Manama: The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT): 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).
According to Bahrain News Agency, 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 in the 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.
Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT, said the organisation was proud to celebrate the graduation of Gem-A students who completed an important stage in their educational and professional journey, whether through the Foundation Certificate or the Diploma in Gemmology. She noted that the ceremony represented an opportunity to recognise the knowledge and professional progress achieved by the graduates and marked a step toward expanding the pool of internationally qualified and accredited talent in the jewellery and gemstone sector.
Jamsheer added that, through its academic partnership with Gem-A, DANAT is committed to providing 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.
She invited those interested in developing their knowledge in gemmology to register for the next batch of Gem-A programmes, scheduled to begin in September, and benefit from the opportunity to obtain internationally recognised qualifications within a specialised educational environment that combines scientific foundations with practical application.
She also affirmed DANAT's continued efforts to expand specialised education and training programmes that contribute to increasing the number of accredited gemmology specialists, meeting the growing needs of the sector, and strengthening the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub in this domain.