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: 

Use a loupe for advanced applications in examining diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259761  Use a loupe for advanced applications in examining 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  6 
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 examine diamond gemstones for the purposes of processing rough and semi-polished gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify loupes and explain their application for examination of diamond gemstones.
  • Examine and describe advanced characteristics of diamond gemstones.
  • Protect and maintain loupes.

    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:
  • Using a loupe to examine diamond gemstones.
  • Describing and identifying the characteristics of diamond gemstones. 
    		•

    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 loupes and explain their application for examination of diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of loupes are identified and their use in different applications is explained in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Practices are explained to safeguard eyestrain, maintain good housekeeping, safety in the workplace and care of equipment in line with workplace specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The practices described must include:
  • Use with spectacles.
  • Use with contact lenses.
  • Use with different sources of light.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The appropriate positioning of user, loupe, light source and gemstone is explained to enable effective examination of the diamond gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The requirements for holding stones for examination by loupe are explained in terms of effective examination of the gemstone. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ways to hold a stone for examination by loupe must include:
  • By hand.
  • In tweezers.
  • In a clamp, pot, claw and tang.
  • In cutting/sawing machine.
     
    		•

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

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Examine and describe advanced characteristics of diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate loupe is selected to examine the specific diamond gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The stone is held in an appropriate way, under appropriate light conditions to enable it to be examined for the purpose required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Advanced features of diamond gemstones are described by examination using a loupe. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The types of gemstones that must be described must include:
  • Rough diamond gemstones.
  • Semi polished gemstones.
  • Polished gemstones.

    Advanced features that must be described must include:
  • Inclusions in excess of 10 microns.
  • Colour.
  • Opaque spots.
  • Trigons.
  • Internal characteristics.
  • External Blemishes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The characteristics of diamond gemstones are plotted accurately on a plotting diagram. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Characteristics to be plotted must include:
  • External characteristics (naturals, extra facets, rough girdle, surface graining, scratches, pits, abrasions, polishing lines, burn).
  • Internal characteristics (include crystals, naat, cleavage, fractures, clouds, pinpoints, bearded girdle, internal grading, laser drill holes, nicks, chips or cavities).
  • Extra facets.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Protect and maintain loupes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The loupe and lens should be protected:
  • At all times during the working day.
  • Under different operating conditions. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The loupe lens is clean and undamaged in order to examine diamond gemstones in accordance with workplace specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The loupe lens is protected in accordance with good working practices when work is in progress but the loupe is not being used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Good housekeeping is exercised when the loupe is used and not in use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Protective coverings are used when not in use.
  • Loupes are placed in positions to avoid damage.
  • Abrasive materials are carefully removed from the loupe and the lens.
     
    		•


    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 application of loupes:
  • Reason for selecting different loupes for different applications.
  • Identification of different features and impurities in gemstones.
  • Relevant terminology and names of impurities and loupes.
  • Implications of non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Skill in handling diamond gemstones:
  • The ability to pick up, handle and rotate a diamond gemstone between finger and thumb.
  • The ability to pick and hold for examination diamond gemstones in tweezers.
  • Techniques in positioning stones for examination that are in pots, clamps and other equipment.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to protection of the eyesight their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to care of equipment and product.

    Safeguarding of equipment:
  • Realising the risk and potential damage that can be caused through poor handling and protection of the lens.
  • Codes of practice for issue, handling and return of equipment.
  • Upholding the security of diamond gemstones.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Clearly plotting diamonds for further use by others.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • 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 and willingness of the learner to interact with various other workers e.g. in the supervisor, colleagues, diamond controller in order to ensure consistent adherence to production and quality requirements. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to analyse, record and report the information from the examination of the gemstone in order to ensure consistent adherence to production and quality requirements. 

    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 determine the correct loupe for the required application and the appropriate use of position and light to safeguard the accuracy of examination as well as the health and safety o the individual in accordance with environmental, occupational health and safety requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Note: The ability of the learner to understand the importance of identifying the potential hazards in the semi-processed gemstone in relationship to the ultimate value to the end user. 

    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.

    Justification for Number of Specific Outcomes:

    This unit standards requires that the preparation and use stages are integrated as the application of using loupes effectively is dependent on the preparation in terms of use of light, position, the securing of the gemstone for examination, etc.

    The skill is a fundamental skill to examining and working with diamond gemstones and cannot be combined with other standards as the skill is required in many advanced activities connected with the processing of diamond gemstones. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64729   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Core  78966   National Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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 


    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.