SAFIR Jewellery & Gems, in cooperation with and accredited by “Aurora Singapore Gemological Laboratory”, is pleased to announce the opening of Safir Gemological Academy (SGA). SGA will provide professional education and vocational training in gemology, with an emphasis on hands-on courses and activities.
The goal of the SGA Academy is to offer high-quality knowledge in gemology and practical skills required for examining, evaluating, and identifying rough as well as cut and polished natural gemstones. Additionally, the Academy aims to provide a general understanding of precious metals used in jewellery manufacturing and first-hand experience in the commercial aspects of the gemstone business.
The educational program consists of 3 levels
Level 1 – Introduction to Gemology. Familiarization with Natural Gemstones. (1.5 months – 45 hours)
Level 2 – Professional Level. Examination, Evaluation and Identification of Natural Gemstones. (3 months – 108 hours)
Level 3 – Business Level. Gemstone market ( 1 months )
Practical approach is an important key to mastering the specialization and therefore “SGA“ Academy envisions emphasizing 90% of its focus on practicum and first-hand involvement tutorials and providing only 10% of theoretical instructing
The full time 3-level educational program consists of practical classes and theoretical lectures, which will be conducted by experienced teachers and professionals using extensive resources belonging to SAFIR JEWELLERY & GEMS. In addition to the educational program, students will visit various mining and trading sites located in India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka to have a clear understanding of pricing and profitability when working with natural gemstones.
Upon completing Level 1, students will be awarded a certificate in “Fundamentals of Gemmology,” which allows them to continue their education at Level 2. Upon successfully completing Level 2, students will receive a Diploma in “Expert Gemmologist,” which is certified by the “Aurora Singapore Gemmological Laboratory” . The final business level grants the aspirant the title of “Expert Diploma Gemmologist,” enabling him or her to work professionally in the gemological and jewelry sectors.
Level 1 – Introduction to Gemmology. Familiarization with natural gemstones.
Level 1 covers the basics of gemmology and provides general knowledge for familiarization with types of natural gemstones, their origins, and development (replacing the word “evolution” with “development” does not change the main meaning. While gemstones grow, live, get sick, recover, and die, in gemmology, this is of little importance. In the ordinary sense, they do not develop. They are built strictly according to their program, as they were 2-3 million years ago, and as they are now).
- Introduction to gemology. Natural Minerals and Human
- History and Facts 1.5month ( 45 hours)
- Evolution
- Main Classifications of Natural Gemstones. Mineral Group and Varieties
Duration: 1.5month ( 45 hours)
After successfully completing Level 1, the student will receive a certificate in “Basics of Gemmology,” which allows them to move on to Level 2. The knowledge gained in Level 1 will help those interested in working in jewelry stores or businesses as sales representatives, personal assistants, and office managers.
- 1. Tuition fee
- 2. Books and tutorials
- 3. Uniform
- 4. Certificate "Essentials of Gemology"
- The Academy also provides:
- 4. Free valet- parking
- 5. Free soft drinks
Level 2 – Professional Level: Research, evaluate and identify natural gems.
We recommend upgrading to Level 2 as an “Expert Gemologist” to gain a deeper understanding of natural gems. This course includes extensive practical training on researching, evaluating and identifying natural gems using laboratory equipment. You will learn to identify the mineral type, variety, and origin . Thanks to the vast collection of stones owned by SAFIR JEWELRY & GEMS, you will be able to perceive the nuances of purity and color that significantly impact the value of gems. Special attention is paid to identifying traces of treatment, types of cuts, the process of applying facets, and composite criteria such as proportion, symmetry, and polish. Understanding precious metals used in jewelry is also essential. Therefore, classes on precious metals and metal melting will be conducted.
- Examination of Natural Gemstones with the Help of Laboratory Equipment. Types of Equipment and their Use
- Refractive Index (RI)
- Extracting the maximum size from raw material
- Gemstone gravity density
- Identification of natural, synthetic and imitation gemstones
- Microscopes
- Study of treated gemstones (heat treated, chemically treated)
- Color zoning
- In-depth study of cuttings and their types
- Chelsea filters
- Study of natural gemstones color gamut
- Spectroscopes
- Mining locations of natural gemstones
- Polariscopes
- Study of precious metals used in jewellery industry
- UV light
- Study of metal melting
- D 4500 K-D 6500 K light
- Study of rhodium and gold plating of metals
- Study of rough natural gemstones
- General understanding of casting and waxing
Duration: 3month (108 hours)
- 1. Tution fees
- 2. Books, tutorias, gemstones kit , equipment
- 3. Uniform
- 4. "Expert Gemologist" Diploma
Level 3 – Business level. Gemstones market
The final 3rd level called “Business level”. For those wishing to open their own business in the field of precious stones, as well as for those whose the work is related to the purchase of natural stones, both processed and in raw materials, we offer complete Business Level 3.
- This course includes the examination and evaluation of raw materials, the calculation of yield and valuation of the proposed processed stone.
- Overview of the world market of precious stones.
- Purchase and sale prices.
- Dynamics of changes in world prices and forecasts for the future.
- Investments in precious stones.
- Purchase and sales markets.
- Logistics, cargo, customs clearance.
- Rules for the circulation of precious stones in individual countries.
- Market of collectible minerals.
- Review of the main world exhibitions of precious stones.
- The rarest and most expensive minerals.
- Marketing “chips” for the sale of precious stones.
Most of the course is devoted trips to the main centers of dealer sales and mining of precious stones in India, Thailand and in Sri Lanka. There, in the field, under the supervision of an experienced mentor, students will be able to work out in practice the acquired knowledge on the evaluation of raw materials.
The main objective is to
- Learn not to get lost in abundance offers.
- Work out the methods of buying and processing transactions.
- Avoid the mistakes of the inexperienced buyers.
- The mentor will tell and show how to evaluate raw materials when buying in lots.
At the end of the 3d level, graduate will be conferred ” Expert Gemologist of Gemstone Market” qualification, which is confirmed by Diploma under certification of “Aurora Singapore Gemological Laboratory”
- 1. Fee for training courses
- 2. Books, study guides, natural gems for work, equipment
- 3. Flights, accommodation, meals
- 4. Uniform
- 5. Graduation ceremony
- 6. Diploma "Expert gemologist of the market of natural gems