Gem Diamond Diploma This unique diamond course provides not only a background in diamonds from their origin to the retailer but includes a look at all the aspects that affect a diamond’s appearance and properties. The course contains two sections: theory and the practical. The practical can be taken as a separate unit and leads to the Diamond Practical Certificate.

• Diploma holders are eligible to apply for Diamond membership of the Association and, while remaining a member, may use the letters ‘DGA’ after their name.

Accreditation

• This Diamond Diploma is currently accredited with the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.
• The Gemmological Association is a UK Government recognized Awarding Body.

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Materials Included

Students are provided with

• 10x loupe
• Stone cloth
• Stone tweezers
• UV Key ring
• Theory notes and practical book
• Crystal model

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Practical Aspects

• Carat weight
• Colour grading
• Clarity grading
• Quality of cut
• Detection of diamond simulants
• Detection of clarity treatments
• Description of rough diamonds

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Course Coverage

• History of diamond
• Origin, occurrence, prospecting, localities
• The nature of diamond
• The properties of diamond
• Colour in diamond
• Diamond treatments
• Mining and recovery
• Diamond manufacture
• Diamond pipeline and valuation factors
• Synthetic gem-quality diamond
• Diamond simulants and their recognition

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Examination

The Gem Diamond Diploma examination comprises two three-hour papers, one theory and one practical.

Please note only selected examination centres are able to provide practical diamond examinations. We advise students to check exam availability before enrolment.

For exam dates, re-sit prices and entry deadlines, please click here

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How to Study

• By attending a 4 month daytime course at Gem-A’s London headquarters. This course runs from 10am to 4:30 pm one day a week.
• By attending an 8 month evening course at Gem-A’s London headquarters run from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
• By attending a Gem-A Allied Teaching Centre (ATC) in the UK or worldwide.
• By joining the Gem-A Correspondence Programme this includes a 6 day practical grading course in London , followed by the practical examination.
• Those students who already have the Diamond Practical Certificate can take the theory part as a Correspondence Course only. Theory-only students will receive the theory notes and a crystal model with their course.

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