Manama: The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) recently celebrated the graduation of a new batch of students from the internationally recognised Gem-A Foundation Certificate in Gemmology, accredited by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A). The ceremony honoured students who completed the Foundation Certificate and the Gem-A Diploma in Gemmology. Diploma graduates are awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA), widely recognised as one of the highest professional distinctions in gemmology.
The event recognised the graduates’ achievement in completing the theoretical and practical examinations administered by Gem-A, reflecting their acquisition of scientific knowledge and practical skills through DANAT’s specialised programmes. As the first accredited Gem-A teaching centre in the Middle East, DANAT continues to contribute to the development of qualified professionals in the sector. This milestone highlights the growing interest in specialised disciplines within the jewellery and gemstone sector, alongside increasing demand for talent equipped with internationally recognised expertise and applied knowledge to support the industry’s continued development.
The graduation of this cohort comes as the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to strengthen its position in the fields of pearls, gemstones and jewellery, amid rising demand for qualified specialists able to work in line with the highest professional standards in testing, appraisal and classification. It also highlights the importance of specialised educational programmes in preparing professionals who can support the sector’s growth and reinforce transparency and trust across gemstone and jewellery markets.
The Gem-A programmes offered by DANAT are among the world’s oldest and most respected gemmology education programmes, with a legacy extending over 110 years. They provide a comprehensive scientific curriculum that introduces participants to gemstone characteristics, care and handling techniques, commercial applications, and the key factors influencing gemstone value and pricing. The programmes also cover professional handling of gemstones in their various types and forms, organic, synthetic and imitation materials commonly encountered in the gem trade, and the use of specialised gemmological instruments and accurate testing procedures. Participants also gain a thorough understanding of the gemstone lifecycle, from mining to sale, while developing the ability to distinguish between natural, treated and synthetic gemstones through a recognised scientific and professional methodology.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Noora Jamsheer, Chief Executive Officer of DANAT, said: “We are proud to celebrate the graduation of Gem-A students who have completed an important stage in their educational and professional journey, whether through the Foundation Certificate or the Diploma in Gemmology. This ceremony is an opportunity to recognise the knowledge and professional progress achieved by the graduates and represents a step towards expanding the pool of internationally qualified and accredited talent in the jewellery and gemstone sector.”
Mrs. Jamsheer further added: “Through our academic partnership with Gem-A, we are keen to provide high-calibre programmes that enable participants to develop their skills and build promising career pathways in a rapidly growing sector that requires advanced levels of expertise and professionalism.
“We invite those wishing to develop their knowledge in gemmology to register for the next batch of Gem-A programmes, scheduled to commence in September, and to benefit from a distinctive opportunity to obtain internationally recognised qualifications within a specialised educational environment that combines scientific foundations with practical application. We also reaffirm our continued efforts to expand specialised education and training programmes that help increase the number of accredited gemmology specialists and meet the growing needs of the sector, and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional hub in this field,” she concluded.
About Danat:
Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) was established in 2017, under the aegis of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. It was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom. Its vision is to become the world’s preferred institute for natural pearls and gemstones’ third-party verification services and scientific research.
As a reflection of Bahrain’s ancient pearling history and the strong desire to protect this heritage, DANAT was established as the guardian of global gemmological excellence. It plays a vital role in ensuring, protecting and enhancing public trust in pearls, gemstones and jewellery. DANAT is an authority on industry standards, scientific knowledge and education, and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional and personal ethics. For more information on DANAT, kindly contact: muneera.alfadhel@DANAT.bh or call: +973 33590010.
