Diamond Grading & Identification Lab Class
This five-day in-person diamond grading course, culminating in a final exam, has been especially designed by Gem-A to serve both Diamond Diploma online distance learning (ODL) students and other professionals looking to expand their diamond skills and experience in a short period of time.
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
Price
from £1,350
Qualification
Gem-A Diamond Practical Diamond Certificate
Study method
In-person or Gem-A London
Who can apply?
Anyone working in any sector of the trade who has an interest in grading diamonds.
Anyone looking to advance existing skills.
Current Gem-A Diamond Diploma ODL students are required to take this course as part of their exam.
Equipment provided*
Diamond grading manual
Diamond practical workbook
Portable diamond instrument kit, containing 10× loupe, thermal tester, stone tweezers, stone cleaning cloth, estimator gauge, long-wave UV key ring and a zip case.
*Only for short course applicants
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 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.
What will I learn ?
Dive into the World of Diamonds
Throughout the five days of the Lab Class you will handle rough, cut and polished diamonds, both loose and set in jewellery. You will learn how to colour and clarity grade diamonds to internationally recognised standards and will be taught how to estimate the weight of a mounted diamond and the limitations this may cause when grading.
Understanding Diamond Diversity
During the Lab Class you will observe natural, synthetic diamonds and simulant diamonds, including common materials like moissanite, glass and cubic zirconia. You will be guided through clarity enhancement treatments, like laser drilling and fracture filling, and will discover how to identify them.
Advanced Diamond Grading Techniques
On the final days of the course, you will tackle grading diamonds for cut, polish, symmetry and proportions in relation to international tolerances, utilising the best lighting conditions and observation techniques at all times.
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
Use the table below to find an upcoming Diamond Grading & Identification Lab class on-site at Gem-A London.
| Code | Name | Start Date | Duration | Price (£) | Enquire |
|---|
Ready to apply?
If you wish to apply by post/email please download our PDF application form and send to our London HQ or email to education@gem-a.com. Make sure to review the Terms and Conditions, as you will need to agree to them when completing the application form.
COURSEWORK & EXAMS
How will I be Assessed?
In order to help steer your learnings into an advanced understanding of diamonds, you will be assessed in the following ways.
Examinations
The Diamond Grading & Identification Lab Class concludes with an examination paper. Those studying via the Short Course option will receive a Gem-A Diamond Practical Certificate upon successful completion of the exam.
Practical Lab Class
The Practical Lab Class is one of two in-person requirements for all ODL students. The second is a final examination that needs to be taken in-person at Gem-A HQ, at a GAPP Centre or via an ATC.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from our community
"Gem-A has given me the pass to explore the world of gems to a depth I didn't think was out there until successfully passing my DGA & FGA. Online Distance Learning enabled me to continue my job at our family business, and learn alongside work."
"I highly recommend Gem-A! The teachers were exceptional, providing insightful knowledge and guidance. Their expertise and passion made learning a delight. Gem-A exceeded my expectations and equipped me with invaluable skills for my career in the Gem trade."
"Gem-A gave me the knowledge and the skills to understand the science & beauty of gemstones and the confidence to work as Head of the Laboratory at European Diamond Report. I recommend Gem-A to everyone dreaming of starting a career in this unique industry."
As a long-time gemstone collector, I pursued Gem-A's course to enhance my expertise. It provided the knowledge to offer compelling explanations to customers and appreciate the unique gifts from the Earth, fostering joy without words
"As a gemmologist appraiser acting as an advisor to extremely important jewellery collections, Gem-A's Diploma in gemmology has given me a added layer of credibility as well as a deeper understanding of gemstones from a more scientific and crystallographic perspective."
"I took the Gem-A course because no one in our company had the qualification. I highly recommend it for those serious about studying gemstones. It deepens your knowledge and, even when it gets tough, perseverance yields results. I can now convey what I've learned in my own words when explaining to clients and the general public."
"Many find it challenging to balance work and Gem-A studies, but I believe it enhances knowledge retention. I created outputs like gem collections and monthly birthstone posts in my work, making it more memorable when shared. This communication built trust and connections in my business."
"I remember intense training to identify numerous gemstones in a limited time for the practical exam. With years in the industry, I pursued Gem-A's Gemmology Diploma to deepen my expertise and recommend it to those committed to the field."
STUDY ROUTES
What's next?
Once you’ve completed the Diamond Diploma you can progress through the following routes
Diamond Diploma
Diamond Diploma Awarded
Eligibility for DGA membership status
BSc in Gemmology & Jewellery Studies
Gain your BSc degree awarded by Birmingham City University
*Optional: These courses or classes are not required to become a FGA and/or DGA member, or for applying for the BSC in Gemmology & Jewellery Studies delivered by Birmingham City University.
