The International Gemological Institute’s (IGI) School of Gemology conducted its inaugural corporate Polished Diamond Grading Program in Botswana for Pluczenik Diamonds Botswana (PTY) Ltd. The 10-day course was held in January at Pluczenik in Gaborone.

The program’s students were all locals from different career levels, ranging from bottom polishers, crown polishers and planners to quality control. Course topics included theoretical notions, evaluation of the 4Cs, clarity grading, color grading, use of microscope and loupe, proportions of the round brilliant cut, fancy cuts, diamond fashioning, the analysis of the polish and symmetry of round brilliants as well as identification of imitations, synthetic and treated diamonds.

IGI noted that the program was offered in support of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) and De Beers’ ongoing efforts to broaden Botswana’s economy.

IGI’s School of Gemology already offers course in the U.S., Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Botswana, Dubai, Turkey, Egypt, Kuwait and China. The Institute also provides training in sales.