Latest news with #SSEF
Forbes
05-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
SSEF's Advanced Jewellery History Course Provides Invaluable Education
In SSEF's Advanced Jewellery History course, students physically handle and learn how to catalogue ... More jewels of antiquity, such as these Roman gold earrings set with imitation emeralds and pearls (circa 200 A.D.) As any knowledgeable collector or jewelry professional knows from experience, acquiring knowledge and facts about intricacies of fine jewelry design, materials and artisanship is best achieved by viewing, and ideally handling, superb pieces in person. Take for example the expertly curated Cartier survey on view through November at London's Victoria and Albert museum. (Full disclosure: I own a few Cartier jewels, and enjoy their shows and books that present the Parisian heritage jeweler's greatest creations.) Showcasing over 350 spectacular jewels and bejeweled objects, the vast and varied Victoria and Albert exhibit burnishes the Cartier brand and is attracting hordes, despite its steep ticket prices. (Weekday shows cost about US$36.00, while a weekend ticket runs almost US$38.00.) Jewelry Historian Kathia Pinckernelle, M.A. teaches Advanced Jewellery History at SSEF. Pictured ... More here is an Egyptian Eye of Ra Ring made of blue faience, dated circa 1550 and 1292 B.C.. Studying Jewelry At The Swiss Gemmological Institute Attending a carefully curated and invitingly glamorous show such as this one, however, may provide few guarantees of consequential learning. Jostling through museum crowds to glimpse jewels and read their curatorial placards can prove physically and mentally challenging, and in some cases, impossible. When it comes to acquiring depth of knowledge about jewelry, a blockbuster exhibit experience can sometimes turn out to be a bust. Which leads me to the good news for jewelry lovers and professionals in search of authoritative jewelry education. There's an academically authoritative, lavishly illustrated and entertaining in-person course offered by the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) entitled Advanced Jewellery History that examines the cultural, artistic, economic and psychological significance of jewelry throughout the timeline of Western civilization. (I live in hope for the day when SSEF announces it's offering Pinckernelle's course covering jewelry throughout the history of Eastern civilizations.) A Mesopotamian piglet pendant from 3000 B.C. is part of SSEF's permanent jewelry collection that ... More Advanced Jewellery History students get to see, touch, and feel with their own hands. The curriculum's caliber is rigorous. Sections on gemstone facts throughout human history are scientifically precise yet enjoyable to study-- and easy to absorb. The course's historical narrative begins with the jewelry of antiquity. For instance, the section on ancient jewelry includes authentic Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Roman and Greek jewels that reside in SSEF's permanent collection and which students handle extensively during practical workshops. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Jewelry historian Kathia Pinckernelle, M.A. worked at Christie's London and Geneva, and at Cartier, ... More before co-creating and teaching SSEF's Advanced Jewellery History course. As Dr. Laurent E. Cartier FGA, Head of Special Initiatives at SSEF explained in an email, 'Based in Basel, Switzerland, the non-profit SSEF aims to advance the science of gemstone testing and gemological training, while also imparting evidence-based knowledge of jewelry and gemstone history.' This newly updated course serves the needs of the world's jewelry lovers, students and those working in the gem and jewelry trades who are highly motivated to learn jewelry history. It is a five-day crash course offered in person at SSEF's Basel headquarters. Titled 'Advanced Jewellery History', this fact-packed program is taught by jewelry historian Kathia Pinckernelle, MPhil. Tuition costs 4,000 Swiss francs, excluding VAT. Students Give Advanced Jewellery History Course An A What differentiates this from similar courses offered at other institutions is its practical training. Every afternoon of the course, students handle antique, vintage and contemporary jewels from SSEF's permanent collection. Pinckernelle trains students in how to professionally examine jewels with a loupe and catalogue pieces from throughout the narrative of jewelry history in precise detail. 'This practical component of study ensures that students can take home skills that they can then expand on by visiting trade shows, auctions and museums,' Dr. Cartier observed. This Art Deco silver, gold lacquer, abalone and eggshell cigarette case was made with the East Asian ... More labor-intensive technique of burgauté, also known as lac burgauté. This involves inlaying iridescent pieces of abalone shell, often tinted, into a lacquer base, sometimes with additional gold or silver inlay. The outer edges of this hauntingly beautiful scene are framed by tiny eggshell fragments that have been pressed into the lacquer with special tools. In an email, mainland Chinese jewelry store owner and gemmologist Martina Xiaoyun Hu, FGA, described her experience of SSEF's Advanced Jewelry History course. 'I learned so much theoretically and practically from this course. Especially useful were the afternoon sessions spent handling jewelry and learning about European and British hallmarks and assay marks through using the loupe and studying the different marks. This information is valuable to me in my daily work. I strongly recommend this SSEF course to anyone who has basic knowledge of jewelry, but hopes to learn in more depth about antique and vintage jewels.' SSEF director Michael Krzemnicki, FGA recounted in an email how the course originated. 'Back in 2021, we decided to launch this course on jewelry history as a way of exploring the different uses of gems through history, and how these link with different periods of jewelry.' Equally important, he added, 'Students also learn about fakes and imitations (quite widespread in antique jewelry) through time.'The course is given in small groups, with a maximum of nine students, and was conceived in part by Vanessa Cron, founder of the website Research Jewel. The course currently on offer was revised and expanded by Kathia Pinckernelle with Dr. Laurent Cartier, who presents a unit entitled 'Gemstones Through Time,' with collaboration from SSEF's Dr. Akitsugu Sato, FGA Laurent Cartier, Ph.D. presents a unit entitled 'Gemstones Through Time' in SSEF's Advanced ... More Jewellery History Course,with collaboration from Dr. Akitsugu Sato, FGA. According to Dr. Cartier, 'The Advanced Jewellery History course offers designers, retailers, vintage and estate jewelry dealers, marketing professionals, design students and collectors deep and thorough historical content. The history of jewelry and the use of gemstones are very linked,' he continued. 'This fact is what motivated SSEF to offer the course in the first place. Although SSEF is known for testing gemstones,' he observed, 'we also see a lot of jewelry from various eras. We wanted to link these two topics so that we (and students) could more fully understand the jewels and gems we examine in a more complete context.' SSEF's Advanced Jewellery History course has been offered seven times since 2021. The next course session will take place from 13th to 17th of October 2025. As Dr. Cartier related, 'We've had an interesting mix of people from auction houses, major heritage jewelry maisons, jewelry dealers, goldsmiths and jewelry collectors join us as students.' Taught By An Historian Who Worked At Christie's And Cartier Regarding the qualifications of the teacher: As a jewelry historian with a master's degree (MPhil) in ancient Greek and Roman jewelry, Kathia Pinckernelle, FGA is also a gemologist. 'I would like to expand research in the future to jewelry history of China, Japan and India, along with pre-Columbian civilizations,' she wrote in an email. Pinckernelle began her jewelry career in London at the auction house of Christie's, which was founded in that city in 1766. Pinckernelle soon transferred to the Christie's Geneva branch, for which she researched and authored three jewelry auction catalogues per year until 2007. Jewels like this exuberant, circa 1955 platinum and diamond brooch by the Parisian house of ... More Mauboussin are handled, drawn and catalogued by student sat SSEF's Advanced Jewelry History course. According to Dr. Cartier, who is also a lecturer at Switzerland's University of Lausanne and an affiliated associate professor at the University of Delaware, 'Kathia Pinckernelle is a tri-lingual jewelry historian in German, French and English, and the Advanced Jewellery History course is taught in English.' As Pinckernelle put it in an email, 'I believe in jewelry. Its story is a human tale of creativity, beauty, artistry, status, technology, science – and a lot of hard work. It illustrates neatly, and beautifully, the history of humanity.' After she left Christie's, Pinckernelle worked in publishing and taught English in Jordan and in Moscow before returning to Geneva and joining Cartier Tradition, the branch of Cartier that restores and offers for sale its heritage jewels. In that position, Pinckernelle traveled internationally buying important antique and vintage Cartier pieces which she then catalogued.. Pinckernelle has been teaching the history of jewelry at the SSEF since 2022 and also curates the SSEF permanent jewelry collection. 'The SSEF is a foundation with a clear mandate to focus on research and education,' she noted. 'It is a pleasure and an adventure to help them build a jewelry collection for educational and research purposes. For jewelry history course students,' she added, 'Handling and examining various types of jewelry, from vintage masterpieces to fakes from various eras, is absolutely essential to the learning experience.' Dated circa 900 A.D., this Celtic, double spiral bronze fibula brings imparts the material presence ... More of the ancient past to SSEF's Advanced Jewelry History students. When asked if SSEF plans to offer an Advanced Jewelry History course encompassing Asian, Middle Eastern, East Indian, North American First Nation people from what is now Canada, and indigenous tribal jewelers from what is now named the United States, Pinckernelle provided the following answer. 'Jewelry history tends to be very Eurocentric, that's the case also when you look at the literature that is available,' she wrote. 'This course focuses on jewels and jewelry periods that are relevant for the high-end market. Given that we only have 5 days available, it's hard to pack more into that time frame.' She went on to share that, 'SSEF hopes to enhance the course offering by providing a culturally broader jewelry education and by sharing more of its research findings in the future. What a clasp: the back view of the Celtic double spiral bronze fibula showcases the profound ... More technical skill of the artisan who made this piece around 900 A.D. While Kathia Pinckernelle and Dr. Cartier are next giving the Advanced Jewelry History course at SSEF's Basel headquarters in October 2025, they often speak in tandem regarding aspects of jewelry history at international jewelry fairs. They recently presented a panel discussion at the Gem Genève jewelry show in Geneva, Switzerland. Entitled, 'How Art Deco Defied Conventional Materials, Gems and Techniques', this presentation also included jewelry expert Violaine Bigot, Heritage Director at Chaumet in Paris,. Together, these three experts provided historical, scientific, cultural and psychological insights into the creation and significance of Art Deco jewelry and in how far it defied convention (spoiler alert: less than is commonly expected). SSEF's Advanced Jewellery course covers Berlin iron, which is black-lacquered cast iron jewelry that ... More became popular in the early 19th century, mainly in Prussia (now Germany). During the Napoleonic Wars, citizens donated their gold to the Prussian war effort in exchange for iron pieces such as this cross. For those unable to afford the time or money to attend the SSEF course in person, there is a free online teaser , 'Introduction to Jewellery History.' While those who enroll can move through the course at their own pace, this educational opportunity, it should be noted, is available throughout the student's lifetime, and can be accessed across any and all devices.
Gulf Today
01-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Dawoodi Bohra leader donates to Sharjah body
The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation (SSEF) has received a donation from the Sultan of the Dawoodi Bohra community to support its endowment project "Prophet's Neighbours,' which aims to provide sustainable resources for the care and empowerment of orphans. The gesture comes within the framework of community-giving initiatives and the promotion of human solidarity values. This donation reflects the Dawoodi Bohra community's ongoing commitment to supporting charitable efforts worldwide and strengthening cooperation with humanitarian institutions in the UAE, which embody the wise leadership's directives to empower various segments of society and build a more stable future for coming generations. On this occasion, Mona Bin Hadha Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Foundation, expressed her deep gratitude and appreciation to the Sultan of the Dawoodi Bohra community for this generous contribution. She emphasised that the support directly enhances the financial sustainability of endowment projects that serve orphans and their families. She said, "The endowment project 'Prophet's Neighbours' is a practical embodiment of the values of compassion and solidarity advocated by our Noble Prophet – peace be upon him. At the Foundation, we are proud of this collaboration that translates the spirit of humanitarian dialogue into tangible projects that contribute to building a dignified life for our children deprived of parental care.' Al Suwaidi confirmed that this donation will be allocated to specific endowment expenditures, including comprehensive care programmes such as education for fatherless students, healthcare, meeting their living needs, home maintenance, vocational training, and psychological and social support. The funds will also provide urgent assistance to widows, supporting them and thereby enhancing the quality of life for beneficiaries, ensuring they live with dignity and are given equal opportunities for success and effective social integration. WAM
Al Etihad
03-06-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
SSEF promotes waqf project ‘Neighbours of the Prophet'
3 June 2025 10:30 SHARJAH (WAM) The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation (SSEF) recently conducted awareness visits to several government entities across Sharjah to promote the waqf project 'Neighbours of the Prophet' and strengthen community visits aimed to highlight the waqf initiative, which focuses on supporting and empowering orphans while ensuring sustainable charitable tours included fruitful meetings with officials and staff, where the project's goals were presented, its role in reviving the waqf tradition was emphasised, and its contribution to the foundation's broader empowerment and care programmes for beneficiaries was of the SSEF, Mona bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, said, 'We are pleased with the positive response from the entities that welcomed the project 'Neighbours of the Prophet'. We believe such engagement reflects the collective commitment needed to build strategic partnerships supporting our social mission. This project is more than just a charitable endowment; it is an extension of prophetic values in caring for fatherless children.''Through it, we seek to provide sustainable support sources that guarantee a dignified life and equal opportunities for our beneficiaries. The tour is part of a wider promotional and awareness campaign to introduce the community to the waqf project and invite individuals and organisations to contribute, recognising its profound impact on empowering young people and shaping their future.'Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Eng. Omar Khalfan Al Shamsi, underlined the importance of supporting community initiatives and praised the waqf project launched by the foundation. Al Shamsi explained that the project reflects a comprehensive developmental waqf vision consistent with Sharjah's aspirations for sustainable charity. It reinforces the role of waqf as an effective tool to support vulnerable of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Sheikh Engineer Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, expressed his appreciation for the project and reaffirmed the department's full and ongoing support for the foundation's noble mission towards orphans, contributing to building a more stable and empowered future for Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council, Hessa Abdullah Al Hammadi, affirmed that hosting the project reflects the council's ongoing commitment to supporting community initiatives with sustainable impact. She highlighted that the project embodies solidarity values and represents a high humanitarian vision in caring for and empowering of Government Communication at the Sharjah Department of Town Planning and Survey, Hamad Sultan Al Owais, said that hosting the waqf initiative stems from the department's dedication to supporting community and charitable initiatives that promote solidarity and compassion among society 'Neighbours of the Prophet' project is one of the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation's waqf aims to provide sustainable support sources for caring for and empowering the foundation's beneficiaries in the emirate. The project's name draws inspiration from the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) saying, 'I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be in Paradise like this,' illustrating closeness to the Prophet through sponsoring orphans and meeting their needs.
Sharjah 24
26-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SSEF empowers orphans through academic support
Seventy students have now begun receiving academic tutoring, aimed specifically at those struggling with low academic achievement. The programme targets students under the Foundation's care, who have lost parental support, offering them guidance from a team of qualified teachers to help boost their self-confidence, raise their academic levels, and better prepare for final exams. Comprehensive educational support Nawal Al Hamadi, Director of the Welfare Department at SSEF, commented: 'Our interest in supporting the academic progress of our students stems from the 'Learning through the Pen' initiative, which aims to provide comprehensive assistance—removing educational obstacles and equipping students with the tools they need to succeed. The project currently supports nearly 1,900 students through a variety of educational services.' She noted that the Foundation believes academic empowerment is essential for building a promising future. 'This tutoring programme is one of several initiatives implemented in partnership with Sharjah's education council, the Teachers Association, and Al Kamal Private School. The feedback we've received confirms a significant improvement in both student morale and academic performance, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the teaching staff.' Al Hamadi concluded, 'We view education as the first step toward true empowerment. The 'Learning through the Pen' project is part of a broader strategy focused on academic development. Our efforts go beyond school years to support higher education, recognising its critical role in shaping students' futures and life trajectories. Investing in the education of orphaned youth is an investment in the future of society.' Strengthening educational partnerships Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Educational Advisor at the Sharjah Private Education Authority, praised the initiative, stating: 'The 'We Rise Together' programme—launched by the Teachers Association in partnership with SSEF and the Sharjah Volunteering Centre, and in collaboration with Al Kamal American Private School in Al Azra—is an excellent example of community partnership in education. The Sharjah Private Education Authority strongly supports initiatives that aim to improve student outcomes and sees this as a model of integration between educational and community institutions.' He added: 'We are proud of our collaboration with SSEF and the Teachers Association. It's essential to unify efforts to create an inclusive, motivating learning environment that enhances student capabilities and positively impacts academic performance.' An educational model of collaboration Salah Al Hosani, Chairman of the Teachers Association in the UAE, also emphasised the importance of partnership with community institutions. He noted that the 'We Rise Together' initiative was specifically launched to support SSEF students ahead of their final third-term exams. 'This collaboration is a practical and distinguished model of community partnership, aiming to boost student performance at a critical time of the school year,' Al Hosani said. 'The Teachers Association is committed to fostering a motivating educational environment, mobilising qualified educators, and designing specialised learning programmes that enhance student skills and close academic gaps.' Volunteer engagement in student support Volunteers also played a vital role in facilitating the programme. Ibrahim Al Naqbi, General Coordinator at the Sharjah Volunteering Centre, stated: 'Our continuous support for local initiatives reflects our commitment to community engagement. Volunteers had a major role in organising and supporting the 'We Rise Together' initiative—assisting students and teachers, monitoring attendance, and ensuring the learning environment was both safe and effective. The presence of a first-aid team among the volunteers helped ensure full preparedness and contributed to a secure and positive educational atmosphere.' Ongoing support through the academic year The remedial programme is delivered in the weeks leading up to final exams and includes regular performance assessments at the end of each term. Academic progress is closely monitored throughout the school year in coordination with parents and teachers to ensure sustained improvement. SSEF continues to offer a wide range of educational services under its 'Learning through the Pen' project. In addition to tutoring support, the initiative helps cover school tuition fees, supports university education, and provides students with digital learning tools and study materials. It also includes year-round academic follow-ups, skill-development courses, support for gifted students, and assistance for those with learning difficulties—underscoring the Foundation's vision to enable its students to thrive academically.
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
SSEF offers free eye examinations to members
As part of SSEF ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive support and care for orphans, the foundation has partnered with Al Jaber Optical to provide free eye examinations for more than 100 of its members. Comprehensive Examinations The collaboration includes conducting comprehensive eye examinations in the centre's mobile bus, providing visual consultations and treatment recommendations for cases requiring optical intervention, and providing eyeglasses for beneficiaries with visual impairment. Building Effective Partnerships Nawal Al Hammadi, Director of the Social Welfare Department at SSEF, emphasised the Foundation's commitment to building effective partnerships with private sector institutions to support and empower its members in various health, educational, psychological, social, and other areas. Al Hammadi added that SSEF collaboration with Al Jaber Optical embodies this approach within the health sector, allowing the foundation to meet the vital needs of a significant segment of members who suffer from vision problems that may impact their academic achievement and daily lives. A Series of New Initiatives Al Hammadi expressed the Foundation's pride in this ongoing collaboration with the healthcare sector supporting SSEF members through their social solidarity with the Foundation. Al Hammadi called on all members of society to follow their example, creating a series of new initiatives that serve an important segment of society and have a tangible impact on their lives. Strengthening the Private Sector's Role in Providing Aid Ahmed Abdullah Jaber Balshalat, Executive Director of Al Jaber Optical, said that Al Jaber Optical is pleased to partner with SSEF to participate in the campaign to provide eye examination services to families affiliated with the Foundation for the fourth consecutive time. This is to strengthen the role of the private sector in providing assistance and support in community services." Ahmed Abdullah Jaber Balshalat added that Al Jaber Optical participation focuses on providing eye examination services and free eyeglasses to people with poor vision through Al Jaber Optical's mobile eye examination bus. Providing Necessary Support to All Community Groups Jaber continued, stating that Al Jaber Optical is a leading Emirati company in the field of optics and is always keen to provide the necessary support to all community groups, who are an essential part of building society within the United Arab Emirates. Promoting Public Health This initiative is part of SSEF healthcare programmes, which seek to promote public health and provide the best healthcare that enables fatherless people to grow and develop in appropriate conditions.
