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: 

Sort rough diamond gemstones by colour, weight and shape 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259760  Sort rough diamond gemstones by colour, weight and shape 
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  8 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for people who are required to sort rough diamond gemstones after purchase for determination of marking and design. This process is known as rough sorting.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the systems, equipment and tools used to sort rough diamond gemstones and describe their application.
  • Sort rough diamond gemstones by size.
  • Sort rough diamond gemstones by colour.
  • Sort rough diamond gemstones by shape.
  • Conduct post-rough sorting reconciliation, checking and security activities.

    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 processing of diamond gemstones 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:
  • Use a loupe to examine diamond gemstones.
  • Requirements for security of diamonds. 
    		•

    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 systems, equipment and tools used to rough sort diamond gemstones and describe their application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools and their components used for rough sorting are identified and their use in different applications is explained in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The systems and containers used for securing diamond gemstones in transit are described and explained in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Practices are explained to maintain housekeeping, security of diamond gemstones, safety in the workplace and care of equipment in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on health, safety, equipment, products and profitability. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Sort rough diamond gemstones by size. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment used for sorting rough diamond gemstones by size is checked to ensure it is ready for use. Any problems encountered are dealt with in terms of workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rough diamond gemstones received are unpacked, checked that they are natural diamonds and counted against the inventory list according to the categories in which they are dispatched. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The lay out for counting is conducted according to workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rough diamonds are sorted by size using the workplace specific procedures and associated equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The number of stones by size category are recorded in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Sort rough diamond gemstones by colour. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Each size category of rough diamonds is set aside for sorting by colour according to workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The light conditions are assessed and made appropriate for the sorting of rough diamonds by colour. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Each rough diamond gemstone is examined and categorised by colour. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Colour categories must include:
  • Colourless.
  • Tinted.
  • Yellow stones.
  • Brown stones.
  • Fancy colours.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The number of stones by size and colour category are recorded in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Sort rough diamond gemstones by shape. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Each size by colour category of rough diamonds is set aside for sorting by shape according to workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Each rough diamond gemstone is examined and categorised by shape. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Shape categories must include:
  • Sawable.
  • Makeable.
  • Fancies.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The number of stones by size, colour and shape category are recorded in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct post-rough-sorting reconciliation, checking and security activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rough diamond gemstones received are reconciled to the sight or parcel received. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reconciled must include:
  • Melee stones by weight.
  • Larger stones by number, size and weight.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Good housekeeping is exercised after rough sorting diamond gemstones. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean hands, equipment and accessories.
  • Replace scales, sample sets and other equipment into correct storage facilities.
  • Diamonds and parcels are secured in the appropriate facilities.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Diamond gemstones are accounted for after rough sorting in terms of the workplace security system. 


    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 sorting rough diamonds:
  • Ability to receive, sort and account for stones.
  • Ability to distinguish and categorise.
  • Ability to record outcomes of sorting.

    Skill in use of equipment:
  • The ability to use a loupe to examine diamonds.
  • Ability to use sieves and gauges.
  • Ability to compare and distinguish colour in rough diamond gemstones.

    Communication:
  • Reporting categories by size, shape and colour.
  • Reconciling diamonds received to those sorted.
  • Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    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 of the learner to assess and set out sorted diamonds indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member. 

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

    Note: The systematic process of sorting requires the learner 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 learner to examine and sort rough diamonds indicates the learner's ability to analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: The ability to record the sorting of rough diamonds indicates the learner's ability to communicate effectively through visual and language skills. 

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

    Note: The use of equipment to assess and sort rough diamonds demonstrates the use of science and technology in the processing of information. 

    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 
    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 Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993.
  • SABS and other accredited standards and quality assurance measures.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Workplace rules and procedures regarding the issue and custody of diamonds and equipment.
  • Occupational Health and Safety risk management programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • User manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • Equipment and materials specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.