Gemmology Association (short courses) - Diamond Diploma / Diploma / Foundation Certificate

Gem-A Foundation Course

This course is taught by experienced BCU lecturers, and covers the Gem-A Foundation in Gemmology syllabus. As a requirement of the course, all students must purchase the Gem-A Foundation course notes (details provided upon application to the course).

The course will cover all aspects of gemmology, and can be taken with no prior experience, or educational requirements. A variety of gemstones are covered, both in rough and fashioned form, along with the geological processes by which they are formed. Optical, physical, and chemical properties are explained, along with the effects these have on the gemstone in terms of colour, hardness, and optical phenomenon. The course also covers a range of methods for producing gemstones synthetically, under laboratory conditions, and the methods by which these can be identified. Common treatments are also explained, along with the relevant identification features.

The course also contains a high percentage of practical work, during which you will learn to use a range of hand-held gemmological tools, from loupes to refractometers (and the principles underlying each test).

During the course you will be required to complete 4 online quizzes, which will count towards your final examination grade. Gem-A examinations are held in June, with the results being made available approximately 8 weeks later.

Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress to the Diploma year.

Gem-A Diploma Course

This course expands on the knowledge you gained in the Foundation course, and covers a greater range of gemstones. Additional testing methods, including laboratory techniques are introduced and explained, as well as an increased selection of synthesis methods and treatment techniques. Practical testing gains a greater emphasis during this course, with a dedicated practical examination being held in June, alongside 2 theory papers.

The course again follows the Gem-A syllabus, and so requires the purchase of the Diploma section of the Gem-A course notes. This also allows access to the Gem-A’s online learning resources, and a further 4 online assessments, which, as with the Foundation course, count towards the final examination grade. Students are also required to complete a gemmological project (on a choice of titles), and this again counts towards the final grading in the theory examination.

By completing this course you will be able to identify a range of gemstones, in both rough and cut forms, and be proficient in using a range of gemmological testing tools, which will enable you to test numerous other stones. You will also be able to talk confidently about the science of gemmology, treatments, and synthetic gemstones.

Gem-A Diamond Diploma Course

All aspects of diamonds and diamond grading will be covered in this course, which follows the Gem-A Diamond Diploma syllabus. The history of diamonds and diamond discoveries is covered, followed by an insight into the geological conditions necessary for diamond formation, and the techniques involved in diamond mining. Diamond cutting and the science behind diamond’s optical properties is outlined, along with the causes of colours, both natural and treated. Detection of these treatments, by standard gemmological tools and advanced lab equipment will also be explained. You will also learn how to differentiate diamond from it’s many simulants, such as cubic zirconia and synthetic moissanite, as well as an understanding of the processes involved in growing synthetic diamonds, and their detection.

On the practical side, you will learn to grade diamonds for all aspects seen on professional laboratory reports. Colour and clarity grading are the most commercially important features in the course, but grading for polish, symmetry, proportions and fluorescence are also covered. You will also receive training in the practical differentiation of diamond from similar stones, and the identification of certain treatments. Both theory and practical will be assessed by way of Gem-A’s trade examinations, which are held in June.

Apply for the Gemmology Diploma course direct to School of Jewellery, Vittoria Street: 

Tel: +44 (0)121 331 6477

Email: jewellery@bcu.ac.uk