Dubai, July 23rd, 2007 (WAM) - To meet the increasing demand for moreskilled professionals in the growing coloured stones segment, the DubaiGold & Jewellery Group organised a ten day course on identification ofvarious precious and semi-precious stones.

"The coloured stones market in Dubai is slowly shifting its focus frombeing a supply driven business to becoming more consumer focused. Customersare now increasingly fashion conscious and they give added importanceto design and style and not just the value. This calls for specializedskills which can be developed through training and development programmes.

The colour stone identification course is one such initiative in thisdirection," said K.P Baiju, General Manager, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group.

Aimed at jewellery professionals and enthusiasts, the course was conductedby Jean-Mathieu Mangnay, a Graduate Gemologist from International GemmologyInstitute at Antwerp and an expert in coloured stones.

The programme focused on the basic principles of identification and systematicclassification of coloured stones and how to distinguish between naturaland synthetic rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other stones. The objectiveof the course is to develop trained gemmologists with theoretical andpractical knowledge.

Olga Marjasa, who traveled to Dubai from Latvia to attend the course,said," I run my own jewellery business in my home town. I have never hadany formal education in coloured stones and I thought this programme isa good opportunity. Now I have better knowledge of the industry and thiswill definitely help me in my business."17 students attended the 10 day course and many are now planning to starttheir own business or use the knowledge to develop their existing enterprises.

Mamta Valrani, a Dubai resident, is planning to start her own companywith the help of DMCC.

For Olena Khomenko from Ukraine, the programme is a great networking opportunityas it brings together a group of like minded people who can learn fromeach other's experiences. She commented: "Since everyone who attendedthe course had a common interest in jewellery, the atmosphere was oneof excitement and enthusiasm. I have attended many courses regularly conductedby DGJG and I am now a certified Gemologist. This programme has givenme in-depth knowledge of coloured stones."Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group conducts various training programmes forits members and jewellery enthusiasts throughout the year. The coursesinclude Identification & Grading of Diamonds, Jewellery Designing andworkshops on Managerial Excellence, Leadership & Motivation and Team Building.