Learn first-hand from world-leading gemmologists

Intensive & efficient: fast-track your gemmological knowledge with SSEF Education

SSEF courses are proven to be efficient in developing gemmological skills at all levels. Courses in coloured gemstones, diamonds, pearls and jewellery: Benefit from the direct exchange with the SSEF team of highly experienced gemmologists and access an unparalleled collection of rough and faceted, as well as loose and mounted stones for study.

Obtain knowledge to navigate in a complex market: Whether you are a newcomer or an industry insider, you will develop professional skills that are relevant and directly applicable in the gem, jewellery and watches business. Small, focused groups ensure personalized instruction and effective learning of the criteria for the identification, authenticity determination, treatment detection, origin determination and quality control of gemstones, diamonds, pearls and jewellery.

In gemmology and jewellery, expertise and experience are the key to success.

Get started now.

Why choose us?

Small groups

Highly practical
courses

Leading gemmologists as lecturers

Large course
collection of stones

Four decades of
teaching

Thousands of satisfied
students

Basic Gemmology

Level:

Introduction

Duration:
10 days
Price:
4000 CHF excl. VAT

Explore gemstones, diamonds and pearls through highly specialized hands-on training. SSEF offers the unrivalled opportunity to learn the fundamentals of gemmology within a condensed 10-days gem bootcamp. Learn how to use professional tools such as loupes, microscopes and other instruments in order to identify gemstones (including treatments and synthetics).

Next courses : 

17 – 28 March 2025

03 – 14 November 2025

Basic Diamonds

Level:

Introduction

Duration:
5 days
Price:
3000 CHF excl. VAT

Beyond the 4Cs: Transform your understanding of diamonds into professional knowledge with SSEF. Natural diamonds and “laboratory grown diamonds”,”laboratory-created diamonds” or “synthetic diamonds”: Get an overview of the differences and clarification on the correct terminology used in the trade. Learn about the formation, properties and grading of diamonds. In an intensive week of training, gain hands-on practice with loose and set diamonds, with the aim of developing skills that you can instantly apply in your daily business.

Next courses : 

15 – 19 September 2025

Advanced Coloured Gemstones

Level:

Advanced

Duration:
5 days
Price:
4000 CHF excl. VAT

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.

Next courses : 

31 March – 04 April 2025 – Fully booked

23 – 27 June 2025

24 – 28 November 2025

Advanced  Jewellery

Level:

Advanced

Duration:
5 days
Price:
4000 CHF excl. VAT

Is a piece of jewellery real or fake? What period is it from, what metals are used, what hallmarks can be seen and what kind of stones does it feature? Learn to understand the historical, cultural, economic and social contexts of jewellery as well as the influence of fashion and industry trends. This SSEF course follows the institute’s usual practice-based approach and offers the unique opportunity to collect experience in handling authentic antique and vintage jewellery. Engage in small groups with renowned experts and gain confidence in identifying and classifying various styles of jewellery.

Next courses : 

13 – 17 October 2025

Advanced Pearls

Level:

Advanced

Duration:
2 days
Price:
1600 CHF excl. VAT

Dive deep into the world of pearls with the intensive course by SSEF. Focusing on formation, identification and recognition of treatments, this programme offers the rare opportunity of hands-on examination of natural and cultured pearls. Taught by world-leading gemmologists, you will be able to sharpen your expertise and build experience for all types of pearls you may encounter throughout your career in a complex market.

Next courses : 

01 – 02 December 2025

Advanced Small Diamond

Level:

Advanced

Duration:
3 days
Price:
2400 CHF excl. VAT

With decades of experience testing tens of millions of small diamonds, SSEF shares their expertise essential to the watch and jewellery industry. This unique and intensive course is specifically designed to develop and enhance quality control capabilities and gain invaluable practical know-how. Learn from the best in the field to define and control quality criteria, applying precise large diamond grading procedures to small diamonds efficiently.

Next courses : 

On Request (please contact us)

Scientific Gemmology

Level:

Scientific

Duration:
5 days
Price:
5000 CHF excl. VAT

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. 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.

Next courses : 

30 June – 04 July 2025

Scientific Diamonds

Level:

Scientific

Duration:
5 days
Price:
5000 CHF excl. VAT
Is it a natural or synthetic? Learn how to scientifically identify natural diamonds, synthetics, imitations and detect treatments. In this intensive one-week course, SSEF provides exclusive insights into advanced diamond testing techniques. Acquire practical skills in a fully equipped mobile gemmological laboratory, using scientific spectroscopic methods and exploring portable analytical testing methods such as: FTIR spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrometry, Raman microspectrometry, fluorescence imaging and other cutting-edge approaches. Learn from highly experienced gemmologists and develop critical thinking skills that will benefit you in your professional career.

Next courses : 

07 – 11 July 2025

For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us. We also provide tailored courses for your teams.

SSEF guide to Basel

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