ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
GradingNov 15, 2017
Bahrain Opens Pearl and Gem Laboratory
Kenneth Scarratt, an industry veteran and one of the world’s foremost authorities on natural pearls, has been named CEO.
The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat) has opened to help bolster the country’s position as a center for gem expertise and research.
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain--As part of an effort to revive the pearling industry in Bahrain, a new gemstone grading laboratory has opened in the country.
Bahrain has been known for its pearls for centuries, supplying about 80 percent of the world’s total, and making up the mainstay of its economy, until the 1930s when competition from cheaper cultured pearls from Japan effectively shut the industry down.
In 1990, the country established the Pearl & Gem Testing Laboratory within the Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture.
Now, established with the support of the government, the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat) has been formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company. It was set up to take over, enhance and expand upon the work of the aforementioned lab, according to the Danat website.
Located in Bahrain’s World Trade Centre, Danat will serve both the local and global markets and collaborate with leading institutes and labs from around the world.
Mumtalakat tapped Kenneth Scarratt, one of the world’s foremost authorities on natural pearls and a more-than-40-year industry veteran, as its CEO.
Scarratt’s leadership and research roles in the industry have included managing director of Southeast Asia for the Gemological Institute of America; laboratory Director for the AGTA Gemological Testing Center in New York; director, laboratory services, education and research at the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences in Bangkok; and CEO and director of laboratory services at the Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain.
He also has published more than 100 articles and research papers, delivered lectures and trainings in different countries, worked on several high level special projects and co-authored a number of books including “The Crown Jewels” and “The Pearl and The Dragon.”
Danat’s range of services and products currently include verification and authentication reports, scientific research, analysis of pearls and gemstones and ongoing training programs in gemology.
The lab will form a board of directors to help guide its development.
As a sponsor of regional gem and jewelry show Jewellery Arabia, running from Nov. 21 to 26., Danat will have a presence at the event with a booth that will include a complimentary advice center for those selling or purchasing gem materials, displays of unusual pearls and gemstones, history perspectives, short gemological presentations, a VIP lounge and a display of Danat’s product range.
More on Grading
The Latest
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
