Assessing Mounted Diamonds is a practical but focused three-day workshop that provides hands-on experience in using practical tools and techniques to assess and value mounted diamonds as well as the theoretical underpinning relating to diamonds and diamond grading. The Course also includes pre-workshop webinars, online learning resources and enrolment on to the De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds online Diamond Foundation Course.
Tutored by Eric Emms FGA DGA, a highly respected gemmologist, diamond specialist and experienced educator, the course offers a valuable opportunity to learn or refresh practical diamond grading and valuation skills with guidance from an expert who has taught Assessing Mounted Diamonds to the trade for many years.
The course is assessed via a short examination, which will take place on the final afternoon of the three-day workshop.
Benefits
So, what are the benefits of the Assessing Mounted Diamonds course?
- This short course will count as the diamond grading pre-requisite for valuers wishing to become members of the IRV;
- This is a practical course and will provide hands-on experience in using practical tools and techniques to assess and value mounted diamonds as well as the theoretical underpinning relating to diamonds and diamond grading;
- Most diamond grading courses focus on grading loose diamonds. However, in everyday life, diamonds often have to be assessed and graded when they are in a mount;
- Understanding the effect a mount has on the stone’s performance and colour is vital if you are going to assess it correctly and attribute the right value.
- The short course will be completed as a cohort, enabling learning and support from peers as well as from the tutor.

Course Structure
This short course is made up of:
Completion of the De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds, online Diamond Foundation Course
Eight informative modules expertly take students from the mine to the finger, including:
- Diamond Growth and Properties
- Journey to the Surface and Diamond Exploration
- Diamond Mining
- Rough Diamond Sorting, Pricing and Selling
- Diamond Cutting and Polishing
- Polished Diamonds – the 4cs
- Jewellery Design, Marketing and Selling
- Simulants, Synthetic Diamonds and Treatments
View Diamond Foundation Course
Attendance at the three-day practical workshop
This will focus on practical skills and techniques for assessing mounted diamonds including:
- Estimating the carat weight of various diamond shapes
- Assess inclusions and plot them accurately on a facet diagram
- Judging the GIA cut grade through assessing proportions, symmetry and polish
- Handling diamonds, simulants, man-made diamonds, treated diamonds and assess mounted diamonds using a 10x loupe and a gem microscope
An examination
This will take place on the final afternoon of the three-day workshop. Students will need to pass the examination in order to pass the course.
Entry Requirements
Designed for those who already work with and have at least a basic understanding of diamonds - no formal diamond grading experience is required.
Equipment Requirements
All participants will need to bring a good quality 10x loupe and a pair of diamond tweezers.
Booking
Fees
Non-member - £1,715 +VAT
Member - £1,510 +VAT
Available dates and locations
| Date |
Location |
Address
|
Closing Date
|
|
10th-12th November
|
GIA |
Canary Wharf
|
TBA
|
Register
For a booking form please contact the education team.
Via email: education@naj.co.uk
Phone: 0121 237 1110 and select Option 3.
Booking is subject to the following Terms and Conditions