Advanced Coloured Gemstones course
4000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
The “Advanced Coloured Gemstone” course by SSEF is an intensive gemmological programme that provides comprehensive practical training focused on the identification of treatment and origin of ruby, sapphire and emerald.
Duration: 5 days
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Language: English
Group size: 9 students maximum
Level: Advanced
Prerequisites: Knowledge in gemmology is required. Professional experience in this field is recommended.
Certificate: Advanced Coloured Gemstones Course Participation Certificate
Upcoming courses: 31 March – 04 April 2025 (fully booked), 23 – 27 June 2025 (fully booked) and 24 – 28 November 2025
What will I learn ?
Expand your gemmological expertise with SSEF’s advanced course for coloured gemstones. It focuses on one of the institute’s key specialities: recognising gemstone treatments and identifying the origin of rubies, sapphires and emeralds under the microscope. Learn from the best in the field with a very practical approach. A large stone collection will enable you to gain the necessary experience and practice to navigate confidently in the gem and jewellery industry.
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at industry professionals who wish to specialise in coloured gemstones, particularly rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
Course structure
This is an intensive practical course offering the opportunity to gain experience in the examination of coloured gemstones, in particular ruby, sapphire and emerald, using the state-of-the-art gemmological methods and instruments. Main topics coverd in this course: natural rubies, sapphires and emeralds from different geographical regions, their synthetic counterparts and treatments. Limits of authenticity of gemstones, determination of origin and recognition of treatments.
This course, taught by world-leading gemmologists, is designed in two parts: theory and hands-on training using gemmological instruments and samples from a large stones collection for study. Small groups guarantee intensive training and a dynamic dialogue.
Aim of this course
You will work hands-on with an optical microscope and UV-lamp to identify the common characteristics of: i) natural ruby, sapphire and emerald from different geographic origins, ii) synthetic ruby, sapphire, and emerald, and iii) treated ruby, sapphire, and emerald, while being made aware of the possibilities and limitations of gemstone authenticity, origin determination and treatment detection with these methods.
Long-term benefits
In this course you can acquire advanced gemmological knowledge about coloured gemstones. You will develop advanced practical skills that will help you to navigate a complex market with confidence.
What you’ll learn during the Advanced Coloured Gemstones Course
Want to learn more about our courses?
Please visit our page dedicated to frequently asked questions. For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
31 March – 04 April 2025 (fully booked)
23 – 27 June 2025 (fully booked)
24 – 28 November 2025
Price for this course:
4000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Module 1
Ruby & Sapphire Introduction
- Synthetic rubies and sapphires as well as treatments involving heating of ruby and sapphire
- Use of the optical microscope to observe and identify the microscopic characteristics of a wide range of treated (including flux and glass filling) and untreated ruby and sapphire samples, as well as synthetic rubies and sapphires
Ruby & Sapphire Introduction
- Synthetic rubies and sapphires as well as treatments involving heating of ruby and sapphire
- Use of the optical microscope to observe and identify the microscopic characteristics of a wide range of treated (including flux and glass filling) and untreated ruby and sapphire samples, as well as synthetic rubies and sapphires
Module 2
Origin Determination of Ruby
- Origin determination of ruby
- Introduction to the different methods used to determine the geographic origin of rubies.
- Use of the UV-lamp and optical microscope to observe and identify the characteristics and inclusions of rubies from a wide range of different geographic origins (e.g. Burma, Mozambique, Thailand)
Origin Determination of Ruby
- Origin determination of ruby
- Introduction to the different methods used to determine the geographic origin of rubies.
- Use of the UV-lamp and optical microscope to observe and identify the characteristics and inclusions of rubies from a wide range of different geographic origins (e.g. Burma, Mozambique, Thailand)
Module 3
Origin Determination of Sapphire
- Origin determination of sapphire
- Introduction to the different methods used to determine the geographic origin of sapphires.
- Use of the UV-lamp and optical microscope to observe and identify the characteristics and inclusions of sapphires from a wide range of different geographic origins (e.g. Burma, Kashmir, Sri Lanka)
Origin Determination of Sapphire
- Origin determination of sapphire
- Introduction to the different methods used to determine the geographic origin of sapphires.
- Use of the UV-lamp and optical microscope to observe and identify the characteristics and inclusions of sapphires from a wide range of different geographic origins (e.g. Burma, Kashmir, Sri Lanka)
Module 4
Emeralds: Origin Determination and Treatment Detection
- Origin Determination and Treatment Detection of Emeralds
- Introduction to the different methods used to determine the geographic origin of emeralds.
- Use of the UV-lamp and optical microscope to observe and identify i) the characteristics and inclusions of emeralds from a wide range of different geographic origins (e.g. Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Zambia), ii) the detection of clarity modification (e.g.fissure filling with oil, resin or wax), iii) the characteristics of synthetic emeralds
Emeralds: Origin Determination and Treatment Detection
- Origin Determination and Treatment Detection of Emeralds
- Introduction to the different methods used to determine the geographic origin of emeralds.
- Use of the UV-lamp and optical microscope to observe and identify i) the characteristics and inclusions of emeralds from a wide range of different geographic origins (e.g. Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Zambia), ii) the detection of clarity modification (e.g.fissure filling with oil, resin or wax), iii) the characteristics of synthetic emeralds.
Module 5
Practical Workshop: Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
- Practical training with the optical microscope on a wide range of rubies, emeralds and sapphires from the SSEF collection
- Discussion and review of content covered during the course
- Presentation of the Advanced Coloured Gemstones Certificate of Attendance
Practical Workshop: Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
- Practical training with the optical microscope on a wide range of rubies, emeralds and sapphires from the SSEF collection
- Discussion and review of content covered during the course
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
31 March – 04 April 2025
23 – 27 June 2025
24 – 28 November 2025
Price for this course:
4000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Want to learn more about our courses?
Please visit our page dedicated to frequently asked questions. For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why choose us?
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