Diamond Grading

Course aims

During this course, you will be introduced to the techniques that will enable you to accurately test, identify and grade diamonds, and you will handle a wide range of rough, cut and polished diamonds, both loose and mounted/set in jewellery. At the end of this course, you will sit the examination for the Diamond Grading Practical Certificate of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), which is an internationally recognised professional qualification. You will also be given your own diamond grading manual, grading workbook, and practical equipment kit including stonetongs, 10x loupe, stone cloth, thermal probe, UV light source, and diamond size template.

You will be taught by industry-leading tutors including an international gemmologist and will be working with one of the largest and most comprehensive diamond teaching collections in the world. The course is based at our purpose-built facilities at the Assay Office Birmingham, which is the largest and best-equipped teaching facility in the UK.

What will you study?

The correct lighting and observation techniques for consistent diamond grading. How to colour and clarity grade to internationally recognised standards. How to grade diamonds for cut, polish, symmetry, proportions and fluorescence in relation to international tolerances. How to estimate the weight of a mounted diamond and understand the limitations of grading such diamonds.

How to identify a diamond and differentiate it from its, including synthetic moissanite, glass and CZ, using a 10x loupe and a thermal probe.

How to identify clarity enhancement treatments, such as laser drilling and fracture filling.