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: 

Evaluate improvements to the quality of polished diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376502  Evaluate improvements to the quality of polished diamond gemstones 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
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 learners who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector and who are required to evaluate improvements to the quality of polished diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the methods of improving polished diamond gemstones.
  • Assess the dimensions and the make of diamond gemstones.
  • Estimate the potential added value of improvement.
  • Explain the risks associated with improvement activities.
  • Identify and agree the scope of what can be changed with reference to the implications for the quality of the resultant gemstone and the process involved. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in Communication at NQF Level 4. 

    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 
    Describe the methods of improving polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods for improving polished diamond gemstones are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The methods for improving polished diamond gemstones must include:
  • Repairs.
  • Colour improvement.
  • Removal of impurities.
  • Minimising impurities.
  • Deep boiling.
  • Laser drilling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The key features of the different improvement methods are described in terms of their potential to increase the value of the gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The purpose and risk of undertaking improvements to polished diamond gemstones is explained in relation to the ultimate value of polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The restrictions on treatments of diamond gemstones are explained in terms of ethics and risk. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    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 improvements 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 improvements 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 improve the quality of the gemstone.
  • Risks associated with the improvement process.
  • Finish and consistency of facets.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The outcomes 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 assessment are described in terms of potential impact on the risk and valuation of the diamond. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Estimate the potential added value of the improvement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors to take into consideration in arriving at the cost of improving polished diamonds are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods used to evaluate risk and determine the cost to improve polished diamond gemstones are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The sources where improvements to polished diamonds are identified according to application and cost. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Improvements to polished gemstones are recommended based on the increased value and the cost to effect such improvements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the risks associated with improvement activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The potential damage that each method of improvement can bring about is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The risk-reward ratio of improvement compared to potential damage is determined on polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Recommendations on performing improvements on marginal diamond gemstones are made taking into consideration the potential increase in value, the cost of effecting improvements and the risk of damage. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Identify and agree the scope of what can be changed with reference to the implications for the quality of the resultant gemstone and the process involved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors to take into consideration in arriving at the cost of improving polished diamonds are explained. 

    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 impact on the value of the polished diamond gemstone is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The potential improvement must include implications for:
  • Weight.
  • Colour.
  • Purity.
  • Proportions.
  • Finish.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The instruction to proceed with improvements is communicated and the scope of proposed work is recorded in line with workplace specific instructions. 


    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 improvements on diamonds.
  • The interdependence of the components of the proportions before and after improvement and the impact they have on value.
  • Appreciating the effect that improvements can influence the value of diamonds.
  • Awareness of the risk to a diamond that can be caused by carrying out improvements.

    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 explain the risk-reward factor of performing improvements 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 potential improvement against the potential increase in value 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 gemstone and evaluate improvements options 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 evaluate and recommend improvement of a diamond gemstone 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 
    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.

    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. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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 
    Elective  78843   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  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.