The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), represented by the Directorate General for Standards and Metrology (DGSM), is participating in the Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition 2025, hosted at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre from 1 to 5 December, under the theme ‘Zeina & Khazina’, bringing together leading local and international brands. During its participation, the DGSM is highlighting the efforts carried out by the Precious Metals and Stones Laboratory to ensure the quality of jewellery and precious metals circulating in the Omani market, protect consumers, and prevent any practices involving fraud or tampering with gold and jewellery karats. The DGSM is also showcasing methods used to verify karat accuracy through advanced technologies, including spectral analysis and X-ray testing, in addition to periodic technical inspections conducted on jewellery and gold bars available in the market. The laboratory provides services that include testing gemstones, analysing metals in gold bars, and verifying compliance of jewellery with approved national standards and specifications to ensure the accuracy and integrity of product information. The Directorate is also presenting the officially approved karats in the Sultanate of Oman, which include 916 for 22-karat gold, 875 for 21-karat gold, and 750 for 18-karat gold, in addition to silver grades 999, 925 and 800, and platinum grades 999 and 950. The MoCIIP also verifies national hallmarking stamps on precious-metal products to ensure their authenticity and compliance with standards. Nasser bin Ashraf Al Balushi, Head of the Precious Stones Department at DGSM, affirmed that the MoCIIP’s participation aims to raise consumer awareness about the importance of purchasing from licensed jewellery shops and obtaining a detailed invoice that clarifies the specifications of purchased items, in addition to promoting proper practices when dealing with precious metals and gemstones. The MoCIIP invited the public to visit its pavilion at the Muscat International Exhibition for Gold and Jewellery to explore the laboratory’s services and learn key guidelines for purchasing jewellery and precious metals, thereby enhancing consumer confidence and protecting their rights in the local market.
