Diamond Grading & Identification Lab Class
This five-day in-person diamond grading course, culminating in a final exam, is designed by Gem-A for Diamond Diploma ODL students and other professionals seeking to quickly enhance their diamond skills and experience. It takes place only in London at the Gem-A office.
Start or extend your diamond studies
At Gem-A, we have supported thousands of students who want to advance their gemmological knowledge and secure a world-recognised and industry-respected qualification.
Forming the practical component of the Diamond Diploma for ODL students, this practical lab class is also available as a stand-alone short course, allowing you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with diamonds and diamond testing techniques that will enable you to accurately test, identify and grade diamonds. This short course consists of practical tuition for 5 days days, with a practical examination on the 6th day of the class.Our 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.
Course Details
Duration
6 days including examination
Price
from £1,420
Qualification
Study method
Who can apply?
Equipment provided*
If you have any questions regarding the courses, please contact education@gem-a.com
Diamond Grading & Identification Lab Class
Short Course Applicants
No prior diamond experience is required to take this course. Instead, we look for individuals who are passionate about diamonds and want to improve their practical skills. To apply, simply select your chosen dates via the Upcoming Lab Classes tab and enquire with our team via education@gem-a.com
ODL Diamond Diploma Students
All students studying the Gem A Diamond Diploma via the ODL route are required to attend a Diamond Diploma Lab Class, in London, to complete their course. The Diamond Grading & Identification Lab Class takes place over five days and on the sixth day you will be required to take a practical assessment.
GEMMOLOGY DIPLOMA
What will I learn?
Dive into the World of Diamonds
Understanding Diamond Diversity
Advanced Diamond Grading Techniques
The course will cover
✔️ How to handle a range of rough and polished diamonds.
✔️ The correct lighting and observation techniques for consistent diamond grading.
✔️ How to grade diamonds for cut, including polish, symmetry and proportions in relation to international tolerances.
✔️ How to colour and clarity grade to internationally recognised standards.
✔️ Weight estimation of mounted diamonds with an understanding of the limitations of grading diamonds in jewellery.
✔️ Identification of a diamond and how to differentiate it from its simulants, including synthetic moissanite, glass and CZ, etc.
✔️ Detection and identification of clarity enhancement treatments, such as laser drilling and fracture filling.
✔️ Introduction to the observation of synthetic diamond.
I enjoyed every bit of it. I studied it for mainly pleasure and also in the hope I could in some way be involved in the industry… It was certainly challenging but I loved it
Dayanthi Ratnayake
Gemmology Foundation Alumni
Upcoming Diamond Grading courses
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Ready to apply?
Make sure to review the Terms and Conditions, for our courses, as you will need to agree to them when completing the application form.
COURSEWORK & EXAMS
How will I be assessed?
Examinations
Practical Lab Class
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from our community
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any benefits I can access while studying with Gem-A?
As part of your student membership, you will have access to two online gemmology publications that are released quarterly: The Journal of Gemmology and Gems&Jewellery, as well as being eligible for a discount in the Gem-A Instruments shop. You will also have access to a special student ticket price for networking events such as the annual Gem-A conference. Students can also apply for a Totum Pro discount card (for UK discounts).
Can I re-do an assessment?
Unless there are proven mitigating circumstances, students will not be able to re-do any assessments. If you are in a situation that you believe would constitute mitigating circumstances, please contact your tutor as soon as you can. More information can be found in the Student Policies and Procedures.
Is there any help available for students with disabilities?
Gem-A can consider additional support for individuals who are disabled, have a learning difficulty or long-term medical condition. If this applies to you, please contact our Student Support Officer at studentservices@gem-a.com to find out more.
Do I need to take any precautions when using equipment?
Students will be using refractive index (RI) liquid in their practical gem testing sessions or lab classes when using a refractometer. RI liquid is commonly used in gemmology when using a refractometer. The Gem-A course extensively covers the appropriate use of refractometers, and therefore, to successfully complete the Gemmology Diploma, you will be required to use the RI fluid. In a classroom environment, the Gem-A tutors will provide you with appropriate information regarding the RI liquid, and you will be taught the recommended handling procedures. Only a tiny drop of RI liquid is used in testing, and the cap on the bottle is always replaced. It is your responsibility to ensure that you appropriately follow the instructions and information provided by your tutor on the use of the RI liquid. Gloves will be provided if you require them when using the RI liquid at the London teaching center.
RI liquid contains diiodomethane, and you may need to exercise precautions if you are pregnant, if you have certain medical conditions, and if you have sensitivity to, or are allergic to, this chemical. Again, your tutors will provide the required information on handling procedures. Please inform your tutors so that they are aware of your needs. If you are unsure, contact your doctor for advice. If you are pregnant, please consider that you may also be sensitive to the smell, which may make you nauseous.
If you are unsure about using RI liquid or if your doctor has advised against using it, please contact education@gem-a.com for further advice or for a copy of the Material Data Sheet.
What are the recommended study hours for my course?
For each course, the recommended self-study hours per week, including time for the reading of the course notes, completing any homework (onsite studies only), and end-of-block reviews and online assessments, are:
Gemmology Foundation
- Evening: 6 to 8 hours
- Daytime: 4 to 6 hours
- ODL: 6 to 8 hours
- ODL Fast track: 10 to 12 hours
Gemmology Diploma
- Evening: 8 to 10 hours
- Daytime: 6 to 8 hours
- ODL: 10 to 12 hours
Diamond Diploma
- Evening: 10 to 12 hours
- Daytime: 8 to 10 hours
- ODL: 8 to 10 hours
