Basic Diamond course
3000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
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.
Duration: 5 days
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Language: English
Group size: 9 students maximum
Level: Introduction
Prerequisites: Interest in gemmology, diamonds, jewellery
Certificate: Basic Diamond Course Completion Certificate (with an exam)
Upcoming courses: 25 – 29 November 2024, 15 – 19 September 2025
What will I learn ?
The “Basic Diamonds” course by SSEF is an intensive gemmological programme that offers a comprehensive and practical introduction to diamonds, diamond grading and testing in just 5 days.
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at people who are interested in diamonds and their grading. It is ideal for professionals working in diamond trade, jewellery, retail, bridal and wedding industries or anyone with an interest in these areas.
Course structure
This course, taught by world-leading gemmologists, is designed in two parts: theory and hands-on training using gemmological instruments and samples from a large collection of diamonds for study. Small groups guarantee intensive training and a dynamic dialogue. Students receive exhaustive course notes.
Aim of this course
Beyond the 4Cs: Transform your understanding of diamonds into professional knowledge with SSEF. Natural diamonds and “laboratory grown diamonds”,”laboratory-created diamonds” or “synthetic diamonds”: Get an overview of the differences and clarification on the correct terminology used in the trade. Learn about the formation, properties and grading of diamonds. In an intensive week of training, gain hands-on practice with diamonds, with the aim of developing skills that you can instantly apply in your daily business.
Long-term benefits
With this course you will gain professional knowledge about diamonds and diamond grading. You will practice with loose diamonds, with the aim of developing skills that you can instantly apply in your daily business.
What you’ll learn during the Basic 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:
25 – 29 November 2024
15 – 19 September 2025
Price for this course:
3000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Module 1
Diamond Basics
- 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
Diamond Basics
- 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
Natural & Synthetic Diamonds
- 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
Natural & Synthetic Diamonds
- 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
- Practical workshop on diamonds of natural and synthetic origin
Module 3
Diamond Treatments & Imitations
- 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
Diamond Treatments & Imitations
- 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
Diamond Grading 1
- 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
Diamond Grading 1
- 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 5
Diamond Grading 2
- 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
Diamond Grading 2
- 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
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
25 – 29 November 2024
15 – 19 September 2025
Price for this course:
3000.- 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
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Apply for a scholarship
Each year, we award two educational scholarships named after past SSEF directors.