Diamond School

Rough Diamond Grading Program

Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education

  • Duration: 1 Week (5 days)
  • Clock Hours: 30 (minimum)
  • Enrollment Fees: U.S. $150.00 (inclusive of tuition)
  • Toal Program Cost: U.S. $3,500.00

    • Classes for the Rough Diamond Grading Program are usually held once per month. Prospective students may contact the Institute for exact time and dates.

    A. Program Objectives

    1. To prepare the student to become proficient in the analysis of both gem and industrial rough diamonds.
    2. To teach the student how to analyze rough diamonds based on size, color, and clarity.
    3. To allow the student to develop the ability to price single pieces of rough and parcels.

     

    B. Program Description

    Day one

  • Explanation on sawing techniques and how it relates to rough octahedral diamonds.
  • Explanation on bruting and how it affects the rough diamond with regards to weight.
  • The procedure of cutting and polishing in relation to facet placement.
  • How the diamond cutting wheel is used and its affect on polishing rough diamonds.
  • The use of the star gauge and butterfly gauge for angle placement.
  • Facet placement for rough diamonds and common terms used among diamond cutters.
  • Examining rough octahedrons and misshapen crystals.
  • Identifying trigons and other surface markings.
  • Differentiating between 2 point, 3 point and 4 point grain structures.
  • Expected weight retention on octahedrons, dodecahedrons and misshapen crystals.
  • Proportion percentages and expected angles for light reflection and the resulting fire and brilance that can be expected from one crystal in respect to another.

    • The Rough diamond grading student will be able to observe first hand diamond manufacturing techniques performed by the Institute in house diamond cutters. This will demonstrate visually to the student the manipulation and fashioning of rough diamonds.

    Day Two

  • Examining rough crystals and identifying shape and surface features under the microscope.
  • What are whole diamonds, flats, cleavages and macles.
  • The use of the Leverage gauge in measuing rough diamonds to calculate their completed weight.
  • Use and type of diamond scales for weighing rough diamonds during field operations.
  • Lighting conditions and materials used for rough color identification.
  • Examining rough crystals for inclusions under the microscope.
  • How and where to open windows on rough diamonds.
  • Identifying and judging the depth of cleavage feathers, fracture feathers, carbon and pinpoints.
  • How does stress and strain affect the value of rough diamonds.

    • Day Three

  • First initial lecture on classification of rough gem diamonds
  • Classifying parcels of rough diamonds for color.
  • Interpreting color according to the surface texture on the rough.
  • Examining rough diamonds and plotting their inclusions with only a 10x loupe.
  • Juding inclusions and their depth for possible removal during manufacturing.
  • Orienting a rough diamond for placement of the table facet.
  • Understanding pricing and how it is used for rough diamonds.
  • Pricing individual single large crystals and parcels of small rough.
  • Identifying simple twinned crystals and multiple twins.
  • The application of lasering rough diamonds and when does it apply. (practical examples are shown)

    • The rough diamond grading program at A.I.D.C. Inc. is the most comprehensive of its kind and the only program that is equipped with its own text books on rough diamonds. Both books come in hard covers with full color plates displaying individual diamond crystals and parcels of rough with detail explanations on color and inclusions within the rough diamond.

    The Titles are, “Rough Diamonds, A Practical Guide” and “Rough Diamonds, Internal and External Features.” Author-Nizam Peters. These books can be purchased separetely. (See also other book titles)

    Day Four

  • How to select rough diamonds for fancy shapes.
  • Expected wieght recovery for fancy shapes.
  • Proportional analysis of rough diamonds for fancy shapes.
  • Second lecture on classification of both gem and industrial rough diamonds.
  • Pricing of industrial diamonds and their possible market share.
  • How to classify and price mine run parcels.
  • How to use the diamond sieves.
  • Understanding the difference between borderline industrials and gem quality rough.
  • What is meant and how to interpret near gem rough.
  • Fluorescence and its effect on rough diamonds in relation to value.
  • What is the Kimberly Certification Process.

    • Practical examples of rough diamond crystals and parcels of rough are examined by students in all areas of the rough diamond grading program.

    Day Five

  • Fancy color as it relates to rough diamond crystals.
  • Fancy color banding, zoning and centers within rough diamond crystals.
  • Proportion and symmetry analysis and its affects on fancy colors.
  • Individual analysis of rough crystals for shape and weight retention.
  • Individual rough analysis for color, clarity and price.
  • Case examples on calculating the outcome for extra large individual rough diamonds.
  • Identifying and checking for fake rough diamond crystals.
  • Case history on what to expect on switching and slight of hand for rough diamonds.
  • Actual rough diamond purchases in the field and what to expect.
  • Funds transfer, payments, transportation and exportation of rough diamonds.
  • Import and export laws in diamond producing countries.
    • Note:
    Several hundred carats of rough diamonds, originating from both Africa and South America are kept by the institute specifically for teaching, grading, and sorting. Two hundred and twenty carats of these diamonds were selected over a two year period by the Director during mining operations in South America. The rough crystals are a cross section of varying shapes, sizes, color, and clarity, thereby giving the students invaluable insight to rough diamonds they would normally encounter in the field.

    C. Program Completion Standards

    Each student will be assigned specific tasks for completion without supervision or assistance and a final passing evaluation grade will be given.

    1. The student must demonstrate that he/she will be able to evaluate rough single pieces of any size.
    2. The student must demonstrate that he/she will be able to evaluate gem parcels and industrial parcels.
    3. The student must demonstrate that he/she has a basic understanding of import and export procedures on rough diamonds.

    A certificate will be awarded to those students who successfully complete
    the prescribed program.

    Instruction/Certification

    The director of the Institute personally teaches the rough diamond grading program. He is also the author and photographer of the book, “Rough Diamonds, A Practical Guide”. For further information on Mr. Peters, please see founder and faculty information.

    Assistance and Field Support

    Upon completion of the rough diamond grading program, the Institute offers a unique package to support the students while in the field. The institute will make available the services of the cutting and polishing department and extend technical help in marketing both the rough and polished diamonds. These and many other services are available to assist the student during field operations.

    To enroll in the program an application is required to be filled out and submitted with two passport size photographs and a fee of $150.00 which is part of the total tuition cost. International students are not required to have a visa for the rough diamond grading program. They can apply for a tourist, business, or visitors visa. All funds must be paid in U.S. dollars in the form of a certified check, money order, cashiers check or wire transfer.

    Application for Enrollment

    Rough Diamond Grading Program
    • Mailing Address:
    • 1287 E. Newport Center Drive #202
    • Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442
    • Phone: U.S. 1-800-831-8470
    • Fax: 1-954-574-0833
    • International: 954-574-0833
    • Program Details:
    • Tuition: U.S. $3,500.00
    • Enrollment Fees: $150.00
    • Clock Hours: 30 (minimum)
    • Duration: 1 Week (5 days)
    Download PDF

    • Section A

    • Applicant's Date of Birth

    • Section B

    • College or institution of higher learning attended (if any):

    • Section C

    • Section D

    • Projected starting date of attendance?

    • (1) Two passport size photographs to accompany this application.

      (2) A check in the amount of US $150.00 as an enrollment fee, which will be applied towards tuition if you are accepted and refunded in full if you are not accepted.

      NOTE: Allow 2 weeks for a response from the date the application was received by the institute.

    • Section E

    • 1. All applications will be handled and filed according to the date each application is received. In the event current classes are filled, the Institute reserves the right to set a new enrollment date for the next available class.

      2. A student is expected to abide by all rules and regulations as printed in the Institute official school catalog.

      3. The remaining portion of tuition must be paid in full before the commencement of classes. All funds must be paid in US dollars in the form of a certified check, money order, cashiers check or wire transfer.

    • Passport Photographs

      You may upload your two photographs here or mail them in.

    • Pay Enrollment Fee Online

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