Introduction
This course is intended to teach a layperson or one with some experience in the trade, the important aspects of diamonds and the diamond industry, so as to be able to buy or sell the product more successfully and on a more professional level. The more that one learns about a product that is being marketed, the more successful one will be in promoting it. At present, a large segment of the industry has only a slight working knowledge about diamonds. That often leads to unintentional misrepresentations, which in turn, can eventually lead to serious problems in one’s business, from a financial, or legal, or ethical, standpoint.
This course is not designed to replace the highly regarded GIA correspondence course, but rather to examine its buying and selling topics in greater detail. If your objective is casual reading, there are many good books to that end, as listed in the back of this study manual.
Naturally there is no better teacher than experience itself. By readying oneself with accurate knowledge, one should make fewer unintentional mistakes in the course of business. For example, even expert diamond buyers will occasionally over-pay for a stone -- despite years (or decades) of practical experience -- due to several possible factors that I will discuss in some detail. I will also present some general discussions of diamond history and of present-day diamond technology and business practices. In order to become a true expert, I feel that one must have at least a basic understanding of these associated areas.
The course has been written and illustrated in such a way that, potentially, anyone can understand and learn its contents with modest applied effort. I do emphasize reading all of the material and answering all the study questions at least once. There are obvious repetitions in the course text and the study questions, for good reason. Every time you read something and visually study the illustrations, it all becomes more embedded in your memory. Finally, I recommend repeating the course at least once to further give yourself a head start.
The motivation should be obvious. Learn this course and you’ve taken your first giant step toward becoming a true diamantaire.
Now let’s get started!
