Why Attend:

• Gain practical knowledge and skills in diamond grading and identification
• Learn from experienced gemmologists and diamond graders
• Enhance your jewellery-making and purchasing decisions
• Network with fellow enthusiasts and professionals

Who Should Attend:

• Jewellery Manufacturers and Designers
• Wearers and Enthusiasts of Gemstone Jewellery
• Anyone interested in learning about diamonds and their authenticity
• Beginners with no prior gemmological knowledge

Key Features of the Course:

• Hands-On Experience with Real Diamonds – Use industry-standard tools to examine and grade diamonds first-hand.
• Expert Instruction from a Leading Gemmologist – Learn from Katherine Hopley, a highly qualified and experienced diamond grader.
• No Prior Knowledge Required – Perfect for beginners, jewellery makers, and enthusiasts looking to build their expertise.
• Master Diamond Grading & Identification – Understand how colour, clarity, cut, and common treatments impact value, and learn to spot imitations.
• Small Group for Personalised Learning – With only 9 participants, you’ll get direct guidance and in-depth instruction.

Meet your Tutor:

• Kate Hopley is a graduate of the prestigious Birmingham School of Jewellery and has over 20 years teaching experience. Kate is a highly qualified Gemmologist, she is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association (Gem A) of Great Britain, a holder of the Gem- A’s Gemmology Diploma (FGA) and Diamond Diploma (DGA), and a Graduate Gemmologist (GG) of the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA). Kate runs one of only two UK based Gem-A ATC’s (Accredited Teaching Centres) for Gem-A. She is also one of the GEM-A’s accredited correspondence learning tutors. Kate specialises in the training of students to FGA and DGA level, with GEM-A world awards regularly being attained by Kate’s students who work in the jewellery industry or who are interested or enthusiastic about gemstones.

Course Content:

Day 1: Introduction to Diamonds:

• Explore the essentials of diamond grading with thisfun and engaging day of discovery. Learn how diamond grades differ, the
  process of grading colour and clarity, and the assessment of
  cut. Gain insights into common clarity treatments and other important factors in today’s diamond market. This course is perfect for diamond or gemmology enthusiasts and emerging jewellery makers. It also serves as a helpful preliminary course for those considering a Gem-A Diamond Diploma qualification.

Day 2: Introduction to Diamond Grading, Pricing, and Imitations:

• Delve deeper into the world of diamonds with a focus on grading for clarity and colour, pricing, and identifying imitations. You’ll be guided through the process of handling and viewing diamonds using standard grading tools, how to the use a thermal probe to separate imitations from diamonds and, in particular, how to distinguish synthetic moissanite from diamond, by eye!

Course Specs:

• Date: March 29-30, 2025
• Registration deadline: 20th March
• Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Venue: DCCIA, Sessions House, Thomastown
• Number of participants: 9
• Fee: Euros 400

Registration Process:

Email: Send your details to educationadmin@dcci.ie

or

Register Here