General Interest

UNDERSTANDING DIAMOND IMITATIONS COURSE (NEW) (FORMERLY DIAMOND & DIAMOND IMITATIONS)

This 10-hour (2 day)course will help the student to recognize the physical and optical properties of diamonds and diamond imitations. Gemmological instruments are used to distinguish between imitations of diamonds such as cubic zirconia, synthetic moissanite, Zircon and synthetic spinel.  We will build on the knowledge learned in Talking Diamonds .  Understanding Diamond Imitations registration form Syllabus: Use gemmological instruments to identify diamond and its imitations. 1.   Observing and recognizing levels of dispersion and brilliance with the naked eye. 2.    Use a loupe to observe hardness, double or single refraction, surface features, internal features, treatments and composite stones. 3.    Use of a thermal conductivity diamond tester. 4.    Use of a polariscope to help identify diamond simulants. 5.    Use of UV light to identify diamond simulants. 6.    Use of a gemmological microscope to identify hardness, double or single refraction, pavilion flash, surface features, internal features, treatments and composite stones. Requirements:

• 10x triplet jeweller’s loupe (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
• gemmological tweezers (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
• gem cloth (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)