SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Clarity Grade Rough Diamond Gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259738  Clarity Grade Rough Diamond Gemstones 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  18 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for people who are required to examine and grade the clarity of rough diamonds for processing into polished diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the equipment and tools used to examine and grade the clarity of rough diamond gemstones and describe their application.
  • Differentiate types and categories of diamond gemstones in the rough.
  • Evaluate the clarity grade of rough diamond gemstones.
  • Conduct post grading reconciliation, checking and security activities.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of processing of diamond gemstones in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • History, structure and operations of the diamond processing industry.
  • Requirements for security of diamonds.
  • Use a loupe for advanced applications in examining diamond gemstones.
  • Identify and describe the structure, properties and characteristics of diamond gemstones. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the equipment and tools used to examine and grade the clarity of rough diamond gemstones and describe their application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment and their components used to examine and grade the clarity of rough diamond gemstones are identified and their use in different applications is explained in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The equipment used for examining diamond gemstones must include:
  • Loupes, tweezers, cloth, pin prick, paintbrush.
  • Diamond light.
  • Scales.
  • Sieves.
  • Gauges.
  • Fluorescent lamps.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The systems for cleaning rough diamond gemstones are explained in terms of accuracy and predicting the potential worth of the resulting polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The systems of examining rough diamond gemstones for evaluation are described and explained in terms of determination of the final valuation of polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Practices are explained to maintain housekeeping, security of diamond gemstones, safety in the workplace and care of equipment in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on health, safety, equipment, products and profitability. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Differentiate types and categories of diamond gemstones in the rough. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate equipment is selected in order to examine rough diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Diamond gemstones are distinguished from other gemstones, synthetic diamonds and imitation diamonds. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The types and categories of diamond gemstones are described from examination of rough diamonds. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The categories of diamond gemstones are identified from rough gemstones and their significance is explained in terms of potential value of polished stones. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Categories must include:
  • Size.
  • Colour.
  • Purity.
  • Makeable.
  • Sawable.
  • Shape.
  • Stress.
  • Florescence.
  • Surface features.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Evaluate the clarity grade of rough diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The features of selected rough diamond gemstones are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Visibility is enhanced where necessary by cleaning, boiling or marking for windows on appropriate areas of the stone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The features are plotted according to workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The features are graded and evaluated in terms of their impact on the potential of resultant polished diamond gemstones. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Features must include:
  • Location of impurities in the rough.
  • Visibility.
  • Size of impurities.
  • Positioning of impurities in the stone.
  • Improving the final stone.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Processing options are identified, recorded and evaluated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Options must include:
  • Part stones vs. makeables.
  • Part by cleaving, sawing of laser cutting.
  • Polish round or fancy shape stones.
  • Elimination or management of impurities.
  • Assessment of dangerous stones (pressure, naat, twisted, twins).
  • Yield maximisation.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post-grading reconciliation, checking and security activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Graded diamond gemstones are returned to the appropriate storage facility/receptacle and information relating to the features examined is recorded in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Graded diamond gemstones are reconciled and accounted for in accordance with workplace specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Good housekeeping is exercised after examination and grading. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean hands, equipment and accessories.
  • Replace equipment and accessories into correct storage facilities.
  • Calibration of equipment, where necessary, is maintained according to the specifications of the equipment.
  • Diamonds and parcels are secured in the appropriate facilities.
  • Diamond gemstones are accounted for after examination in terms of the workplace security system.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard.

    Knowledge relating to the application of equipment:
  • Reason for selecting particular equipment for different applications.
  • Identification of different features and impurities in gemstones.
  • Relevant terminology and names of impurities.
  • Implications of non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Skill in handling diamond gemstones:
  • The ability to locate and rotate a diamond gemstone for examination.
  • Techniques in positioning stones for examination.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to protection of the eyesight their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Identification of dangerous stones when being processed.
  • Safety measures related to care of equipment and product.

    Safeguarding of equipment:
  • Realising the risk and potential damage that can be caused through poor handling and protection of the equipment.
  • Codes of practice for issue, handling and return of equipment.
  • Upholding the security of diamond gemstones.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Clearly plotting diamonds for further use by others.
  • Communicating features and options to relevant personnel.
  • Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to evaluate different options for processing of rough diamonds requires critical and creative thinking to solve problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to communicate the outcomes of examination and options indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The systematic process of examination and grading of the rough diamond requires the learner to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to interpret the examination into practical implications for processing indicates the learner's ability to analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: The ability to explain the findings of the examination and options indicates the learner's ability to communicate effectively through visual and language skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The application of equipment to enable effective examination of the diamond demonstrates the use of science and technology in the processing of information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993.
  • SABS and other accredited standards and quality assurance measures.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Workplace rules and procedures regarding the issue and custody of diamonds and equipment.
  • Occupational Health and Safety risk management programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • User manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • Equipment and materials specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  64249   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.