The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
Bahrain Opens Pearl and Gem Laboratory
Kenneth Scarratt, an industry veteran and one of the world’s foremost authorities on natural pearls, has been named CEO.

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain--As part of an effort to revive the pearling industry in Bahrain, a new gemstone grading laboratory has opened in the country.
Bahrain has been known for its pearls for centuries, supplying about 80 percent of the world’s total, and making up the mainstay of its economy, until the 1930s when competition from cheaper cultured pearls from Japan effectively shut the industry down.
In 1990, the country established the Pearl & Gem Testing Laboratory within the Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture.
Now, established with the support of the government, the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat) has been formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company. It was set up to take over, enhance and expand upon the work of the aforementioned lab, according to the Danat website.
Located in Bahrain’s World Trade Centre, Danat will serve both the local and global markets and collaborate with leading institutes and labs from around the world.
Mumtalakat tapped Kenneth Scarratt, one of the world’s foremost authorities on natural pearls and a more-than-40-year industry veteran, as its CEO.
Scarratt’s leadership and research roles in the industry have included managing director of Southeast Asia for the Gemological Institute of America; laboratory Director for the AGTA Gemological Testing Center in New York; director, laboratory services, education and research at the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences in Bangkok; and CEO and director of laboratory services at the Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain.
He also has published more than 100 articles and research papers, delivered lectures and trainings in different countries, worked on several high level special projects and co-authored a number of books including “The Crown Jewels” and “The Pearl and The Dragon.”
Danat’s range of services and products currently include verification and authentication reports, scientific research, analysis of pearls and gemstones and ongoing training programs in gemology.
The lab will form a board of directors to help guide its development.
As a sponsor of regional gem and jewelry show Jewellery Arabia, running from Nov. 21 to 26., Danat will have a presence at the event with a booth that will include a complimentary advice center for those selling or purchasing gem materials, displays of unusual pearls and gemstones, history perspectives, short gemological presentations, a VIP lounge and a display of Danat’s product range.
The Latest

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.


Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.