Microscope Examination Techniques For Diamond Gemstones Training

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate proper setup and calibration of a gemological microscope for diamond examination.
• Apply systematic scanning techniques to identify and locate inclusions and surface features in diamonds.
• Analyze inclusion characteristics (type, size, color, relief) to determine clarity grade based on GIA or similar standards.
• Evaluate diamond clarity using standard grading terminology and document findings accurately.
• Implement safety and maintenance procedures for microscope equipment to ensure longevity and accurate results.
• Distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic or treated stones using microscopic features.

Target Audience

This course is designed for gemologists, diamond graders, jewellery appraisers, and quality control professionals seeking to enhance their proficiency in microscope examination techniques for diamond gemstones.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Practicals

Overview

Hands-on practical sessions allow learners to apply microscope techniques in real-world diamond examination. Learners will practice setting up the microscope, identifying inclusions, and documenting findings under supervision.

Practical Activities

• Microscope Setup and Calibration — Learners practice assembling, adjusting lighting, and calibrating the microscope for diamond examination. (1h)
• Identifying Inclusions and Blemishes — Learners examine a set of diamond samples to identify and classify internal and external features. (1h)
• Documentation and Reporting — Learners document their microscopic observations using standard reporting formats and sketch maps. (1h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total

Component	Out of	Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored)	100%	30%
Daily Average (multiple choice)	100%	20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice)	100%	50%
Final Total	—	100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

How it works

• Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
• Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
• You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
• If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.

Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates	Discount
5	3% off
10	6% off
15	9% off
20	12% off
25	15% off
30	18% off
50	30% off
75	35% off
100	40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.