From April 29-May 10, 2009, USAID will conduct Afghanistan’s first gemology course. Taught by legendary ‘gem-hunter’ and gemologist Gary Bowersox, the course will train 30 participants (half of whom are women) from Kabul, Panjsher, Nuristan, Kunduz, and Bamyan provinces to recognize the difference between real and synthetic gemstones.

Afghanistan contains sizable deposits of precious and semi-precious stones, including rubies, emeralds, sapphires, tourmaline, and lapis lazuli, and the gem industry has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth.  However, Afghan gemologists and gemstone traders currently lack the skills to discern real stones from synthetics.  As a result, the international gem and jewelry sector is facing a major challenge from the growing market in non-disclosed imitation and treated gem materials.

The course will enable Afghan jewelers and gemologists to guarantee gem authenticity in order to build trust with clients, increase profits, and strengthen Afghanistan’s gemstone industry.

Additional classes are planned for later in the year.  These classes will serve Afghan men and women who are pursuing gemology teaching as a career, and those planning to gain further qualifications in the field for employment at the proposed Allied Training Centre of the British Gemological Association in Kabul and the future Kabul Gem Laboratory.

Gary Bowersox, who has been working with Afghan miners and gem dealers for 38 years, will be supported by a Farsi-speaking gemologist and teacher, as well as Dari- and Pashto-speaking graduates from the University of Kabul’s Geology Department