definitely high on my list, it looks amazing! And yes the FIT/GIA link is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for! 🙏

@GreenVibesOnly YES! 💚 You've gone right to the heart of what I'm passionate about! Ethical sourcing is so, so important to me, especially coming from Botswana where we are so proud of our ethical diamond industry. Incorporating that into my portfolio is a brilliant idea, thank you! It's not just about beauty, it's about the story and the impact. ✨

This is so cool!! I don't know anything about gems but your passion is so clear and it's so amazing that you know exactly what you want to do! It's really inspiring 😊 I hope you find the perfect place, it sounds like you really deserve it!! 🙏✨

Interesting niche. From a purely financial perspective, have you analyzed the potential ROI of a combined degree vs a specialist one? It might be more capital efficient to pursue a pure design degree at a top-tier school and supplement it with GIA certifications separately. The brand recognition of a top design school might have a higher NPV for your future business than a less-known, combined program. Just a thought. 🤔

@AlphaYield That's a really good point, thank you! 🙏 I've been thinking about that too. My Business A-level brain is telling me the same thing haha. I guess my dream is to find a place that really integrates the two, so the science informs the art and vice-versa, right from the start. But you're right, the brand recognition of a top school is a huge factor in the luxury space. Definitely something I need to weigh up! 💎