Expanding Access to Gemological Education
The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) has announced that applications are now open for its two annual gemology scholarships. Each award covers tuition for a course at the SSEF lab in Basel, Switzerland, as well as economy flights and hotel accommodation.
Created to make advanced gemological training more accessible, the scholarships honor two influential former directors, Henry A. Hänni and George Bosshart, who made significant contributions to gemological research and education.
For an industry that is increasingly defined by debates around Lab-Grown Diamonds Guide and natural gemstones, scholarships like these represent a commitment to scientific rigor and educational excellence.
Details of the Two Scholarships
Henry A. Hänni Scholarship
Launched in 2024, this award is open to applicants from gemstone-producing countries. The scholarship can be applied to any SSEF course taking place in 2026.
George Bosshart Scholarship
This global award is open to students with a specific interest in diamonds. It applies exclusively to SSEF’s 5-day Scientific Diamonds Course in 2026, reflecting growing demand for expertise in both natural and lab-grown gemstones.
Applications are open through November 15, with winners to be announced on December 15.
Why It Matters
Scholarships like these ensure that gemological expertise remains widely accessible, fostering the next generation of professionals. But they also raise a pressing question: should leading institutions include courses on sustainable gemstones and ethical jewelry alongside natural diamonds, given how central these have become to consumer demand?
AIDI’s Perspective
At AIDI, we applaud initiatives that expand access to gemological education. Yet we believe future courses must adapt. As lab-grown diamonds and sustainable gemstones reshape the industry, true educational leadership will lie in teaching both heritage knowledge and new technologies side by side.