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 shapes and applications of diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253802  Describe the shapes and applications of 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 2  NQF Level 02  2 
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
110129  Describe the shapes and applications of diamond gemstones  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector, or who are required to participate in the processing of diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the shapes of processed diamond gemstones.
  • Identify the main diamond processing techniques that create the shapes.
  • Explain the main applications of the different diamond gemstone shapes.

    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:
  • Communications and Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    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 
    Describe the shapes of processed diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The main shapes of diamond gemstones are described by terminology used in the industry. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Main shapes must include:
  • Round Brilliant.
  • Hearts.
  • Pears.
  • Ovals.
  • Marquise.
  • Emerald cut.
  • Baguette.
  • Radiant.
  • Princess.
  • Triangles.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The difference between shapes and cuts is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The influence of impurities on determining shape is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The influence that the diamond gemstone in the rough has on shape is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the main diamond processing techniques that create the shapes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The main processing techniques are described in terms of processes and application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Main processing techniques must include:
  • Sawn stone processing.
  • Makeable stone processing.
  • Fancy cut stone processing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The processing techniques that are used to determine the main shapes are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the main applications of the different diamond gemstone shapes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The applications of the main shapes of diamond gemstones are explained in terms of their usage in different forms of jewellery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The requirements of diamond gemstones for application in the main forms of jewellery are explained in terms of size and shape. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The main forms of jewellery must include:
  • Rings.
  • Bracelets.
  • Necklaces.
  • Earrings.
  • Brooches.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of matching sets is explained in the application of diamond gemstones for the different forms of jewellery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Other applications for diamond gemstones are explained in terms of their usage in non-jewellery applications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-jewellery applications must include:
  • Industrial applications of diamond gemstones.
  • Investment applications of diamond gemstones.
     
    		•


    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 applications of diamond gemstones:
  • Understanding the different requirements of diamond gemstones.
  • Understanding the importance of shape for different applications.
  • Appreciating the different types of gemstone processing to achieve the desired or optimal shape.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Understanding the legal aspects of controlling diamonds being processed.
  • Realising the requirements of law regarding possession of diamonds.
  • Understanding the importance of management control over diamonds in the context of the law. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to interact with other members of the industry to acquire information and insight about the industry. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to collect and collate information in order to understand and explain the requirements of the law and good practice in controlling the processing of diamond gemstones. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to explain process control systems indicates the candidate's ability to analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to appreciate the criticality of shape, the significance of angles and the treatment of gemstones in determining the value of diamonds. 
    		•

    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 110129, "Describe the shapes and applications of diamond gemstones", Level 1, 1 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.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; This unit standard is knowledge based.
  • Procedures; This unit standard is knowledge based.
  • Context; Level 2; Whilst the context is confined to the main shapes, each gemstone is unique and creates some unfamiliar context.
  • Knowledge; Level 1; Knowledge is related to the different shapes and applications of diamond gemstones.
  • Information processing; Level 3; Information is readily available but requires some interpretation.
  • Problem Solving; Level 1; No problem solving is involved.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 1; Follows instructions to acquire the knowledge.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; The candidate is directed to acquire knowledge, but needs to apply some research.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; No responsibility for the work or learning of others.

    Average Level = 10/6 = 1.666.
    Actual Level Assigned = 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 8 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 0 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Home study); 8 Hours.

    Total = 16.

    Credits Achieved = 16/10 = 1.6.
    Credits Assigned = 2.

    Justification for number of specific outcomes:

    This is a knowledge-based standard requiring the learner to understand the different shapes of diamond gemstones and their applications. It is not appropriate to combine this learning with other standards. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59851   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    2. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    3. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    4. DE BEERS SIGHTHOLDER SALES SOUTH AFRICA PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    5. DIAMOND EDUCATION COLLEGE CC 
    6. HARRY OPPENHEIMER DIAMOND TRAINING SCHOOL NPC 
    7. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    8. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    9. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    10. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    11. NLP MINERALS COLLEGE 
    12. SOWETO DIAMOND ACADEMY 
    13. THE KIMBERLEY INTERNATIONAL DIAMONDAND JEWELLERY ACADEMY 
    14. 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.