SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Describe the process of fabrication for polishing diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253794  Describe the process of fabrication for polishing diamond gemstones 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
10520  Describe the process of fabrication for polishing diamond gemstones  Level 4  NQF Level 04  13   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector and who are required to understand and monitor the process of fabrication for polishing diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the equipment and tools used on processing boil diamond gemstones and explain their use in different applications.
  • Describe the traditional method of polishing diamond gemstones.
  • Describe the chain methods of polishing diamond gemstones.
  • Describe the critical checkpoints in fabrication of diamond gemstones and their importance for overall quality, weight and value of the finished article.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of the diamond processing industry in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the equipment used in processing diamond gemstones and explain their use in different applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools and their components used in the various stages of processing diamond gemstones are identified and their use in different applications is explained in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of the alignment of equipment for parting, bruting and polishing is explained and the implications of incorrect settings are described in terms of impact on the quality and value of the gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of setting and clamping diamond gemstones in the various equipment for processing; is explained and the implications of inadequate setting are described in terms of impact on the quality and value of the gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Practices are explained to maintain good housekeeping, safety in the workplace, security of gemstones and care of equipment in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on health, safety, equipment, products, productivity and value of the finished article. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the traditional method of polishing diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The traditional method for processing and polishing diamond gemstones is explained in terms of structure and division of work responsibilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The key control points in the traditional system are identified and explained in terms of fabrication process and responsibility between the different role-players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role of participants in the traditional method of polishing are described in terms of their scope, responsibility, sequence of activities and interaction with each other. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Participants in the traditional method of polishing must include:
  • Foreman.
  • Marker.
  • Parter (by sawing, cleaving or laser).
  • Bruter.
  • Crossworker.
  • Brillianteer.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The roles of supervision and quality control in the traditional method is explained in terms of control, identification of problems that can be encountered when polishing diamonds and methods to overcome such problems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the chain methods of polishing diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The chain method for processing and polishing diamond gemstones is explained in terms of structure and division of work responsibilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The key control points in the chain system are identified and explained in terms of fabrication process and responsibility between the different role-players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role of participants in the chain method of polishing are described in terms of their scope, responsibility, sequence of activities and interaction with each other. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Participants in the traditional method of polishing must include:
  • Foreman.
  • Marker.
  • Quality Controller.
  • Parter (by sawing, cleaving or laser).
  • Cutter.
  • Setter.
  • Bottom Operators.
  • Top Operators.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The roles of supervision and quality control in the traditional method is explained in terms of control, identification of problems that can be encountered when polishing diamonds and methods to overcome such problems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The traditional and chain methods are contrasted in terms of productivity, speed of learning and exercise of control. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the critical checkpoints in fabrication of diamond gemstones and their importance for overall quality, weight and value of the finished article. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The critical checkpoints in the traditional method of polishing diamond gemstones are described in terms of where they occur in the process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The critical checkpoints in the chain method of polishing diamond gemstones are described in terms of where they occur in the process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The significance of the check points and controls are described in terms of the potential impact on overall quality, weight and value of the finished article. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of security and housekeeping procedures in both traditional and chain methods is explained in terms of accountability and the respective personnel. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to the process of fabrication of a diamond gemstone:
  • Understanding the critical aspect of marking in determining the ultimate value of the diamond.
  • Understanding the importance of exercising control at each stage in the pro cess, whether using eth traditional method or the chain methods.
  • The interdependence of the components of the method in ensuring the optimal value of the diamond.
  • Importance of weight loss control in processing diamonds.
  • The criticality of security of diamonds at all times.
  • Awareness of the damage to a diamond that can be caused by incorrect processing.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to processing activities, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to diamond processing.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Importance of adherence to health and safety requirements during fabrication.
  • Importance of care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Codes of practice.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison between personnel in various functions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to distinguish between the two methods of processing and to understand the differing roles and responsibilities associated with those systems contributes to problem solving. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The acceptance by the learner of the differing responsibilities and roles of supervision required indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member within the structure of the organisation whichever method is in use. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The knowledge of the tools and equipment and the importance of identifying and addressing problems indicates the learner's ability to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to distinguish the different methods and explain the critical checkpoints associated with each methods indicates the ability to collect, organise and evaluate information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The knowledge of the application of the tools of diamond processing and the use of techniques to overcome problems demonstrates the critical use of science and technology in the safeguarding of the material, the environment, fellow workers and oneself. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 10520, "Describe the process of fabrication for polishing diamond gemstones", Level 4, 13 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 4; Candidates must oversee the complete range of operations.
  • Procedures; Level 5; A wide choice of both standard and non-standard applications applies.
  • Context; Level 4; Candidates must select the appropriate procedure to overcome any problems and achieve the optimal result and this will require familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Knowledge; Level 5; Conceptual understanding of the effects of different techniques is critical.
  • Information processing; Level 4; Candidates must identify the source of problems and determine the appropriate action.
  • Problem Solving; Level 4; Innovative approaches to concrete problems are required.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 5; Candidates have to analyse problems and direct others.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 5; Candidates have broad guidelines but can perform activities within own parameters.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Candidates have the responsibility to give guidance that affects the quality and output of others.

    Average Level: 39/9 = 4.333.
    Actual Level Assigned = 4.

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 36 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 60 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 20 Hours.
  • Other (Home study); 0 Hours.

    Total: 116 Hours.

    Credits Achieved: 116/10 = 11.6.
    Credits Assigned = 12. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59851   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  64249   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  78843   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. DE BEERS SIGHTHOLDER SALES SOUTH AFRICA PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    2. DIAMOND EDUCATION COLLEGE CC 
    3. HARRY OPPENHEIMER DIAMOND TRAINING SCHOOL NPC 
    4. NLP MINERALS COLLEGE 
    5. SOWETO DIAMOND ACADEMY 
    6. THE KIMBERLEY INTERNATIONAL DIAMONDAND JEWELLERY ACADEMY 
    7. ZUREL PRIVATE COLLEGE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.