Qatar, particularly its burgeoning jewellery sector, will stand to gain from the establishment of the country’s first laboratory specialising in examining and grading diamonds and precious stones.
According to co-founder Ahmed al-Obaidli, the Gems & Metals Calibration Lab will “effectively contribute” to accelerating development in Qatar even as the country is preparing to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Al-Obaidli explained that the establishment of the lab, which is located on the seventh floor, Tower 2, The Gate Mall, “is considered an integral part of Qatar’s economy as it will keep pace with the change in the concept of individual consumption and the view of purchasing priorities”.
The lab operates in collaboration with one of the largest institutes in this field – the International Gemological Institute (IGI), and it is fully equipped with the necessary testing devices used worldwide. The lab’s academic and technical team is also part of the IGI team, al-Obaidli noted.
Speaking to Gulf Times, al-Obaidli said the 18th edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) from May 9 to 14, will be the highlight of the lab’s official launch under the patronage of Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani.
“During the DJWE, we will be offering brief consultations and seminars at our stall during the event,” he said.
As part of the lab’s vision and mission, al-Obaidli stressed that Qatar will be the first Arab and regional country to raise public awareness of the importance of grading diamonds, reduce fraud in this field, and seek to ensure the purchase of a product with correct standards.
He also emphasised that one of the most important goals of the lab is to unify the market and promote Qatar’s expertise in gemology by raising awareness locally and globally.
“Our lab will be offering training courses on the classification of diamonds and minerals to provide accredited certificates, which provide technical and legal guarantee to the consumer when purchasing jewellery,” he pointed out.
He also said, “We aim to enhance the mutual trust between jewellers and consumers and to build a large base for investors in this field in Qatar, in the presence of such laws and technical requirements for the success of this sector.
“We will help reduce commercial fraud by opening our laboratory to any visitor and consumer to check any merchandise purchased to avoid any fraud. Our expertise in this field will be expanded to all neighbouring countries after its success in Qatar. In addition, the lab will protect the trader in the first place from suppliers abroad in order to ensure that their goods meet the agreed specifications.”
According to al-Obaidli, signing a contract with IGI and allowing it into the Qatari market will be a “great success for Qatar” as these types of institutes only have branches “in the most important centres of the world” where they were launched.
“With IGI entering the Qatari market and agreeing to contract with our office, this will definitely allow our lab to serve its role properly,” al-Obaidli emphasised, adding that IGI was established in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1975 and is the largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute worldwide today.
“IGI’s distinguished position in the world of gemstones is not a coincidence but rather the result of continuous research, support and synergy with professionals and consumers alike. IGl certifications are a worldwide trusted source when buying or selling diamonds, gemstones and jewellery,” he added.