One of the major goals of the Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT) is to bolster the reputation of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a major centre for gemstone expertise.

The institute reflects Bahrain's ancient pearling history and its desire to protect and revive this heritage, all the while supporting the local and international jewellery industry. Led by Kenneth Scarratt, a renowned gemmologist and pearl specialist, DANAT also has a team of experienced gemmologists who undertake pearl and gemstone verification testing, and advanced research; provide authenticity reports and offer a variety of internally developed educational programmes.

According to the company, the Kingdom of Bahrain is the world's premier destination for natural pearls, backed by a pearling heritage that spans over 4,000 years. Today, Bahrain brings its pearling legacy to the modern world and promotes its natural pearl and jewellery industry by boosting consumer confidence. Bahrain introduced strict laws and regulations preventing cultured pearls from entering and being traded in Bahrain's domestic market to ensure that only natural pearls are sold to consumers. It is the only country that prohibits the trade of cultured pearls by law. To this day, Bahrain's pearls are celebrated for their brilliance, purity and beauty. “It is thought that the purity and beauty of Bahraini pearls are due to the oyster beds that lay close to Bahrain's sweet water springs,” revealed DANAT.

Natural pearls are one of nature's most splendid gifts and are among the rarest of gems, delighting sophisticated buyers. Distinguishing between natural and cultured pearls was previously based on the experience of pearl merchants and divers. Pearl identification and verification has since become a scientific method and requires a specialised laboratory such as DANAT.

Education

DANAT's educational courses were developed to serve a wide range of students including beginners, jewellery traders, academics and laboratory staff. Many of the programmes are unique to the market as these include extensive hands-on experience with gemmological instrumentation in DANAT's education facility and world-class laboratory. Furthermore, DANAT has partnered with other leading institutes to provide globally recognised courses.

“DANAT is leading the way for Bahrain to become a hub for gemmological excellence worldwide. DANAT's Gemstone Introduction: Faceting Class, which teaches students about gemstone faceting, is the first of its kind in the region,” noted DANAT.

DANAT is exhibiting at the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair from June 20 to 23 at booth 3M201 in Zone B of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. This is DANAT's third consecutive participation in the fair. DANAT is providing onsite pearl and gemstone testing services throughout the event.