Rough Diamond Evaluation and Grading Course

  1. Duration of Rough Diamond Evaluation and Grading Course

    It is a 2 week course - full day from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 14:00.

  2. Commencement

    The Rough Diamond Evaluation and Grading Courses will be run as follows:-

    Rough Diamond Evaluation and Grading Courses
    Start DateEnd DateStatus
    02 April 202402 Apr 202412 April 202412 Apr 2024Vacancies
    15 April 202415 Apr 202426 April 202426 Apr 2024Vacancies
    29 April 202429 Apr 202410 May 202410 May 2024Vacancies
    13 May 202413 May 202424 May 202424 May 2024Vacancies
    27 May 202427 May 202407 June 202407 Jun 2024Vacancies
    10 June 202410 Jun 202421 June 202421 Jun 2024Vacancies
    24 June 202424 Jun 202405 July 202405 Jul 2024Vacancies
    08 July 202408 Jul 202419 July 202419 Jul 2024Vacancies
    22 July 202422 Jul 202402 August 202402 Aug 2024Vacancies
    05 August 202405 Aug 202416 August 202416 Aug 2024Vacancies
    19 August 202419 Aug 202430 August 202430 Aug 2024Vacancies
    02 September 202402 Sep 202413 September 202413 Sep 2024Vacancies
    16 September 202416 Sep 202427 September 202427 Sep 2024Vacancies
    30 September 202430 Sep 202411 October 202411 Oct 2024Vacancies
    14 October 202414 Oct 202425 October 202425 Oct 2024Vacancies
    28 October 202428 Oct 202408 November 202408 Nov 2024Vacancies
    11 November 202411 Nov 202422 November 202422 Nov 2024Vacancies
    25 November 202425 Nov 202406 December 202406 Dec 2024Vacancies
    09 December 202409 Dec 202420 December 202420 Dec 2024Vacancies
  3. Course Fee

    The course fee is R14,000.00 inclusive of VAT.
    Off-site training sessions can be arranged provided there are a minimum of 10 students per course. Please contact our offices for more information.

    To ensure personal attention, each course is limited to a maximum of ten students.

    A registration deposit of 50% is payable to secure the student's place. Check availability of course date before paying a deposit. Acceptance will only be confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit paid into our bank account and proof provided.

  4. General Course Objectives
    1. To prepare the student to become proficient in every technique involved in the evaluation and grading of diamonds.
    2. To teach the student how to sort and buy diamonds both in the rough and cut state and how colour, imperfection and shape affect prices.

  5. Course Outline
    Students will learn:
    1. the correct use of a loupe.
    2. the different varieties of diamond crystals and polycrystalline aggregates in diamonds using real diamonds as well as wooden and plastic models.
    3. the identification of imitation (fake) diamonds.
    4. structural defects and the internal structure of diamond crystals including marks, inclusions, naart, maccles and stress.
    5. optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal and chemical properties of diamond crystals.
    6. the study of impurity centres in rough diamond crystals, their cause and effect.
    7. how to select diamonds for fancy shapes, determining their ultimate form whilst in the rough stage.
    8. how to determine colour in diamonds, both natural and artificial, and its effect on buying and selling.
    9. how to select and sort rough diamonds for purity, colour, size, shape and any unusual qualities.
    10. how to determine whether a whole rough diamond is to be cleaved, sawed or retained as is.
    11. classification of rough gems and industrial diamonds.
    12. use of a polariscope when analyzing stress and strain within the internal molecular structure of rough diamonds.
    13. sketching of rough diamonds pinpointing impurities within the diamond.
    14. use of a Moe gauge to estimate weight recovery as well as estimating weight recovery percentages.
    15. pricing of rough diamonds using the Rapaport Polished Diamond Price List and the ADTEC Rough Diamond Guideline Price List.
    16. use of OGI planning scanner & computer.

  6. Certificate

    There will be a practical exam on completion of this course, and the student will receive a certificate stating that they have successfully completed the Rough Diamond Evaluation and Grading Course at the Diamond Education College.

  7. Applications
    1. Applications must be made well in advance because of the limited number of students that can be accommodated at any specific intake.
    2. Admission is solely at the schools discretion.
    3. Full fee must be paid before commencement of the course.
    4. Fees are not refundable. Postponing of the course is possible only with two weeks advance notice.

  8. Equipment

    All equipment for use during the course will be provided and remain the property of the Diamond Education College.

  9. Accommodation and Transportation

    Students must arrange their own transport and accommodation.

  10. Discipline

    Students will be subject to the disciplinary code of the Diamond Education College. Any student who is in breach of its code will be liable to suspension or expulsion without refund of fees paid.

  11. Language

    The course is presented in English.