Bahrain train Saudi customs on gemstones

TDT | Manama

Saudi Customs employees have received scientific training on the evaluation and classification of precious gemstones from the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT).

Established in July 2017, DANAT’s mission is to become the world’s preferred institute for gemstones and natural pearl third party verification services.

It has built a diverse team of gemologists and pearl experts from Bahrain and the world who are supported by the latest scientific instrumentation and research in order to protect both traders and consumers.

In collaboration with the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers (TAQEEM), the two-day remote workshop was conducted by DANAT’s qualified employees, who possess long-standing academic and practical experience in the field of pearls, jewellery, and gemstones, and have mastered the required training skills for delivering information to trainees remotely.

The Saudi employees were trained on how to properly examine gemstones imported and exported by traders or carried by departing or returning travellers according to the highest international standards.

The first workshop was presented by DANAT Chief Executive Officer Noora Jamsheer during which she explained to the employees of the Saudi Customs the most recent and effective scientific methods used in customs control of jewellery transported through border crossings in addition to the difference between rough and polished stones.

The workshop also reviewed the classifications of gemstones such as diamonds, pearls, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and others, aside from the scientific mechanism for determining the value of gemstones and their customs identification codes.

The two-day seminar included several key topics, such as the definition of gemstones, the geological conditions of their formation and how to extract and process them. The team also described the different types, specifications, and composition of each gemstone.

Participants were trained to distinguish between original and synthetic gemstones, how to read official certificates that document the type, size, and specifications of the gemstone, and the mechanism for conducting scientific tests, in addition to the diverse uses of gemstones. Jamsheer stated that DANAT is pleased to work with the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers (TAQEEM) to provide these specialised qualitative seminars to raise awareness of gemology.

Taqeem secretary-general Sultan Al Jorais said: “This seminar provided us with an impressive start by a specialised and capable partner in the precious metals and gemstones sector, DANAT.

“The evaluation of precious metals and gemstones is essential in preserving rights and protecting interests, whether in sales and purchases, dispute settlement and liquidation of estates, or foreclosure and in- vestment operations.”

“Taqeem is currently preparing an integrated programme to qualify and license the practitioners of this profession,” he concluded.