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: 

Examine the crystalline structure of rough diamond gemstones to determine how to process them 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376513  Examine the crystalline structure of rough diamond gemstones to determine how to process them 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
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 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 learners who are required to determine processing options for rough diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Assess information relating to the characteristics, properties and crystalline structure of rough diamond gemstones.
  • Evaluate the optimum shape of polished diamonds from rough diamond gemstones.
  • Determine the strategy for processing based on crystalline structure.
  • Conduct post-evaluation reconciliation, checking and security activities.

    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:

    The unit standards:
  • Security of diamonds at NQF Level 4.
  • Utilising of a loupe for advanced examination of diamond gemstones at NQF Level 4.
  • Plotting impurities in rough and semi polished diamond gemstones at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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 
    Assess information relating to the characteristics, properties and crystalline structure of rough diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rough diamond gemstones are assessed to determine the crystalline structure and grain and where the grain runs in the selected gemstones. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Analysis must include:
  • Physical examination of the gemstone.
  • Plotting of the stone.
  • Determining the crystalline structure of the selected stone.
  • Computer analysis of the gemstone, where this is available.
  • Computer evaluation of the gemstone, where this is available.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rough diamond gemstones are assessed to determine the location and nature of internal inclusions and external blemishes and other property aspects are confirmed during the plotting of the gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The crystalline structure of the gemstone is identified and plotted using workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The proposed division of the stones, where applicable, is evaluated in terms of potential resultant shapes, size, colour and clarity and options are recorded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The dangers of processing the stone are recorded in terms of the crystalline structure and the implications for damage, weight loss, likely size, weight, shape, proportions and finish of the polished stones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The processing options for fabrication of polished diamond gemstones are evaluated in terms of likely outcomes, sizes, shapes, proportions, finish and risk. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The limitations of computer analysis are taken into account when determining the potential outcomes of processing the gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    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 9 
    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 
    Evaluate the optimum shape of polished diamonds from rough diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The resultant options for processing the gemstones are set out and analysed in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The resultant options are evaluated against recognised price lists. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The options are rated against the associated risk of each selected gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A recommendation is made for each selected gemstone regarding the processing options, the decision to part and if so by what means, in terms of the workplace specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Determine the strategy for processing based on crystalline structure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Based on the analysis of the crystalline structure and the associated recommendation for each elected stone, a decision is made on whether to part the stone and how to process the stone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Where the decision is to part the stone, the decision on which method of parting is made. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    For each selected gemstone a strategy is developed for the processing of the stone based on the ideal, recommended option, but backed up by secondary options should problems be encountered that diminish the anticipated outcomes of the ideal option (such as unanticipated weight loss, or fracturing or chipping of the stone in processing). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Stones to be parted are marked at the appropriate place to indicate where parting must occur. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The instructions for the processing of each stone are clearly made in the associated parcels, in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post-evaluation reconciliation, checking and security activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The gemstones are evaluated and returned to the appropriate storage facility/receptacle and are reconciled to the parcel instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reconciled must include:
  • Checking the number of diamond gemstones to parcel instructions.
  • Recording the optimal designs, predicted shapes, weight loss and valuations after processing.
  • Taking remedial action where necessary in line with workplace specific procedures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Good housekeeping is exercised after rough analysis. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean hands, equipment and accessories.
  • Diamonds and parcels are secured in the appropriate facilities.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Diamond gemstones are accounted for after indicating window opening 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 crystalline structures:
  • Identification of different crystalline structures when evaluating.
  • Relevant terminology and names of structures.
  • Understanding the limitations of the equipment used.
  • Implications of non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Skill in handling diamond gemstones:
  • The ability to pick up, handle and locate a diamond gemstone in the equipment.
  • The ability to pick and hold for examination diamond gemstones in tweezers.
  • Techniques in positioning stones for examination.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Awareness of hazards and risks related to use of the equipment and processing dangerous stones.
  • 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 failure to operate the equipment properly.
  • Codes of practice for issue, handling and return of equipment.
  • Upholding the security of diamond gemstones.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • 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 IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking:

    Notes: The ability of the learner to evaluate different options for processing of rough diamonds requires critical and creative thinking to solve problems. 

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

    Notes: The ability of the learner to communicate the outcomes of examination and options indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member. 

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

    Notes: The systematic process of assimilating information from examination of the crystalline structure of the diamond requires the learner to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 

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

    Notes: The ability of the learner to interpret the examination into practical implications for processing 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:

    Notes: The ability to explain the findings of the examination and options 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:

    Notes: The application of equipment to enable effective examination of the diamond 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  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.
     
    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.