Scientific Diamond
Advanced analytical training in diamond identification, treatment and synthetic detection
Duration: 5 days (1 week)
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Language: English
Group size: 9 students max.
Level: Scientific
Prerequisites: Advanced experience in diamond studies and diamond testing is required.
Certificate: Scientific Diamonds Participation Certificate
Cost: 5000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Upcoming courses: 19 – 23 July 2027
Course overview
The Scientific Diamonds course is an intensive, laboratory‑oriented training programme designed for gemmologists and professionals who require advanced competence in the scientific identification and analysis of diamonds.
Focusing on spectroscopic and analytical methods, the course provides structured training in the detection of treatments and synthetic diamonds, with an emphasis on interpretation of analytical data rather than reliance on screening instruments alone. Teaching reflects professional laboratory practice and addresses real diagnostic challenges encountered in advanced diamond testing.
Learning approach
The course follows a structured format combining focused theoretical sessions with guided analytical work and interpretation exercises.
Participants are trained to:
- Acquire and assess analytical data systematically
- Recognise spectroscopic features associated with natural diamonds, common treatments and synthetic diamonds
- Interpret results critically rather than relying on single criteria
- Understand where analytical methods provide certainty and where caution is required
Use of portable analytical instruments along with demonstrations within the SSEF laboratory support learning and contextualise the techniques presented.
Why this training
Modern diamond testing increasingly relies on analytical data obtained through spectroscopic methods. While screening instruments play an important role, they cannot replace informed interpretation of results by trained professionals.
Effective scientific diamond testing requires:
- A clear understanding of how analytical instruments function
- Experience interpreting spectra and fluorescence behaviour
- Awareness of the limitations and ambiguities of different methods
This course develops these competencies by moving beyond basic diamond testers and screeners, training participants to engage critically with analytical data in a laboratory context.
Course format
Duration: 5 days
Daily schedule: 09:00–16:00 (including a one‑hour lunch break)
Location: SSEF headquarters, Basel, Switzerland
Group size: Maximum 9 participants
Small groups ensure close supervision during analytical sessions and meaningful discussion of results.
Certificate
Participants receive a Scientific Diamonds Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the course.
What you will work with
Participants gain hands‑on experience with advanced analytical tools used in professional diamond testing, including:
- FTIR spectroscopy
- UV‑VIS spectroscopy
- Fluorescence‑based analytical methods
Training materials include natural, treated and synthetic diamonds, allowing participants to compare results across a wide range of real‑world cases.
Who should apply
This course is designed for:
- Practising gemmologists
- Laboratory professionals working with diamonds
- Specialists requiring advanced analytical diamond testing knowledge
Advanced experience in diamonds and gemmology is required.
This course is not designed for:
- Beginners to gemmology
- Participants seeking an introductory diamond grading or imitation identification
- Individuals without prior experience handling diamonds
What you’ll learn during the Scientific Diamond Course
Want to learn more about our courses?
Please visit our page dedicated to frequently asked questions. For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
18 – 22 November 2024
07 – 11 July 2025
Price for this course:
5000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Module 1
Introduction to Gemmology
- Introduction to the properties of diamonds
- Where do diamonds come from?: formation of diamonds and description of geological contexts
- Mining of diamonds: primary and secondary deposits
- The diamond supply chain: sorting, distribution and cutting
Introduction to Gemmology
- Introduction to the properties of diamonds
- Where do diamonds come from?: formation of diamonds and description of geological contexts
- Mining of diamonds: primary and secondary deposits
- The diamond supply chain: sorting, distribution and cutting
Module 2
Identification of rough gemstones using classical instruments
- Properties of natural diamonds
- The formation of CVD and HPHT synthetic diamonds and their properties
- Inclusions and growth characteristics of natural and synthetic diamonds
- Methods for detection of CVD and HPHT synthetic diamonds
- The different types of diamonds: type I, type II
- Treatment of diamonds: colour modification, clarity modification, HPHT treatment etc.
- Detection of treatments
- The identification of diamond imitations
- Practical workshop on diamonds of natural and synthetic origin
Identification of rough gemstones using classical instruments
- Properties of natural diamonds
- The formation of CVD and HPHT synthetic diamonds and their properties
- Inclusions and growth characteristics of natural and synthetic diamonds
- Methods for detection of CVD and HPHT synthetic diamonds
- The different types of diamonds: type I, type II
- Treatment of diamonds: colour modification, clarity modification, HPHT treatment etc.
- Detection of treatments
- The identification of diamond imitations
- Practical workshop on diamonds of natural and synthetic origin
Module 3
Practical Training
- The 4Cs of diamond
- How to study the clarity of a diamond
- The most common external and internal features
- Internal features due to clarity enhancement
- How to attribute the clarity grade of a diamond
- Practical workshop
Practical Training
- The 4Cs of diamond
- How to study the clarity of a diamond
- The most common external and internal features
- Internal features due to clarity enhancement
- How to attribute the clarity grade of a diamond
- Practical workshop
Module 4
Natural gemstones, synthetics, and artificial products
- The colour grades of colourless diamond
- Colour grading of colourless diamond
- Colour grading of fancy diamonds
- Causes of colour
- Fluorescence
- Colour modification treatments
- Proportions, symmetry and polish
- Introduction to the cut-grade
- Understanding different diamond certificates
- Practical workshop
- Q&A session and revision for exam
Natural gemstones, synthetics, and artificial products
- The colour grades of colourless diamond
- Colour grading of colourless diamond
- Colour grading of fancy diamonds
- Causes of colour
- Fluorescence
- Colour modification treatments
- Proportions, symmetry and polish
- Introduction to the cut-grade
- Understanding different diamond certificates
- Practical workshop
- Q&A session and revision for exam
Module 5
Exam for the SSEF Basic Diamond course
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
18 – 22 November 2024
07 – 11 July 2025
Price for this course:
5000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Want to learn more about our courses?
Please visit our page dedicated to frequently asked questions. For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why choose us?
SSEF guide to Basel
Want to learn more about the SSEF Team’s favourite hotspots & things to do in Basel?
Apply for a scholarship
Each year, we award two educational scholarships named after past SSEF directors.