Career Gemmologist Diploma Program - Addis Abeba (Ethiopia)

Students can select from three different study formats that include theoretical, practical and in-class lecturing (Format A) or theoretical and practical instruction (Formats B & C).

Theory

You will learn all about the various instruments used to identify gemstones, the scientific principles they are based upon, how to distinguish imitation and lab-created gemstones from their natural counterparts, how to detect the various treatments used to improve the appearance and/or value of gemstones, how gemstones are mined and cut, the grading procedures for diamonds and coloured gemstones, the identification of gemstones, advanced gem testing techniques and a comprehensive overview of twenty-seven of the most popular gem species found in the gem and jewellery industry.

Practical

You will learn how to identify gemstones based on colour and transparency, to detect the various treatments used to enhance the appearance and / or value of gemstones, how to grade coloured gemstones using five different grading systems (GemDialogue, The World of Color, GemSet, Gemewizard (GIA) and ColourWise), opals and jadeite, and how to grade diamonds.

Topics covered in the course

The chemical nature of gemstones, their physical and optical properties, basic crystallography, the absorption of light, the spectroscope, refraction, reflection and the refractometer, polarized light, the polariscope, pleochroism, the dichroscope, colour filters, specific gravity, luminescence, magnification, thermal conductivity, imitation, assembled and lab-created gemstones, the methods used to manufacture lab-created gemstones including Verneuil, Czochralski, flux melt, hydrothermal, skull crucible, zone melt, horizontally oriented crystallization, high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), chemical vapour deposition (CVD), detonation, ultrasonic cavitation, sublimation method, and modified Stober method, their unique identifying features, treatments and enhancements including heat treatment, surface and sub-surface diffusion, lead glass fracture filling, flux assisted partial fissure healing, glass fracture filling, cobalt doped glass filled sapphires, high heat & pressure (HT+P), clarity enhanced diamonds, high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), quench-crackling, surface modifications, coatings and foil backs, laser drilling, and irradiation, gem mining and cutting, diamond and coloured gemstone grading, gem identification by colour and transparency, advanced gem testing techniques and a comprehensive overview of the twenty-seven most common groups, species and varieties including diamonds, corundum (rubies and sapphires), beryl (emeralds, aquamarines and other precious beryls), chrysoberyl (alexandrite and other chrysoberyl), spinel, zircon, topaz, tourmaline, peridot, quartz, garnet, tanzanite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, opal, jadeite, kunzite and hiddenite, feldspars, iolite, andalusite, diopside, apatite, pearls, coral, jet, ivory and amber.

Tests and Examinations

This program includes twelve online tests, two preparatory coloured gemstone practical examinations (each consisting of ten stones), one final coloured gemstone practical examination (consisting of twelve stones), a practical diamond examination (requiring the preparation of complete lab reports for four diamonds), two 100 question theoretical multiple-choice examinations and two theoretical five essay question examinations.

Diplomas

Upon the successful completion of this program, graduates will receive three diplomas (Career Gemmologist, Diamond Professional and Coloured Gemstone Professional).

All in-class and practical instruction will be held in Addis Abeba.

Next Program: The next program will start on May 4th, 2024 and is limited to six students. Deadline to register is March 31st, 2024.