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 Date	End Date	Status
   01 September 2008	12 September 2008	Vacancies
   15 September 2008	26 September 2008	Vacancies
   29 September 2008	10 October 2008	Vacancies
   13 October 2008	24 October 2008	Vacancies
   27 October 2008	07 November 2008	Vacancies
   10 November 2008	21 November 2008	Vacancies
   24 November 2008	05 December 2008	Vacancies
   08 December 2008	19 December 2008	Vacancies
   05 January 2009	16 January 2009	Vacancies
   19 January 2009	30 January 2009	Vacancies
   02 February 2009	13 February 2009	Vacancies
   16 February 2009	27 February 2009	Vacancies

3. Course Fee

   The course fee is US$1,400.00. South African citizens pay R6,900.00 inclusive.

   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 manufacture 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.
       
       
6. Diploma

   There will be a practical exam on completion of this course, and the student will receive a diploma 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

   Very limited accommodation is available for students, and includes transportation to and from the SA Diamond Centre. Students may 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 or Afrikaans. Students must be able to understand and converse in these languages. Interpreters for Dutch, Flemish, Polish, Czech and Russian are available.