“Classified!”: DIAMOND TYPES, LET’S MAKE THIS INTERESTING!

Student Member & Members only event

Understanding diamond types is foundational knowledge for anyone working within the industry. Knowing your type I’s from your type II’s can significantly instruct the value of the gem. But, for students, it can be a dry and uninspiring subject. In this presentation, we approach diamond types from a different perspective. By exploring the evolution of the classification system itself, what it teaches us about the geological journey and rarity of the diamond, and its role in synthetic diamond detection. We reveal a fascinating subject that is highly relevant to today’s market.

Speakers:

Elizabeth West FGA DGA

Senior Technical Educator
De Beers Group

Elizabeth is a skilled gemmologist and passionate educator with over eighteen years’ experience working within the jewellery industry. Having worked across varying roles encompassing auction house specialism, museum curation, and advanced gemmological testing and grading, she now focuses exclusively on diamond education. She has worked for De Beers for seven years, creating educational content and running in-person events and workshops to encourage a deeper appreciation of natural diamonds — a subject that grows ever more beautiful as you learn.

Dr Nick Davies

Principal Scientist and Project Lead
De Beers Group

Dr Nick Davies is a Principal Scientist and Project Lead in the Research team at De Beers Group Science and Technology (DBS&T), based in Maidenhead, UK.

He currently leads diamond research projects and during his 25-year career at DBS&T has been involved in the development of technology critical to maintaining consumer confidence. This involves creating the ability to positively identify natural diamond from CVD and HPHT grown synthetic diamond, ensuring that all synthetic products can be identified.

Nick also plays a senior role in the development and delivery of professional diamond education courses to industry clients and consumers.