WHAT IS GEMMOLOGY?
Gemmology is the study of natural, synthetic and imitation Diamonds, Gemstones and Semi-Precious Stones such as Crystals & Minerals
Gemmology is a science that deals with the technical understanding of Precious and Semi-Precious stones, such as Diamonds, Sapphires, Topaz, Pearl.
Gemmologist identify and evaluate stones by using special hand-held small equipment or machines such as a 10x lens, polariscope or refractometer.
Looking at the cut, colour and clarity of each stone, they identify flaws and grade or evaluate a stones to determine if it is a natural, treated or imitation stone.
A 1-Day course will not make a Gemmologist of you.
However you can gain a basic understanding of identification methods, equipment and terminology, all useful in the buying process. And our one day course will help you decide if further tuition would be helpful to you such as:
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3-Day Gemmology Identification Basis Course (Coloured Stones)
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Gem-A Diamond Grading Diploma Exam course
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ABOUT DIAMONDS
A one day introduction to Diamond Grading course can help you understand the basics of the following subject areas;
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Learn how Diamond Grades Differ
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Learn what the process for Grading Diamonds for cut, colour and Clarity is
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Learn how a diamond carat weight is determined
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Which factors Testing laboratories require for their reports.
All a useful product knowledge introduction for retailers.
TREATED STONES
Treatments made to stones can alter their colour or clarity in order to falsely enhance a perceived value of a stone.
Treatments can also effect a stones natural durability.
Depending on the stone, treatments can include;
Bleaching
Coloured backs
Filling cracks
Hard Coatings
Dyeing;
Heat / High Temperature Laser Drilling Diamonds; Irradiation
Impregnation (Wax/Plastic)
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Learn to identify the indicators of treatments
WHAT ARE SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS?
Synthetic Diamonds are a type of man-made carbon.
They are manufactured in a laboratory that re-creates artificial chemicals, heat and pressure similar to Earths natural geological forces.
The most common form of Diamond synthetics or simulants are;
Moissanite and Cubic Zirconica (CZ)
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Learn to spot the differences between a synthetic and real diamond.
SIMULANT / IMITATION STONES
A simulant diamond or gemstone can be artificial (laboratory created) or a similar natural or a combination of both.
Differences to genuine stones can be indicated by checking properties such as;
Weight
Hardness
Brilliance
Colour
Fluorescence
Fraining
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Learn how to identify a simulated stone
