FEEG: for a Pan-European Gemmology Qualification
The Federation for European Education in Gemmology (FEEG) was established in 1995 to create a pan-European gemmology qualification that would be recognized by all bodies and institutions across Europe.
The main purpose of FEEG is to facilitate and encourage the mutual exchange of information and technical assistance, to organise examinations leading to a common European qualification in gemmology (European Gemmologist) and to promote partnerships and economic, social and cultural exchanges between respective members.
Every year the graduates of these institutes can participate, in their own language, in a test on their theoretical and working gemmological knowledge to achieve this European certification.
At present FEEG is conducted in twelve distinct centers across Europe including, France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Belgium, Austria, The Netherlands and Italy and the exam can currently be taken in 6 different languages.
Every year FEEG organises a Symposium in a major European city during which the Diplomas of the new European Gemmologists are awarded. The Symposium always boasts an incredible line of speakers including expert gemmologists from every area of the field.
27th FEEG Symposium at VicenzaOro
On January 19 2026, The prestigious Teatro Palladio at the Vicenza Fair hosted the 27th edition of the FEEG (Federation for European Education in Gemmology) Symposium. This international event, celebrating the Federation’s 30th anniversary, took place during Vicenzaoro, attracting over 170 participants and a steady influx of professionals throughout the day, confirming the importance of ongoing education.
Institutional Greetings The Symposium was officially opened by Dr. Ilaria Adamo, Chair of FEEG, followed by remarks from Raffaele Maino, President of the Istituto Gemmologico Italiano (IGI), and Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation), emphasised the critical importance of gemmological education for the industry.
Scientific Program Guided by Rui Galopim de Carvalho as Master of Ceremony, the sessions offered a broad multidisciplinary view:
- Technical Insights: The sessions offered high scientific value, featuring Damien Cody on opals, Dr. Thomas Hainschwang and Dr. Wuyi Wang on the physical complexities of diamonds and their color origin, and Prof. Fabrizio Nestola on the correlation between natural diamonds and deep water. Dr. Çiğdem Lüle guided the audience through a fascinating journey back in time via archaeogemmology.
- Design Perspective: To conclude the technical talks, Alessio Boschi shared his original vision of jewelry design through the “Jubilee Ring” project.
Graduation Ceremony The highlight of the day was the FEEG Graduation Ceremony, presided over by Dr. Ilaria Adamo and Tom Stephan, Chairman of the FEEG Examination Committe. Numerous graduates from across Europe received their diplomas in an emotional ceremony. Rui Galopim de Carvalho commented enthusiastically: “It is wonderful to feel like a student again, even for long-standing professionals. We were truly swept up by the infectious enthusiasm of the young new graduates.”
The event concluded with a networking Happy Hour, sealing the success of a day that perfectly combined rigorous scientific standards with a passion for the art of jewelry.
View the video of the FEEG Symposium:
Part I – https://www.youtube.com/live/I7WQrkcItt8?si=KWhzkN852FZKjBEU
Part II – https://www.youtube.com/live/MbwC-nCZK-I?si=6e2ff6GyK4JvzPhz
Articles about FEEG:
https://gem-spectrum.com/tag/feeg
Articles about VicenzaOro:
https://gem-spectrum.com/tag/vicenzaoro
Articles about IEG:
https://gem-spectrum.com/tag/ieg
