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: 

Describe the structure and properties of gem diamonds 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259777  Describe the structure and properties of gem diamonds 
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  10 
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 understand the structure and properties of diamond gemstones for the purpose of sorting, marking, cutting, bruting, polishing and grading of diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify and describe the main categories and groups of diamond gemstones.
  • Identify the different diamond types and describe their differences.
  • Explain the effects of nitrogen on diamond type and colour.
  • Explain the colour obtained by treatment on the different diamond types.
  • Describe the various properties of the different types of diamond gemstones and explain these properties in relation to the processing of diamond gemstones.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for socio-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:
  • Knowledge of polishing techniques for diamond gemstones.
  • Use of a loupe to examine diamond gemstones.
  • Identification of characteristics of diamond gemstones.
  • Requirements for the security of diamonds. 
    		•

    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 and describe the main categories and groups of diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The categories of diamond gemstones are described and identified in terms of principal colours and general features. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The categories described must include:
  • Yellow diamonds.
  • Brown diamonds.
  • Grey diamonds.
  • Black diamonds.
  • Fancy colours.
  • White diamonds.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The main groups of diamond gemstones are described in terms of fluorescence and absorption bands. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The groups described must include:
  • Bluish fluorescence.
  • Greenish fluorescence.
  • Yellowish fluorescence.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The absorption bands that occur between type I and type II diamonds is explained in terms of the different effects they have. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the different diamond types and describe their differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Type I diamonds are described in terms of colour and nitrogen content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Type I B diamonds are described in terms of colour and nitrogen content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Type II A diamonds are described in terms of colour, nitrogen content and crystalline distortion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Type II B diamonds are described in terms of colour, nitrogen content, conductivity and irradiation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the effects of nitrogen on diamond type and colour. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effect of nitrogen on type l, type I A and type I B is explained in terms of colour, ultra violet light absorption and structure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The three forms of type I A diamonds are explained in terms of nitrogen content and colour dominance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The crystalline habit and electrical conductivity of type I diamonds are explained in basic terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effects of nitrogen on type II diamonds is explained in terms of colour and electrical conductivity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The exceptions to the norm of type II A diamond gemstones are explained in terms of colour and size. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The difference between the Golden Yellow and Cape Series of diamonds is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the colour obtained by treatment on the different diamond types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The colour obtained in different diamond types is described in terms of treatments of irradiation, neutron bombardment, electron bombardment and heat. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The general stability and radioactivity of different diamond types is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The two methods of identifying irradiated and treated diamonds is described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe the various properties of the different types of diamond gemstones and explain these properties in relation to the processing of diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The properties of different types of diamonds are described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The properties of diamonds must include:
  • Mechanical properties.
  • Chemical properties.
  • Optical properties.
  • Thermal properties.
  • Electrical properties.
  • Surface properties.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The critical factors affecting the processing of the different types of diamonds are described in terms of the effects of the properties on the finished article. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The critical factors must include:
  • Angles.
  • Depth.
  • Tables.
  • Light.
  • Colour.
  • Shapes.
  • Treatments.
  • Pressure.
  • Inclusions.
  • Surface Blemishes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The impact that the properties and the critical factors have on the design and ultimate outcomes of processing are explained in terms of weight, colour, clarity, shapes and processing techniques. 


    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 nature of diamond gemstones:
  • Identification of different features and impurities in gemstones.
  • Understanding of the potential impact the impurity may have on the value of the diamond.
  • Understanding the importance of examination with the correct tools and equipment.
  • Implications of non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to protection of the eyesight their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to care of equipment and product.
  • The safety impact of the properties of gemstones where processing could be potentially dangerous.

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

    Communication:
  • Reporting finding of examinations.
  • Communicating with 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 identify the nature of impurities or properties of the gemstone to assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability and willingness of the learner to interact with various other workers e.g. the supervisor, colleagues, marker in order to ensure consistent adherence to production and quality requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to indicate what methods, tools and procedures to follow and to communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and the assistance required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to analyse, record and report the information from the examination of the gemstone in order to ensure consistent adherence to production and quality requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to determine the correct impurities to safeguard the integrity of the stone and accuracy of information in accordance with production and occupational health and safety requirements. 
    		•

    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.

    Diamond Classification:
  • Definition of types of diamonds, categories of diamonds and groups needs to be established from gemmological analysis. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64729   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    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 
    Elective  78966   National Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.