Rough Diamond Grading Program
Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education
Duration: 1 Week (5 days)
Clock Hours: 30 (minimum)
Enrollment Fees: U.S. $150.00 (inclusive of tuition)
Total Program Cost: U.S. $3,500.00
Classes for the Rough Diamond Grading Program are usually held once per month. Prospective students may contact the Institute for exact time and dates.
Program Objectives
To prepare the student to become proficient in the analysis of both gem and industrial rough diamonds.
To teach the student how to analyze rough diamonds based on size, color, and clarity.
To allow the student to develop the ability to price single pieces of rough and parcels
Program Description
DAY ONE
a. Explanation on sawing techniques and how they relate to rough octahedral
diamonds.
b. Explanation on brutting and how it affects the rough diamond with regard to
weight.
c. The procedure of cutting and polishing in relation to facet placement.
d. How the diamond cutting wheel is used and its effect on polishing rough
diamonds.
e. The use of the star gauge and butterfly gauge for angle placement.
f. Facet placement for rough diamonds and common terms used among
diamond cutters.
g. Examining rough octahedrons, dodecahedrons, and misshapen crystals.
h. Identifying trigons and other surface markings.
I. Differentiating between 2 point, 3 point and 4 point grain structures.
J. Expected weight retention on octahedrons and misshapen crystals.
k. Proportion percentages and expected angles for light reflection and the resulting
fire and brilliance that can be expected from one crystal in respect to another.
DAY TWO
a. Examining rough crystals and identifying shape and surface features under
the microscope.
b. What are whole diamonds, flats, cleavages and macles.
c. The use of the Leverage gauge in measuring rough diamonds to calculate
their completed weight.
d. Use and type of diamond scales for weighing rough diamonds during field
operations.
e. Lighting conditions and materials used for rough color identification.
f. Examining rough crystals for inclusions under the microscope.
g. How and where to open windows on rough diamonds.
h. Identifying and judging the depth of cleavage feathers, fracture feathers,
carbon and pinpoints.
i. How does stress and strain affect the value of rough diamonds.
The finest gemological equipment and rough diamond grading equipment is
available for use by the student.
DAY THREE
a. First initial lecture on classification of rough gem diamonds.
b. Classifying parcels of rough diamonds for color.
c. Interpreting color according to the surface texture on the rough.
d. Examining rough diamonds and plotting their inclusions with only a 10-x
loupe.
e. Judging inclusions and their depth for possible removal during
manufacturing.
f. Orienting a rough diamond for placement of the table facet.
g. Understanding pricing and how it is used for rough diamonds.
h. Pricing individual single large crystals and parcels of small rough.
i. Identifying simple twinned crystals and multiple twins.
j. The application of lasering rough diamonds and when does it apply. (Practical
examples are shown)
DAY FOUR
a. How to select rough diamonds for fancy shapes.
b. Expected weight recovery for fancy shapes.
c. Proportional analysis of rough diamonds for fancy shapes.
d. Second lecture on classification of both gem and industrial rough diamonds.
e. Pricing of industrial diamonds and their possible market share.
f. How to classify and price mine run parcels.
g. How to use diamond sieves.
h. Understanding the difference between borderline industrials and gem
quality rough.
i. What is meant and how to interpret near gem rough.
j. Fluorescence and its effect on rough diamonds in relation to value.
k. What is the Kimberley certification process.
Practical examples of rough diamond crystals are examined by students in all areas
of the rough diamond grading program.
DAY FIVE
a. Fancy color as it relates to rough diamond crystals.
b. Fancy color banding, zoning, and centers within rough diamond crystals.
c. Proportion and symmetry analysis and its effects on fancy colors.
d. Individual analysis of rough crystals for shape and weight retention.
e. Individual rough analysis for color, clarity, and price.
f. Case examples on calculating the outcome for extra-large individual rough
diamonds.
g. Identifying and checking for fake rough diamond crystals.
h. Case history on what to expect on switching and sleight of hand for rough
diamonds.
i. Actual rough diamond purchases in the field and what to expect.
j. Funds transfer, payments, transportation, and exportation of rough
diamonds.
k. Import and export laws in diamond producing countries.
Notes
Several hundred carats of rough diamonds, originating from both Africa and South America are kept by the institute specifically for teaching, grading, and sorting. Two hundred and twenty carats of these diamonds were selected over a two year period by the Director during mining operations in South America. The rough crystals are a cross selection of varying shapes, sizes, color, and clarity, thereby giving the students invaluable insight to rough diamonds they would normally encounter in the field.
Program Completetion Standards
Each student will be assigned specific tasks for completion without supervision or assistance and a final passing evaluation grade will be given.
1 – The student must demonstrate that they will be able to evaluate rough single pieces of any size.
2 – The student must demonstrate that they will be able to evaluate gem parcels and industrial parcels.
3 – The student must demonstrate that they have a basic understanding of import and export procedures on rough diamonds.
A certificate will be awarded to those students who successfully complete the prescribed program.
INSTRUCTOR / CERTIFICATION
The director of the Institute personally teaches the rough diamond grading program. He is also the author and photographer of the book, “Rough Diamonds, A Practical Guide”. For further information on Mr. Peters, please see founder and faculty information.
ASSISTANCE AND FIELD SUPPORT
Upon completion of the rough diamond grading program, the Institute offers a unique package to support the students while in the field. The institute will make available the services of the cutting and polishing department and extend technical help in marketing both the rough and polished diamonds. These and many other services are available to assist the student during field operations.
To enroll in the program an application is required to be filled out and submitted with two passport size photographs and a fee of $150.00 which is part of the total tuition cost. International students are not required to have a visa for the rough diamond grading program. They can apply for a tourist, business, or visitors visa. All funds must be paid in U.S. dollars in the form of a certified check, money order, cashiers check or wire transfer.