Manama: The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) has announced the opening of registration for the internationally recognised Gem-A Foundation Certificate in Gemmology, accredited by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A). The programme is slated to commence in February.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Gem-A, which is the world's oldest gemmology education body, has been training gemmologists globally for over a century. The Foundation Certificate is viewed as a gateway into the gem and jewellery industry, providing academic grounding and practical exposure.
This initiative highlights DANAT's dedication to establishing Bahrain as a global center for gemstone expertise. The programme launch coincides with a growing demand for highly qualified, internationally accredited professionals, fueled by the luxury jewellery industry's expansion and increasing global standards for transparency and traceability.
DANAT is the first accredited teaching center of Gem-A in the Middle East. Through this programme, the institute intends to equip participants with an understanding of natural gemstones, pearls, and diamonds. The qualification provides foundational knowledge and technical skills necessary for entrepreneurial ventures in jewellery-related businesses and supports career development in jewellery design, gemstone appraisal, laboratory analysis, and gem trading and investment. Graduates can also pursue further studies through the Gem-A Diploma in Gemmology.
The curriculum encompasses essential topics like gemstone identification and classification, care and handling techniques, and commercial applications. Participants will learn about factors influencing gemstone valuation and market pricing and develop hands-on skills with gemstones. The course also delves into organic, synthetic, and imitation materials in the gem trade.
Participants will be trained in using specialised gemmological instruments and testing procedures, studying the full gemstone lifecycle from extraction to retail. A significant learning outcome is the ability to distinguish between natural, treated, and synthetic gemstones professionally.
Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT, stated that the new programme batch responds to market demand locally and regionally. The gem and jewellery sector is moving towards greater specialisation, and there is a need for professionals with internationally benchmarked scientific knowledge. DANAT aims to empower the next generation of Bahraini and regional gemstone experts.
Jamsheer highlighted Bahrain's reputation as the global capital of natural pearls and a regional benchmark, noting the limited number of internationally accredited specialists. Expanding educational pathways is crucial to bridging Bahrain's rich pearl heritage with contemporary expertise, especially given the growth of the high-end jewellery sector and the industry's focus on transparency and consumer trust.