Learn with world-class experts
Fast-track your gemmological knowledge with SSEF Education
SSEF courses are designed to accelerate your gemmological knowledge and refine your skills. Whether you are beginning your journey or advancing your professional expertise, our Basic, Advanced, and Scientific programs provide the perfect path for your growth.
- Learn directly from internationally renowned gemmologists
- Access a curated, world-class collection of gemstones
- Benefit from small, focused groups ensuring personalised guidance
- Acquire practical knowledge to confidently navigate a complex market
From newcomers to seasoned professionals, SSEF courses equip you with expertise that is immediately applicable in the world of gems, jewellery, and luxury watches.
In gems and jewellery – expertise and experience, are your keys to success.
Explore our SSEF courses today.
Why choose us?
Basic Gemmology
Entry-level
Explore gemstones, diamonds and pearls through highly specialised hands-on training. SSEF offers the unrivalled opportunity to learn the fundamentals of gemmology within a condensed 10-day gem bootcamp. Learn how to use professional tools such as loupes, microscopes and other instruments in order to identify gemstones.
Next courses :
09 – 20 March 2026 (fully booked)
02 – 13 November 2026
Basic Diamonds
Entry-level
2000 CHF excl. VAT
Beyond the 4Cs: Transform your understanding of diamonds into professional knowledge with SSEF. 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 :
16 – 20 November 2026
Advanced Coloured Gemstones
Experienced
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 :
23 – 27 March 2026 (fully booked)
29 June – 03 July 2026 (fully booked)
23 – 27 November 2026
Advanced Jewellery
Experienced
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 :
End of October 2026 (TBC)
Advanced Pearls
Experienced
Deep dive 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 :
30 November – 1 December 2026
Advanced Small Diamond
Advanced
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
Scientific
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 :
13 – 17 July 2026 (fully booked)
Scientific Diamonds
Scientific
Next courses :
06 – 10 July 2026
For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us. We also provide tailored courses for your teams.
Free online courses by SSEF
Understanding Gemstones
Start your journey to becoming a gem expert with these introductory online courses.