Introduction to diamonds
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
This course has now finished
- Course Code: VV984
- Dates: 02/12/23 - 02/12/23
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Judith Crowe, Derek Jhinnoo
Course Code: VV984
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The fascinating one-day course will give you an insight into the trade in diamonds and the different types of diamond available on the market. It will introduce you to the diamond simulants that are commonly found, and teach you how to assess diamonds yourself. There will be various images of diamonds and diamond-set jewellery for you to view. What previous students loved about this course: "Highly informative."
"Much better than other courses attended at other institutes. A follow-on course from this would be great as I loved this course and lecturer."
What will we cover?
The course will cover the mining, cutting, grading/pricing of diamonds and their certification. Topics will include the economics of diamonds including the structure of de Beers and the diamond-producing countries. We will also look at the common diamond simulants that can be found in jewellery. You will be taught how to use a loupe, and guided through the assessment criteria in certifying a diamond.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use a loupe to look at stones
- Understand how the diamond industry operates
- Understand the grading and pricing of diamonds and know the certifying bodies
- Demonstrate awareness of the different diamond simulants that are on the market
- Recognise the common cuts of diamonds and how cutting has developed over the last century.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is at beginner’s level and no experience is necessary. It is ideal for people who have an interest in diamonds and diamond-set jewellery and would be a good ‘refresher’ for people who work in the jewellery trade.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, handouts and for health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will take the form of a talk with many images and samples being shown to you to illustrate the different topics. There will be plenty of time for you to ask questions, and detailed hand-outs for you to take away. There is no work outside of the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no other costs or items you are required to bring.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development.
Suitable follow-on courses may include:
VV825 - Jewellery making: all levels
VV973 - Appraising jewellery and gemstones
VV125 - Jewellery: soldering workshop
Your tutor will be able to advise you on your course.
Since 2003 Judith Crowe has been running 2 companies - as a gemstone dealer and for making bespoke jewellery. She has a BA Hons degree in Fine Art and from 1985 she worked as a studio manager/designer in graphic design. In 1990 she broke her back horse riding and then worked as a broadcast journalist and TV director at the BBC Disability Programmes Unit. From 1999 Judith retrained in silversmithing at City Lit and she is now teaching short courses on gemmology and jewellery at the college. She has written a book, 'The Jeweller's Directory of Gemstones', published by Quarto. Her website is www.judthcrowe.co.uk
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.