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: 

Repair polished diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260438  Repair polished 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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
110224  Repair polished diamond gemstones  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4   

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 repair polished diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Assess the dimensions and the make of diamond gemstones.
  • Identify and agree the scope of repair.
  • Carry out the repair according to instructions.
  • Conduct post-repair activities.

    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 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:
  • Bruting, Brillianteering, Crossworking or Polishing (according to the nature of the repair required to be performed).
  • Advanced use a loupe to examine a diamond gemstone.
  • Measure the proportions of polished diamond gemstones.
  • Critical factors in determining the value 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.

    This unit standard applies to a person required to repair polished diamond gemstones under minimal supervision. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Assess the dimensions and the make of diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment used to measure diamond gemstones is identified and their use is described in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose and risk of undertaking repairs to polished diamond gemstones is explained in relation to the ultimate value of polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The safety, health and environmental protection equipment for carrying out the specific repairs are identified and their purpose explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The proportions of diamond gemstones are determined using the appropriate measuring equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The key features of the diamond gemstone are assessed in terms of the quality of finish. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The key features must include:
  • Weight.
  • Colour.
  • Proportions.
  • Purity.
  • Potential to remove impurities that may exist.
  • Finish and consistency of facets.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The results of the assessment of diamond gemstones are recorded in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequences of incorrectly assessing and/or recording the results are described in terms of potential impact on the risk and valuation of the diamond. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and agree the scope of repair. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The cost of improving polished diamonds is explained in terms of the various factors to take into consideration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The scope for change and the risk involved to improve polished diamond gemstones are described in relation to the gemstone under examination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The potential improvements are identified in terms of the impact on the value of the polished diamond gemstone. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The potential improvement must include implications for:
  • Weight.
  • Colour.
  • Purity.
  • Proportions.
  • Finish.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The person authorised to issue the instruction to proceed with improvements is made aware of the risks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The scope of proposed work is agreed and is recorded in line with workplace specific instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Carry out the repair according to instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate process to affect the repair is initiated and equipment is set up according to manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The diamond gemstone is located in the appropriate pot, dop or platform and aligned according to workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The remedial work is carried out according to the instructions and the workplace specific standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The progress of remediation is frequently checked and the diamond gemstone examined to ensure the work remains within the specified tolerances and to avoid damage to the stone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Occupational health and safety hazards are monitored during remediation and remedial action is taken where necessary. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post repair activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Diamond gemstones are removed from dops, pots or platforms at the appropriate stage, cleaned, inspected for quality of finish in relation to workplace specifications. Remedial action required is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Housekeeping is exercised after repair work in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean equipment and machinery.
  • Replace equipment into correct storage facilities.
  • Maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Diamond gemstones are accounted for after repairs 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:
  • Understanding the effect of repairs on diamonds.
  • The interdependence of the components of the proportions before and after repairs in effecting improvement in value.
  • Appreciating the effect of repairs that can influence the value of diamonds.
  • Awareness of the risk to a diamond that can be caused by carrying pout repairs.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to boiling activities, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to diamond boiling and use of pressure vessels.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
  • Adherence to fumigation protocols.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Importance of adherence to health and safety requirements during boiling.
  • 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. 
    		•

    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 to administer the appropriate remediation 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 to follow instructions and report any non-compliance requiring remedial work indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member within the scope of the industry. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The evaluation of the impurity to be removed and whether to refer the diamond for further treatment or not indicates the ability to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability to assess the instructions to improve diamond gemstones indicates the ability to analyse, organise and critically 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 apply appropriate remediation demonstrates the critical use of science and technology in the processing of information and the safeguarding of the material, the environment, fellow workers and oneself. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Note: The ability to effect improvement of a diamond gemstone by repairs shows understanding against a set of related systems, which are dynamic in nature. 
    		•

    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 110224, "Repair polished diamond gemstones", Level 4, 4 credits.

    Note to Assessors:

    This standard may apply to persons with different skills in repairing diamond gemstones. The scope of work to be carried out will be determined according to the qualification of the learner in terms of Bruting, Brillianteering, Crossworking or Polishing.

    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.
  • 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.