Press release

GIA Collaborates with Bahrain to Develop World-Class Pearl Testing Facility

Memorandum of Understanding helps the Kingdom build on its pearling history

BAHRAIN – 9 January 2014 – The Bahrain Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help develop the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Gemstone and Pearl Testing Laboratory (GPTLB) into a world-class research centre for natural pearls.
 
“We’re pleased to contribute GIA’s expertise and research to build on Bahrain’s history and reputation as a leading centre for natural pearl research and production,” said Tom Moses, GIA’s executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.
 
The initiative, which was agreed on in November 2013, is to protect and enrich Bahrain’s pearling industry by increasing capacity, research, expertise and technology at the GPTLB, and by identifying further opportunities for growth. The memorandum builds on Bahrain’s history as a world pearling centre, an industry once considered the backbone of the Kingdom’s economy.
 
“This is an exciting development for Bahrain’s pearling industry. By working in partnership with GIA, the GPTLB will be provided with the facilities and expertise required to capitalise on regional and international trade and investment opportunities in this fast growing sector,” said Dr Hassan Abdullah Fakhro, the Minister of Industry and Commerce.
 
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with GIA, a leading source of research, standards, and education in gems and jewellery, to ensure the GPTLB has the tools required to boost Bahrain’s pearl production capacity,” added H.E. Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB. “Historically, pearling was the backbone of our economy, and we want to capitalise on our heritage, combined with world-class techniques and processes, to create a centre of excellence for the industry here in Bahrain.”

GIA has an established presence in the Middle East, conducting education programmes and courses in major trade centres including Bahrain, Dubai, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

About GIA

An independent non-profit organisation, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognised as the world’s foremost authority in gemmology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which today is recognised by virtually every professional jeweller in the world.
 
Through research, education, gemmological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewellery by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.