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: 

Part diamond gemstones by means of cleaving 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260397  Part diamond gemstones by means of cleaving 
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  8 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
110222  Part diamond gemstones by means of cleaving  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector and who are required to part diamond gemstones by means of cleaving. This process is known as cleaving.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the equipment and tools used to part diamond gemstones by means of cleaving and describe their application.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the structure of diamond gemstones and the implications for cleaving them.
  • Prepare to cleave diamond gemstones.
  • Part diamond gemstones by means of cleaving.
  • Conduct post-cleaving cleaning, 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 the diamond processing industry 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:
  • Advanced use of a loupe to examine a diamond gemstone.
  • Identify polishing grains and planes in diamond gemstones.
  • Setting up diamond gemstones for parting.
  • Set sharp for cutting diamond gemstones by hand.
  • Explain the requirements for 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.
  • This unit standard applies to persons parting any type of diamond gemstones by means of cleaving under minimal supervision. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the equipment and tools used to part diamond gemstones by means of cleaving and describe their application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools and their components used for parting diamond gemstones by means of cleaving are identified and their use in different applications is explained in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The process for cleaving diamond gemstones is explained in terms of the properties of diamonds and the effect of using impact to part diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Practices are explained to maintain good housekeeping, safety in the workplace and care of equipment in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on health, safety, equipment, products and productivity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the structure of diamond gemstones and the implications for cleaving them. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Two, three and four point sawing and cleaving planes are identified for different diamond types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The grains in diamond gemstones are identified indicating where they run. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Problems that can be encountered when parting diamond gemstones by means of cleaving are described in terms of types of problems, key features, implications for cleaving, sawing and polishing and cleaving techniques to overcome such problems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The types of problems that can be encountered must include:
  • Gletzes.
  • Naat.
  • Impurities.
  • Internal stress.
  • Twinning.
  • Angles.
  • Setting depth.

    The cleaving techniques must include:
  • Laser kerfing.
  • Hand kerfing.
  • Positioning of tables on cleaved stones.
  • Kerf depth.
  • Force of striking the cleaving knife.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Advanced cleaving hints and techniques for parting diamond gemstones by means of cleaving are explained in terms of different applications and the consequences of using inappropriate techniques. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare to cleave diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and applied according to required standards of occupational health and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The equipment to be used is checked to ensure it is ready for use. Any problems encountered are dealt with in accordance with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Stones received are set with the appropriate cement on the cleaving stick at the correct depth and angle for cleaving. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The cleaving stick is located in the cleaving box and secured at the correct angle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An appropriate kerfing sharp is selected and positioned in the kerfing stick before application to a diamond gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The point for applying cleaving is identified in accordance with instructions and examination of the gemstone and its properties. Any problems identified are reported in accordance with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The diamond gemstone to be cleaved is kerfed at the appropriate location on the gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The integrity of the kerfing sharp is frequently checked during the process of kerfing. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The Marker's line is checked for alignment in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The checking required must include:
  • Cleaving line not parallel.
  • Cleaving stick set at correct angle.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Part diamond gemstones by means of cleaving. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The depth of the cleaving knife in the kerf is checked before cleaving to ensure the blade does not rest on the base of the kerf. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Diamond gemstones are parted by means of cleaving according to instructions given in the parcel and defined quality and output standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Defined quality and output standards will be found in the employer's:
  • Work specifications.
  • Tariff agreements.
  • Parcel instructions.
  • Policies and Procedures.
  • Workplace safety requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The segments of diamonds after cleaving are secured and checked against the instructions for parting. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct post-cleaving cleaning, checking and security activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cleaved diamond gemstones are removed from the cleaving sticks after parting and are cleaned and inspected for quality of the facet, fractures and any other damage in accordance with workplace specifications. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Housekeeping is exercised after kerfing diamond gemstones in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean cleaving equipment, kerf sticks and cleaving knives.
  • Resharpen cleaving knives and replace them and kerfing sticks into correct storage facilities.
  • Maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Diamond gemstones are accounted for after cleaving in accordance with 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 properties of a diamond gemstone:
  • Understanding the various properties of the diamond and the effect that incorrect strike, angle and force can have.
  • Importance of diamonds being set up properly in the cleaving box and the implication of wrong setting (force and angle).
  • Awareness of the damage to a diamond that can be caused by use of incorrect force, angle cleaving blade.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to gemstone processing, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to diamond processing.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Importance of adherence to health and safety requirements during processing.
  • Importance of care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Codes of practice.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison between personnel in various functions.

    Handling and custody of diamond gemstones:
  • Achieving specified production requirements.
  • Identify the equipment and explain the specification and functions.
  • Preparation.
  • Examination.
  • Handling of diamond gemstones.
  • Monitoring and control.

    Monitoring processing and impurities:
  • Security requirements.
  • Collection and disposal of diamond pieces.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment. 
    		•

    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 appropriate points to cleave diamond gemstones and to take remedial action when the examination of the gemstone indicates potential problems with cleaving indicates the problem solving ability. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organisation/ community.

    Note: The ability and willingness to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to know when to refer issues to the appropriate colleagues in an acceptable manner indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member within the structure of the organisation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The preparation of kerf sharps, cleaving knives, location of cleaving sticks and the complying with good housekeeping practices indicates the ability to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and evaluate information.

    Note: The ability to assimilate instructions and determine the appropriate cleaving knife and force to apply indicates the ability to collect, organise and evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others).

    Note: The ability to select the correct point for cleaving and apply the appropriate force when cleaving demonstrates the critical use of science and technology in the safeguarding of the material, the environment, fellow workers and oneself. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 110222, "Part diamond gemstones by means of cleaving", Level 5, 6 credits.

    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.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Workplace diamond gemstone security system.
  • 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  64729   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Processing  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.