Polishing and Cutting Course

1. Duration of Polishing and Cutting Course

   It is a 6 month course - full day from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 15:00.

   A two weeks Introduction into the Polishing and Cutting Course can be arranged separately.

2. Commencement

   The Polishing and Cutting Courses will be run as follows:-

   Polishing and Cutting Courses
   Start Date	End Date	Status
   02 July 2012	14 December 2012	Vacancies

3. Course Fees
    

   	South African Residents	Non-South African Residents
   Deposit	R10,000.00	US$2,000.00
   1st Month	R10,000.00	US$2,000.00
   2nd Month	R10,000.00	US$2,000.00
   Total	R30,000.00	US$6,000.00

   Prices are inclusive of VAT.

   To ensure personal attention, each course is limited to a maximum of 24 students.

   The registration deposit of 33% is payable to secure the student's place. Check availability of course date before paying a deposit. Acceptance will only be confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit paid into our bank account and proof provided.

   We have ten bursaries available for the July 2012/January 2013 courses. Applicants must be South African citizens with Grade 12 and mathematics, under the age of 35 years. Applications must be submitted by 29 June 2012. Please contact the college on 011 334-5917 for application forms.

4. General Course Objective
   1. To prepare the student to become proficient in every technique involved in the polishing and cutting of diamonds.
   2. This course gives and develops the skills of the student to a level where he/she will be capable of cutting and polishing a rough diamond to the finished product without supervision or assistance.
      
      
5. Course Outline
   
   Students will learn:
   1. the correct use of tools and equipment used for processing diamonds;
   2. the setting up a bench and level a scaiffe for polishing diamonds;
   3. techniques on maintenance and balancing of all cutting equipment to ensure top performance for a high standard of work;
   4. how to look and identify the grain on different crystal shapes;
   5. how to look and identify the crystal symmetry, axis, plane, form and habit of diamond crystals;
   6. how to judge and what to look in determining a fine made round brilliant diamond;
   7. how to use the 10X cutters loupe, crown and pavilion gauges, girdle marker, mounting and setting of diamonds in various pots;
   8. how to use both mechanical and semi-automatic tangs and dops;
   9. the correct use of the loupe to identify imperfections and determine the practibility of their removal in elementary procedures;
   10. learning the difference in brilliance as a result of proportions and the qualities required for a well cut diamond;
   11. the blocking a diamond, both crown and pavilion;
   12. cutting crown facets on angle and equidistant from table to girdle, how to measure a table for percentage size;
   13. making all mains on crown into a perfect square of 90 degrees and making the in-between facets (bezels);
   14. cutting the pavilion mains and in-between facets on angle and matching them to the top mains by following the plumb line;
   15. knowledge of the critical angle for both crown and pavilion and variation of table size for maximum brilliance;
   16. brillianteering a diamond, putting the remaining facets on both crown and pavilion;
       
       
6. Diploma

   There will be a practical exam on completion of this course, and the student will receive a diploma stating that they have successfully completed the Polishing and Cutting Course at the Diamond Education College. The student will be awarded with the Qualification in the Diamond Processing.

7. Applications
   
   
   1. Applications must be made well in advance because of the limited number of students that can be accommodated at any specific intake.
   2. Admission is solely at the discretion of the college.
   3. Fees are not refundable.
      
      
8. Equipment

   All equipment for use during the course will be provided and remain the property of the Diamond Education College.

9. Accommodation and Transport

   Students must arrange their own transport and accommodation.  

10. Discipline

    Students will be subject to the disciplinary code of the Diamond Education College. Any student who is in breach of its code will be liable to suspension or expulsion without refund of fees paid.

11. Language

    The course is presented in English or Afrikaans. Students must be able to understand and converse in these languages. Interpreters for Dutch, Flemish, Polish, Czech and Russian are available.