DDE organises "Diamond Grading and Identification" certification course for local traders

Intensive workshop focuses on how to judge the value of various diamonds

Program carried out jointly with experts from Antwerp World Diamond Centre

Dubai, December 18, 2006: A group of UAE diamond traders has just completed an intensive training program in the grading and identification of precious gemstones. The program, organised by the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) in cooperation with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (HRD), marks another significant step in the local industry's rise to the level of global best practices. As a result, consumers in the UAE will now be able to purchase diamonds here with even greater confidence, as traders will be able to offer their customers more informed pricing strategies.

Diamonds, the hardest natural substance on earth, are equally hard for the layman to evaluate in terms of quality, value and price. The goal of the "Diamond Grading and Identification" certification course was for local traders to upgrade their skills in unlocking these mysteries, directly leading to better informed pricing on the shop floor. 

Diamond professionals here sharpened their skills in diamond grading and identification through evaluating clarity, colour and cut. The origin of colour as well as colour-changing treatments were explained to the traders, who were also taught advanced techniques in distinguishing the sometimes subtle differences between treated, imitation and natural diamonds.

The programme was conducted by the DDE, which was established with the primary objective of promoting regional trade and global accessibility for local, regional and international diamond marketers. Support for this master class was offered by the HRD, which is widely recognized as the international coordinating body and official representative of the diamond sector, worldwide.

"While diamonds have been prized throughout history for their beauty, the science of diamond identification and grading is a much more modern phenomenon," said Ms. Noora Jamsheer, CEO of Dubai Diamond Exchange. "This extremely complex process requires a set of equally specialised skills - which is exactly why we organised this course. In particular, our tie-up with HRD enabled us to leverage the wealth of experience within the industry for the benefit of the UAE diamond industry."

Jamsheer said another outcome of the course would be to provide even greater credibility to the industry here. "Given the rapid growth of the diamond trade, particularly in the UAE, the need for skilled personnel has grown many folds," she added. "This training and certification process for local traders will add real value, both for traders themselves and, of course, for consumers. This initiative is another step forward in DDE's vision of firmly establishing Dubai as a new centre for the global diamond trade."

DDE's training programme was offered in two phases: a two-week basic course followed by an advanced course in diamond grading and identification. The basic training programme comprised modules such as an introduction to the so-called four Cs (carat, clarity, colour and cut), external and internal diamond characteristics, colour fluorescence, proportions and finish grade, and the relationship between angles and cuts.

Participants in the basic course received training in how to evaluate the clarity, proportions and finish of a diamond by using a "loupe," an essential industry tool. They were trained to recognise various diamond characteristics, in addition to the specific symbols and notations used in grading. Practical exercises, including comparison of imitation and master stones, were also offered.

The advanced course focused on training in the various tools used in diamond grading and the subsequent identification to determine clarity and proportions. After successfully completing required theoretical and practical examinations, participants were awarded an official Certified Diamond Grader certificate.

-Ends-

Dubai Diamond Exchange
DDE is a member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses enabling members access to international member exchanges.  DDE capitalizes on the rapidly growing trade flow of diamonds through the region and was established with the primary objective of promoting regional trade and global accessibility for local, regional and international diamond marketing participants.  DDE, a Dubai Multi & Commodities Centre, and Dubai government initiative, rated 'A' by Standard & Poor's, promotes and strictly adheres to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Its members represent global players from New York, Antwerp, South Africa, Mumbai, the UAE and other international centers.

For further information, please contact:
Nicholas Nesson / Sudha Chandran
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman,
Middle East & North Africa
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: 971-4-3355969,
Fax: 971-4-3356080
Mob: 971-50-4785324 / 971-50-6588063
Email: n.nesson@asdaa.com / s.chandran@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2006