July 28, 2008: Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) has arranged a training program on “Gemstone Faceting” and “Gemstone Carving” for the first time in Chitral, Northern Areas of Pakistan. The duration of the course is 3 weeks, commencing from 28th July 2008 at Gems Cutting Centre, Chitral.

The Gemstone Faceting course is being supervised by Mr. Zia Ur Rehman. Mr. Rehman holds a bachelor degree with one year training of Gem Cutting. 8 participants are attending this course. The participants will receive the first hand knowledge of gems cutting and polishing through faceting machines. Mr. Rehman is sharing his knowledge, which he gained from a previous training session on Gemstone Polishing and Finishing, conducted by Sri Lankan Experts and organized by PGJDC at GGIP. which included: 1) How to solve the issue related to more thickness of stone? 2) How to make accurate stone like daubing? 3) How to correctly use Trim Saw? 4) How to use diamond powder for polishing with copper laps, etc. The training course covers topics like: cabochon designs, adjustment and compatibility of designs in frame.

Mr. Abdul Saboor, President Chitral Gems Association, is conducting the training course of Gemstone Carving. 12 participants are attending this training course. The participants are learning about making of ornaments like sword, knife, ashtray, cups, etc by using gemstones like jade and lapis lazuli.

Mr. Mutiullah M. Sheikh, Chairman PGJDC said, “It is not often that the gemstone and mineral specimen dealers of Chitral and other northern areas are facilitated with modern training courses. With its commitment towards reaching of local industry with latest technology and training, PGJDC aims to conduct further more courses in the northern areas of the country.”

Mr. Fawad H. Khan, CEO PGJDC said, “Outreach through training and facilitation in the gemstone sector especially in the remote areas of the country, is the one of the prime motives of PGJDC. This is how we will be able to realize our vision, which is to enhance the capacity of the industry from mine to market.”