MOIC Directorate of Precious Metals & Gemstone Testing, and Swiss Gemmological Institute collaborate in pearl research

The MOU is an important landmark in terms of the future of international collaboration at a time when the natural pearl trade is being challenged by increasing amounts of beadless saltwater cultured pearls (also called Keshi cultured pearls). The MOU is particularly important to Bahrain, which has a long tradition in pearls, and remains to this day, a major hub for the natural pearl trade.

Both organisations have strong international reputations in pearl certification, and believe that the MOU will enhance their respective ability to maintain the quality of their service, and will serve to strengthen their historic collaboration.

The MOU, which is intended to establish mutual co-operation in research and training on pearls and to harmonize the testing of pearls, and in particular to develop criteria for distinguishing natural pearls from cultured pearls, was signed on behalf of MOIC by Mr. Ali Safar, Director of the DPMG, and by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, Director of SSEF.

The MOIC is confident that this MOU will help in maintaining the integrity of the international natural pearls trade, and looks forward to cooperating with SSEF in this regard.