Short course
GEM-A Diamond Diploma
Gem-A Diamond Diploma provides a comprehensive understanding of diamonds and diamond grading which is essential for the buying, selling and trading of diamonds.
Overview
One of the most valuable diamond qualifications worldwide, this Diploma will give you a comprehensive understanding of diamonds and how the diamond market operates. You will study the properties of diamonds, the factors affecting a diamond’s appearance and properties, learn about diamond grading, the 4Cs (carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut) and the other factors that influence value, as well as how to identify and recognise imitations, synthetics and treatments. This course is taught by Visiting Lecturer Nicole Flavel Avery FGA, DGA an industry expert in jewellery design/making, auctions and gem testing laboratories. A qualified jewellery maker and gemmologist.
Learning Outcomes
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Explore the ethical, social, economic, and environmental consequences of diamond mining and trade, addressing issues like conflict diamonds, sustainability, and their impact on society.
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Learn the precise assessment of a diamond’s quality, including factors such as colour, clarity, and other attributes affecting its value. This part also covers various grading systems and valuation methods that will help you in the field.
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Study the diamond’s internal structure, physical and optical properties, and the mechanisms that produce different diamond types. Additionally, recognising and distinguishing between natural, treated, and synthetic diamonds and compare them to simulants.
Who would benefit?
Graduates go on to successful careers in a number of areas in the trade, such as buying, selling, auctioning or valuing diamonds and diamond-set jewellery. Diamond Diploma graduates must apply for Gem-A Membership in order to continue to use the post-nominal DGA after their name — a sign of excellence in the trade The course is taught in English, so a minimum of IELTS 6 is required for students whose English is their second language.
Course in Depth
The course begins on 15 October 2026, and will occur on Thursday evenings, from 5:30 to 8pm.
What is the course duration?
There will be a total of 30 taught sessions, with the last session taking place on Thursday 10th June. The course concludes with a theory and practical examination. Date of theory exam is Friday 18 June 2026, practical exam date tbc.
Holiday dates:
- 3 weeks for Christmas w/c 21 December
- 2 weeks for Easter w/c 29 March
- No class on Thursday 25 March - this is replaced with a full day mock examination on Wednesday 24 March
What is included?
Fees include tuition and use of extensive collection of diamonds/simulants at Birmingham City University and Gem-A fees which cover the cost of your notes, equipment, simulant samples, Moodle access and exam fees.
Offerings
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Gem-A Diamond Diploma (English Version)
Gem-A Diamond Diploma provides a comprehensive understanding of diamonds and diamond grading which is essential for the buying, selling and trading of diamonds.
One of the most valuable diamond qualifications worldwide, this Diploma will give you a comprehensive understanding of diamonds and how the diamond market operates. You will study the properties of diamonds, the factors affecting a diamond’s appearance and properties, learn about diamond grading, the 4Cs (carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut) and the other factors that influence value, as well as how to identify and recognise imitations, synthetics and treatments.
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Gem-A Diamond Diploma (Simplified Chinese)
Gem-A Diamond Diploma provides a comprehensive understanding of diamonds and diamond grading which is essential for the buying, selling and trading of diamonds.
One of the most valuable diamond qualifications worldwide, this Diploma will give you a comprehensive understanding of diamonds and how the diamond market operates. You will study the properties of diamonds, the factors affecting a diamond’s appearance and properties, learn about diamond grading, the 4Cs (carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut) and the other factors that influence value, as well as how to identify and recognise imitations, synthetics and treatments.
Simplified Chinese version comes with an additional set of notes and exam language.
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Gem-A Diamond Diploma (Traditional Chinese)
Gem-A Diamond Diploma provides a comprehensive understanding of diamonds and diamond grading which is essential for the buying, selling and trading of diamonds.
One of the most valuable diamond qualifications worldwide, this Diploma will give you a comprehensive understanding of diamonds and how the diamond market operates. You will study the properties of diamonds, the factors affecting a diamond’s appearance and properties, learn about diamond grading, the 4Cs (carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut) and the other factors that influence value, as well as how to identify and recognise imitations, synthetics and treatments.
Traditional Chinese version comes with an additional set of notes and exam language.
Schedule & Location
All sessions are onsite and will be a combination of Theory lectures/discussions, practical diamond grading, revision and exam practice. Weekly content to be updated and shared with participants during start of course.
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1 |
15-Oct |
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2 |
22-Oct |
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3 |
29-Oct |
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4 |
5-Nov |
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5 |
12-Nov |
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6 |
19-Nov |
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7 |
26-Nov |
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8 |
3-Dec |
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9 |
10-Dec |
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10 |
17-Dec |
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H |
22-Dec |
Holiday |
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H |
29-Dec |
Holiday |
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H |
5-Jan |
Holiday |
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11 |
14-Jan |
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12 |
21-Jan |
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13 |
28-Jan |
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14 |
4-Feb |
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15 |
11-Feb |
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16 |
18-Feb |
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17 |
25-Feb |
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18 |
4-Mar |
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19 |
11-Mar |
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20 |
18-Mar |
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21 |
24-Mar |
MOCKEXAM |
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H |
30-Mar |
Holiday |
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H |
6-Apr |
Holiday |
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22 |
15-Apr |
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23 |
22-Apr |
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24 |
29-Apr |
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25 |
6-May |
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26 |
13-May |
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27 |
20-May |
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28 |
27-May |
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29 |
3-Jun |
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30 |
10-Jun |
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E |
18-Jun |
Theory Exam |
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E |
TBC-Jun |
Practical Exam |
Birmingham City University
Assay Office (Icknield Street Entrance) 1 Moreton Street
Birmingham
B1 3AX
Fees and enrolment
If you're interested in finding out more about this course or would like more information before you enrol, please register your interest and we'll be in touch with more information.
Level: Short course