Basic Training Course

(12 days, 4000.- Swiss Francs)

 

This basic training course is an intense gemmological programme that offers an ideal introduction to gemmology over 12 days. The main topics include: identification of gemstones, diamond testing and pearl testing. The course syllabus is built up in a modular structure. Successful participants of the final exam will receive the SSEF Basic Gemmologist Certificate.

Aims of this course:

The aim of this course is to offer participants a broad introduction to gemmology by examining coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls. Basic gemmological techniques will be learned in order to identify gemstones and their simulants. Students will spend a lot of time working practically on gemstones from the large SSEF collection.

Course structure:

The Basic Training Course is designed in two parts. The first part (usually the morning session) will give you an insight into theoretical basics of the course topic. In the second part (usually during the afternoon session) you will be able to do extensive practical work using our gemmological instruments and samples from our large collection. Each participant will receive exhaustive course notes.

Day 1:

Introduction to Gemmology

  • Introduction of gemstones and basic gemmological instruments: application, results, identification, limitations.
  • Using gemmological tables and reference books
  • Practical training

Day 2:

Identification of rough gemstones using classical instruments

  • Use of loupe, microscope, refractometer, polariscope, spectroscope
  • Features of a rock, a crystal, a pebble and a fragment
  • Crystal growth, shape and symmetry of crystals
  • Fracture and cleavage, colour and transparency, inclusions
  • Which kind of information can you get when testing rough stones
  • How to distinguish synthetic rough stones from natural ones
  • Practical training

Day 3:

Natural gemstones, synthetics, and artificial products

  • Definitions of natural gemstones, synthetics and artificial products
  • Short introduction into geology
  • Natural growth conditions for gemstones, time factor in nature
  • Typical features of natural, synthetic and artificial materials and their identification
  • Practical training

Day 4:

Pearls

  • Definitions of natural pearls, cultured pearls and imitations
  • The formation of a natural pearl
  • Pearl culture techniques
  • Major sources of natural and cultured pearls
  • Identifying imitations (e.g. "Majorica pearls")
  • Common trade names for cultured pearls (e.g. Akoya-, Tahiti-, South Sea cultured pearls)
  • Treatments
  • Testing and identification of natural and cultured pearls (using loupe, microscope, X-radiography)
  • Practical training

Day 5:

Gemstone treatments, part 1

  • General introduction into most common gemstone treatments (e.g. beryl, corundum, diamond, jade, topaz...)
  • The stability of treatments
  • The detection and disclosure of treatments
  • Practical training

Day 6:

Gemstone treatments, part 2

  • The thermal enhancement of corundum
  • The fracture filling of emeralds (beryl)
  • How to detect fracture fillings in emeralds and quantify the filler
  • Disclosure of enhanced sapphires, rubies and emeralds after CIBJO
  • Practical training

Day 7:

Diamond, part 1

  • The quality of the four C’s: Carat, Cut, Clarity and Colour
  • The impact of the diamond grade on the value of the diamond
  • How to grade the cut of a diamond ?
  • How to grade the clarity of a diamond ?
  • How to grade the colour of a diamond ?
  • The problem with clarity enhanced diamonds
  • Practical training

Day 8:

Diamond, part 2

  • The formation of natural and synthetic diamonds
  • Learn how to separate all diamond simulants and synthetics from natural diamonds
  • The use of thermotester and reflectivity meter
  • Practical training

Day 9:

The international CIBJO trade rules

  • Why trade rules are so important in the gem trade
  • What is the CIBJO and which are the aims of this international trade organization?
  • CIBJO trade rules for diamonds and the CIBJO diamond grading reports
  • CIBJO trade rules for coloured stones and disclosure policy of treatments
  • CIBJO trade rules for pearls and organic materials
  • Practical training

Day 10:

Workshop and practical preparation for the final exam.

Day 11:

Workshop and practical preparation for the final exam.

Day 12:

Exam for the SSEF Basic Gemmologist Certificate.

Information on dates & prices of courses

 

For additional details on the content of the course please do not hesitate to contact us.