Advanced Pearls
Focused, hands‑on training in pearl identification and grading
Duration: 2 days
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Language: English
Group size: 9 students max.
Level: Advanced
Prerequisites: Knowledge about pearls is required. Professional experience in gemstones or jewellery is recommended.
Certificate: Advanced Pearls Participation Certificate
Cost: 1600.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Upcoming courses:
30 November – 01 December 2026
29 – 30 November 2027
Course overview
The Advanced Pearls course is a focused, practice‑driven training programme designed for professionals who wish to deepen their expertise in the identification and assessment of pearls. Delivered over two comprehensive days, the course concentrates on the vast range of pearls available, and the practical challenges associated with distinguishing pearl types and grading them.
Training reflects professional gemmological practice and places strong emphasis on direct examination, comparison, and informed interpretation.
Learning approach
The course follows a compact structure combining theoretical introductions with intensive practical sessions.
Participants are trained to:
- understand pearl formation and key distinctions between natural and cultured pearls
- assess pearls using appropriate observational criteria
- recognise common pearl treatments
- compare and interpret findings with confidence, and understand limitations
Teaching facilitates hands-on practice to allow the assessment of pearls with clarity, accuracy, and professional judgement.
Why this training
Pearl testing presents unique challenges that differ fundamentally from those encountered with mineral gemstones. Reliable identification requires:
- familiarity with a wide range of pearl types and qualities
- understanding of the formation processes
- hands‑on experience and comparison of pearls
- awareness of the possibilities and limitations of different testing methods
This course provides concentrated exposure to these aspects, allowing participants to develop practical competence through direct examination rather than theoretical description alone.
Course format
Duration: 2 days
Daily schedule: 09:00–16:00 (including a one‑hour lunch break)
Location: SSEF headquarters, Basel, Switzerland
Group size: Maximum 9 participants
The small group format ensures intensive hands‑on training and close guidance during practical sessions.
Certificate
Participants receive an Advanced Pearls Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the course.
What you will work with
Participants will work hands‑on with:
- Natural and cultured pearls
- Different pearl types and curated grading sets
- Observation of many pearl-producing shells to understand why they produce pearls with particular characteristics
- Demonstrations of advanced testing techniques used in professional pearl assessment within the SSEF laboratory
Working with a vast collection of pearls and shells, practical sessions focus on comparison, observation, and interpretation of features relevant to identification.
Who should apply
This course is designed for:
- Gemmologists
- Passionate hobbyists of pearls
- Jewellery professionals working with pearls
- Specialists seeking to deepen their expertise in pearls
Prior gemmological knowledge is recommended.
This course is not designed for:
- Complete beginners to gemmological concepts
- Participants seeking a general introduction to gem materials
What you’ll learn during the Advanced Pearl 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:
30 November – 01 December 2026
29 – 30 November 2027
Price for this course:
1600.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Module 1
Introduction to Pearls
- Introduction into formation of natural and cultured pearls
- Practical work with natural and cultured pearls
- Internal structure of pearls (cross-sections)
- Quality of pearls
- Terminology of pearls
Module 2
Identification of Natural and Cultured Pearls
- Pearl testing with X-radiography
- X-ray luminescence
- Micro X-ray tomography
- Advanced pearl testing
- Practical work with pearls
- Conclusions
- Discussion of knowledge gained during the course
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
04 – 05 November 2024
01 – 02 December 2025
Price for this course:
1600.- 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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Apply for a scholarship
Each year, we award two educational scholarships named after past SSEF directors.