Basic Diamonds course
This basic diamond course is an intense gemmological programme that offers an ideal introduction to diamonds. The main topics that are covered include: identification of natural diamonds, imitations, synthetics and treatments. Participants will also learn how to grade diamonds in the practical sessions.
5 days, 3000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Upcoming dates: 25 – 29 November 2024, 15 – 19 September 2025
Aim of this course
The aim of this course is to give participants an introduction into diamond testing. Students will learn how diamonds are graded according to the 4Cs. In the many practical sessions that this course offers, they will also have an introduction about CVD synthetic diamonds, HPHT synthetic diamonds, treatments and imitations.
Course structure
The Basic Diamond course days 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.
For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us
Day 1
- 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
Day 2
- 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
Day 3
- 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
Day 4
- 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
