The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) has organised a 10-day course on identification of various precious and semi-precious stones.

The aim was to meet the increasing demand for more skilled professionals in the growing coloured stones segment, said an official spokesman.

'The coloured stones market in Dubai is slowly shifting its focus from being a supply driven business to becoming more consumer focused. Customers are now increasingly fashion conscious and they give added importance to design and style and not just the value,' said general manager, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, K P Baiju.

'This calls for specialised skills which can be developed through training and development programmes. The colour stone identification course is one such initiative in this direction,' he added.

Aimed at jewellery professionals and enthusiasts, the course was conducted by Jean-Mathieu Mangnay, a graduate Gemologist from International Gemmology Institute at Antwerp and an expert in coloured stones.

The programme focused on the basic principles of identification and systematic classification of coloured stones and how to distinguish between natural and synthetic rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other stones.

'I run my own jewellery business in my home town. I have never had any formal education in coloured stones and I thought this programme is a good opportunity. Now I have better knowledge of the industry and this will definitely help me in my business,' said Olga Marjasa, who travelled to Dubai from Latvia to attend the course.

Seventeen students attended the 10-day course and many are now planning to start their own business or use the knowledge to develop their existing enterprises.

Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group conducts various training programmes for its members and jewellery enthusiasts throughout the year. The courses include Identification & Grading of Diamonds, Jewellery Designing and workshops on Managerial Excellence, Leadership & Motivation and Team Building. - Trade Arabia News Service