Saudi Customs Employees Receive Training On Gemstone Classifications

The Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers (TAQEEM) organized a two-day virtual workshop in collaboration with the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) for Saudi Customs employees, Bahrain News Agency reported on Tuesday

During the workshop, the employees were trained to examine gemstones imported and exported by traders or carried by departing or returning travelers.

The training on customs’ evaluation for gemstones was conducted according to the highest international standards.

The first presentation during the workshop was made by DANAT CEO Noora Jamsheer in which she explained the most recent and effective scientific methods used in customs control of jewelry transported through border crossings in addition to the difference between rough and polished stones.

It 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 workshop was conducted by DANAT's qualified employees, who possess long-standing academic and practical experience in the field of pearls, jewelry, and gemstones, and have mastered the required training skills for delivering information to trainees remotely.

The two-day workshop 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 said that DANAT is pleased to work with TAQEEM to provide these specialized qualitative seminars to raise awareness of gemology.

"This workshop provided us with an impressive start by a specialized and capable partner in the precious metals and gemstones sector, DANAT. The valuation 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 investment operations," the secretary-general of TAQEEM, Sultan Al Jorais, said.

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

Saudi Gazette