Advanced Pearls
1600.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
The Advanced Pearls course by SSEF is an advanced gemological programme that provides a two-day intensive practical training on pearls.
Duration: 2 days
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Language: English
Group sizes: 9 students maximum
Level: Advanced
Prerequisites: Knowledge about pearls is required. Professional experience in gemstones or jewellery is recommended.
Certificate: Advanced Pearls Participation Certificate
Upcoming courses:
30 November – 01 December 2026
What will I learn?
Dive deep into the world of pearls with this 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 the types of pearls that you may encounter throughout your career.
Who is this course for?
This course is for industry professionals who are seeking to specialise in pearls or those wishing to deepen their knowledge of natural pearls and cultured pearls.
Course structure
This is a intensive practical training course that offers the opportunity to gain experience handling all types of pearls. Main topics covered include: the formation of pearls, distinguishing natural and cultured pearls, as well as detecting pearl 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 dynamic dialogue.
Aim of this course
This practical course aims to show participants all the different types of pearls that exist. Possibilities and challenges in pearl testing will be demonstrated alongside learning about the formation of pearls, different types of pearls, and treatments.
Long-term benefits
This course strengthens your experience with natural and cultured pearls and allows you to gain niche expertise. You will improve your knowledge of all types of pearls by acquiring practical skills that can be applied directly in day-to-day business.
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
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?
SSEF guide to Basel
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Apply for a scholarship
Each year, we award two educational scholarships named after past SSEF directors.