Scientific Gemmology course
5000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Duration: 5 days
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Language: English
Groups: 9 seats maximum
Level: Scientific
Prerequisites: Interest in gemmology
Certificate: Scientific Gemmology Course Participant Certificate
Upcoming courses: 30 June – 04 July 2025
What will I learn ?
Join SSEF for an immersive scientific training experience: gain rare insights into advanced testing techniques in a fully equipped mobile gemmological laboratory. For an entire week, explore hands-on scientific methods and portable analytical tools such as FTIR spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrometry, Raman microspectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XFR) and more. In this scientific course you will learn the fundamental criteria for identifying minerals, gemstones and their varieties. Distinguish naturals from their synthetic (laboratory-grown) counterparts and imitations. Learn to detect treatments and determine gem origins. Plus: You will be able to engage with world-leading gemmologists to develop your ability to critically interpret results.
Course structure
Scientific gemstone testing – main topics covered include: identification of minerals, gemstones and gemstone varieties. Distinguishing between natural gemstones, synthetics and imitations. Detecting common gemstone treatments. Determining the origin of some gemstones. Identification of diamonds and imitations. Advanced portable testing methods, such as, but not limited to: FTIR spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrometry, Raman microspectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and other approaches to scientific testing of gemstones. Critical thinking.
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 dynamic dialogue.
Who is this course for?
Industry professionals and gemmologists who want to gain insights into advanced diamond testing in a fully equipped laboratory and deepen their scientific skills.
Aim of this course
The goals of this course are: i) to introduce students to portable spectroscopic instruments used to solve common gemmological problems, ii) to be aware of how to interpret and think critically about results, and iii) to be aware that there are limitations to the instruments and interpretations of data that can be made.
Long-term benefits
In this course you will be able to develop practical skills with scientific spectroscopic methods and gain theoretical insights into advanced portable analytical test methods. In particular, you will be trained to critically interpret test results.
What you’ll learn during the Scientific Gemmology 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 June – 04 July 2025
Price for this course:
3000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Module 1
Identification of Minerals & Gem Varieties
- Introduction
- How to identify minerals with the ED-XRF and Raman microprobe.
- How to determine gem varieties with the ED-XRF and UV-VIS spectrometers.
Identification of Minerals & Gem Varieties
- Introduction
- How to identify minerals with the ED-XRF and Raman microprobe.
- How to determine gem varieties with the ED-XRF and UV-VIS spectrometers.
Module 2
Natural or Synthetic?
- How to determine gemstone authenticity (natural vs synthetic) and identify imitations of natural gemstones using the ED-XRF, FTIR, and Raman Microprobe.
Natural or Synthetic?
- How to determine gemstone authenticity (natural vs synthetic) and identify imitations of natural gemstones using the ED-XRF, FTIR, and Raman Microprobe.
Module 3
Detection of Gemstone Treatments
- How to identify treatments with the FTIR, Raman Microprobe, and ED-XRF.
Detection of Gemstone Treatments
- How to identify treatments with the FTIR, Raman Microprobe, and ED-XRF.
Module 4
Origin Determination of Gemstones
- How to determine gemstone origin with the ED-XRF and UV-VIS.
- There will also be a practical session with our LA-ICP-TOF-MS to show the versatility of the instrument.
Origin Determination of Gemstones
- How to determine gemstone origin with the ED-XRF and UV-VIS.
- There will also be a practical session with our LA-ICP-TOF-MS to show the versatility of the instrument.
Module 5
Review and Practical Case Studies
- Description of how the portable instruments work.
- Discussion and review of content covered during the course.Attendance.
Review and Practical Case Studies
- Description of how the portable instruments work.
- Discussion and review of content covered during the course.
- Presentation of the SGC-Scientific Gemmology course Certificate of Attendance.
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
11 – 15 November 2024
30 June – 04 July 2025
Price for this course:
5000.- 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.