Diamonds and diamond-set jewellery play a major part in the jewellery industry today and those that buy, sell or grade diamonds need a high level of expertise and confidence. This is why Gem-A introduced, and continues to develop, a high-level diamond qualification based on a careful blend of theoretical and practical learning. The syllabus covers some theory, from geology to globalization, but the emphasis is on giving you the practical skills to judge a cut diamond in your day-to-day business, to understand how quality and value is assessed and to develop your skills in interpreting oratory grading reports.  The important issues of imitations, treatments and synthetics are addressed, so that you know what to look for and when to seek the advice of a specialist laboratory. The Gem-A Diamond Diploma is accredited at level 4 by the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) – the only diamond course in the world so accredited.

You can prepare for the Diamond Diploma exam at our Gem-A London headquarters, through daytime or evening classes, or with one of our Allied Teaching Centres. The course fees include exam fees, Gem-A’s comprehensive Diamond Course Notes, our Diamond Grading Manual, a diamond crystal model to assemble, and our essential kit for every diamond dealer, which includes: a 10x lens, tweezers, cleaning cloth and a long-wave ultra violet light. A full range of equipment, books and sample stones are also available from our shop or online. 

You will be awarded our Gem Diamond Diploma once you have passed our examinations. We then strongly urge you to apply for election as a Diamond Member of The Gemmological Association, a prestigious category of Gem-A membership, after which you may use the letters DGA after your name for as long as you remain a paid-up member.  As a DGA, you are a member of a select and highly respected international community, and your name and country of residence will be added to the list of DGAs on our website.

If you are looking for practical experience only, the practical section of the Gem Diamond Diploma course can be taken as a separate unit leading to our Diamond Practical Certificate. The Open Distance Learning (ODL) Diamond Diploma course includes the six-day Diamond Practical Certificate course and exam in London.