Scientific Diamond course
5000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Enter SSEF’s fully equipped gemmological laboratory to learn from world-leading gemmologists how to scientifically identify natural diamonds, synthetics, imitations and detect treatments.
Duration: 5 days
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Language: English
Group size: 8 students maximum
Level: Scientific
Prerequisites: Advanced experience in the field of diamonds, diamond grading and diamond testing is required.
Certificate: Scientific Diamond Course Participation Certificate
Upcoming courses: 07 – 11 July 2025
What will I learn ?
Is it a natural or synthetic? Learn how to scientifically identify natural diamonds, synthetics, imitations and detect treatments. In this intensive one-week course, SSEF provides exclusive insights into advanced diamond testing techniques. Acquire practical skills in a fully equipped mobile gemmological laboratory, using scientific spectroscopic methods and exploring portable analytical testing methods such as: FTIR spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrometry, Raman microspectrometry, fluorescence imaging and other cutting-edge approaches. Learn from highly experienced gemmologists and develop critical thinking skills that will benefit you in your professional career.
Who is this course for?
Industry professionals and gemmologists who want to gain insights into advanced diamond testing in a fully equipped laboratory and deepen their scientific skills.
Course structure
Main topics covered in this course include: Identification of diamonds as well as the most common spectroscopic characteristics of synthetics and treatments. Advanced portable analytical methods such as, but not limited to: FTIR spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrometry, Raman microspectrometry, fluorescence imaging. Critical thinking.
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 stones collection for study. Small groups guarantee intensive training and dynamic dialogue.
Aim of this course
The goals of this course are: i) to introduce students to portable spectroscopic instruments used to solve common gemmological problems, ii) to be aware of how to interpret and think critically about results, and iii) to be aware that there are limitations to the instruments and interpretations of data that can be made.
At the end of this course, students should be able to: i) Identify diamonds, ii) identify the most common spectroscopic characteristics of the most common synthetic diamonds, iii) identify the most common spectroscopic characteristics of the most common treatments, iiii) think critically about results and be aware of how to interpret results.
Long-term benefits
In this course you will be able to develop practical skills with scientific spectroscopic methods and gain theoretical insights into advanced portable analytical test methods. In particular, you will be trained to critically interpret test results.
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
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