The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) is a leading educational institution that is dedicated to providing high-quality education in the field of gemmology. Founded in 1974 by Henry Hänni, the SSEF offers a range of courses and programs designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the gemstone industry.

The SSEF’s mission is to promote the scientific understanding of gemstones and their identification through education, research, and innovation. To achieve this goal, the organization offers a range of courses and programs that cover a wide range of topics in gemmology, including the study of diamonds, coloured gemstones, and pearls.

One of the most well-known programs offered by the SSEF is its SGC – Scientific Gemmology Course which requires an advanced gemmological education in order to participate. Gemmologists qualified to take the course work hands-on with advanced, portable gemmological instruments such as the FTIR spectrometer, UV-VIS spectrometer, Raman Microspectrometer, and ED-XRF Spectrometer, to become aware of the spectroscopic characteristics needed to: i) identify minerals/gemstones/gemstone varieties, ii) distinguish between natural gemstones, their synthetic counterparts, as well as their imitations, iii) detect common gemstone treatments, iv) determine the origin of some gemstones, as well as iv) identify diamond types and diamond imitations.

In addition to its Scientific Gemmology Course, the SSEF offers a range of other courses and programs, including courses in diamond grading, gemstone identification, pearls and jewelry. The organization also offers a range of online resources, including articles, and tutorials that are designed to help students learn more about gemmology and the gemstone industry. SSEF gemology titles are recognised by the Swiss Gemmological Society 

One of the key features of the SSEF’s educational approach is its emphasis on research and innovation. The organization is actively involved in research projects that help to advance the scientific understanding of gemstones, and it collaborates with other organizations and institutions to develop new testing methods and standards.

Overall, the Swiss Gemmological Institute is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about gemstones and the gemstone industry. Its commitment to education, research, and innovation has helped to make it one of the leading educational institutions in the field of gemmology, and its graduates are highly respected in the industry for their knowledge and expertise.