The Diamond Course Diamond Council of America 2015
Progress Evaluation Reminder If you have not yet completed Progress Evaluation 4, please do so before continuing further with your coursework. The DCA Diamond Course includes four Progress Evaluations. They come after Lessons 2, 8, 14, and 21. Each one has three separate components a Learning Evaluation, a Training Evaluation, and a Satisfaction Evaluation. For more information about Progress Evaluations and how to complete them, see the How This Course Works section in Lesson 1. If you have other questions or need help, please contact us. You can use this website just click on Help. You can also email studenthelp@diamondcouncil.org or phone 615-385-5301 / toll free 877-283-5669.
In This Review: The Last Step Exam Options Grading and Completion Studying for the Exam Lesson Checklists THE LAST STEP Congratulations! You have come to the Final Review for The Diamond Course. The time and effort you ve invested in this phase of your career training will soon be formally recognized, when you are Diamond Certified by the Diamond Council of America. Your DCA certification identifies you as a true diamond professional, and confirms that you have achieved some very important objectives: You ve gained knowledge and skills that establish a solid foundation for your success in diamond retailing. You ve demonstrated your commitment to integrity and expertise in your work, made valuable contributions to your firm s operations, and delivered quality service to your customers. You ve shown that you can learn by combining organized independent study with the resources available in your store and your own experience. Now it s time to take the last step in this course: To prepare for and pass The Diamond Course Final Examination. This review is designed to send you into your exam well-informed and confident. 1
If you re among the sizable percentage of adult learners who feel somewhat anxious at the prospect of structured testing, relax. You ve already done a great job on the 20 Lesson Self-Tests and the four Learning Evaluations. You can expect to do equally well on the exam. If you think you may have forgotten how to study for tests, you re not alone in that, either. This review will walk you through the process and give you some helpful guidelines. When you ve finished, you ll be ready for a successful examination. Exam Options When you have successfully completed all four Progress Evaluations, you are eligible to take the Final Examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions just like the ones on the Learning Evaluations. The testing procedure and the number of questions depend on how you decide to take the exam, and there are two basic options: Open-Book Exam You take the exam without supervision and you can look through the course to find answers. If you choose this option, the exam will have 150 questions. Open-book exams may be taken online or by mail. Your review will help you organize your study, identify the main points of each lesson, and recognize areas that need further attention. Closed-Book Exam You take the exam under the supervision of a proctor designated by your company, and you cannot check the lessons or other references. If you choose this option, the exam will have 100 questions and you will receive special recognition from DCA. Closed-book exams can only be taken by mail. 2
Most students take the exam open-book. If you completed your Learning Evaluations online, you ll be given access to the online version of the open-book exam. If you completed the Learning Evaluations by mail, DCA will send you a printed (hardcopy) exam. However, you may take an open-book exam whichever way you prefer. If you completed the evaluations online and want a hardcopy exam, or you completed the evaluations by mail and want an online exam, you can contact DCA and all the arrangements will be made. You will also need to notify DCA if you want a closed-book exam. You can do this by signing the Request for Closed-Book Exam that is at the end of Training Evaluation 4, or you can contact DCA and make the request. Grading and Completion The Final Examination is graded like the Learning Evaluations. The grade you receive will be a percentage based on correct versus total answers. There are two limits on course completion that you need to keep in mind: Academic Limit The minimum grade target for the Final Examination is 75%. If your grade is less than that, you may retake the exam once. If you do not reach or exceed the target on the second attempt, you must re-enroll in order to complete the course. A good way to begin the review of each lesson is running down the checklists and marking off items you re confident you know. Time Limit All of the coursework, including the Final Examination, must be completed within 12 consecutive months from the date of enrollment. If you do not meet the time limit, you must re-enroll in order to complete the course. (Your completion deadline is noted on The Diamond Course Instruction Sheet that came with your printed course materials, and on the "Welcome" page of the online Student Testing Center. You can also obtain the date from DCA.) 3
Studying for the Exam You ve probably been using many things you learned in the course. Normally, you don t need to study what you already know so your review should go fairly quickly. You might need to re-read a few lessons closely, and you re likely to discover some facts you overlooked when you first studied the material. There s no substitute for being prepared for your exam. Cramming the night before probably won t do much more than rob you of good sleep. This review is designed to send you into the exam well-informed and confident. It will help you organize your study, identify the main points of each lesson, and recognize areas that need further attention. Before you start, let s recap some of the study tips you received in Lesson 1: Set your review schedule and stick to it. Pick a quiet, comfortable place to study. Whenever your attention begins to lag, take a short break. The next section of this lesson includes checklists of key terms and facts for every lesson in the course. The best approach is to review one lesson at a time. If you re going to take the exam open-book, you might aim at covering four lessons per study session. That way you ll complete the review process in about five days. If you ve decided to take the exam closed-book, it s probably better to tackle two lessons per session, so your energy and retention stay high. A good way to begin the review of each lesson is to run down the checklists and mark off items you re confident you know. Then go back to the lesson and look up anything you re not sure about. Make brief notes or highlight the material to reinforce your memory. Be sure to review your Self-Tests, Learning Evaluations, and the Learning Evaluation Feedback you have received. Give extra attention to any questions you answered incorrectly. 4
If you re taking the exam open-book, your main concern is knowing where to find information. If you ve chosen the closed-book option you need to continue through the checklists until you ve marked off everything, and you re able to respond to each item without looking back at the course material. For extra practice, you might give this review to a coworker or friend and ask them to quiz you. If you have questions or concerns about the Final Examination or any other aspect of your coursework, please contact DCA. Diamond Council of America 3212 West End Avenue, Suite 400 Nashville, TN 37203 Phone: 615-385-5301 Toll Free: 877-283-5669 Fax: 615-385-4955 Email: studenthelp@diamondcouncil.org Website: www.diamondcouncil.org LESSON CHECKLISTS Because some terms and facts are discussed in more than one lesson, they may be duplicated in the following checklists. To get the complete picture of any term or topic, check all the references when you re reviewing for the Final Examination or refreshing your memory after finishing the course. 5
LESSON 1: The First Step 4Cs blemish carat weight clarity clarity characteristic color cut fancy color fancy cut fancy shape finish identifying characteristic inclusion metric carat polish proportions symmetry What diamonds are made of (that is, the chemical element). The four factors that normally determine a diamond s value. Which value factors are primarily related to natural rarity. Which value factor usually has the greatest effect on a diamond s beauty. The standard unit of weight for diamonds. The usual basis of a diamond s clarity grade. The normal market range of diamond color. What the term cut refers to when it s used descriptively. The most popular cut for diamonds. The factors that affect cut quality. The function of the FTC. 6
LESSON 2: Carat Weight carat grain (weight) grainer jeweler s balance light-half melee per-carat price point total weight The standard unit of weight for diamonds. Equivalents for carats, points, grams, and ounces (as given in the lesson). How fractions and similar terms for weight are used in the trade. The devices professionals use to weigh diamonds. The FTC standard of precision for weight representations. How weight is rounded in the US and internationally. How to calculate per-carat price from total cost, and vice versa. The average weight for an engagement ring diamond. The name and weight of the largest gem quality diamond that has yet been discovered and authenticated. The name, weight and location of the world s largest colorless polished diamond. The name, weight and location of the largest polished diamond of all. 7
LESSON 3: Clarity bearding blemish cavity chip clarity clarity characteristic cleavage (inclusion) extra facet feather fracture gemological microscope gemscope included crystal inclusion knot laser drill hole loupe natural plot Facts to Know Terms to avoid when discussing clarity. The distinction between blemishes and inclusions. The benefits clarity characteristics can provide. The standard magnification for clarity grading. Instruments used to grade clarity. The five criteria for assessing clarity characteristics. The basic approach to clarity grading. What a clarity grade reflects. Which view of the diamond normally counts most in setting the clarity grade. The six main grades in the GIA Diamond Clarity Grade Scale, and how they are defined. The purposes of a clarity plot. 8 The percentage of gem quality diamonds that are flawless.
LESSON 4: Color blue white canary cape color champagne fancy color fluorescence hue master stone saturation tone Facts to Know The colors included in the diamond palette. One color that s not in the diamond palette. What the normal market range of diamond color is. The usual meaning of terms like fine color, top color, and white diamond. The cause and appearance of fluorescence. The most common fluorescence color in diamonds. Why diamonds naturally occur in different colors. The most common trace element in diamonds, and what color it causes. How a diamond s color is evaluated. The grades of the GIA Diamond Color Grade Scale. The three color components analyzed for fancy color diamonds. The color scale used for champagne and cognac diamonds. The least rare and most rare fancy colors. The color, weight and location of the Hope Diamond. 9
LESSON 5: Cut Shape and Style baguette bezel facet branded cut brilliance brilliant cut crown culet dispersion emerald cut facet fancy cut fancy shape fire French tip girdle lower girdle facet mixed cut pavilion pavilion main facet scintillation shape standard round brilliant star facet step cut style table upper girdle facet The three components of diamond s optical performance. The main sections of a cut diamond. The three basic styles of diamond cut. The number and names of facets on the standard round brilliant. The classic fancy shapes. Examples of historic and novelty cuts. When branded cuts became important in the marketplace. The two main categories of branded cuts, and what distinguishes them. Reasons why a diamond might be cut in a certain way. 10 Factors that affect the cost of any cut shape and style.
LESSON 6: Cut Quality bow-tie effect bulge factor crown angle culet size finish fisheye girdle thickness hearts and arrows ideal cut ideal proportions keel knife-edge girdle length-to-width ratio make nailhead pavilion depth polish proportions shape appeal super-ideal cut symmetry table size total depth The three components of cut quality. The key proportions for round brilliants and fancy shapes. How to calculate a fancy shape s length-to-width ratio. How light travels in diamonds with effective proportions. What happens to light in diamonds that aren t properly proportioned. Why cutters vary proportions. How proportion variations can affect weight yield, appearance, and durability. The main concerns in judging symmetry and polish. The qualities that distinguish a true ideal cut. What the hearts and arrows pattern indicates. How graders traditionally evaluate cut. Instruments available for evaluating cut. The grade scales the AGS and GIA use for cut quality. The man whose mathematical analysis of diamond cut became the basis for most of today s ideal cuts. 11
LESSON 7: Diamond Jewelry accent diamond ballerina ring bangle bar setting bead setting bezel setting buttercup setting casting channel setting cluster setting cocktail ring crossover ring diamond solitaire die-striking electroforming eternity ring flush setting gypsy setting halo ring hand fabrication illusion setting invisible setting karat gold lariat lavaliere pavé setting prong setting right hand ring setting slide straightline bracelet studs tennis bracelet tension setting Tiffany setting Y necklace When diamond jewelry first appeared in Europe. The most frequent occasions for giving diamond jewelry. How many US couples mark engagement with a diamond ring. The century in which history first recorded a diamond engagement ring, and the century in which the diamond engagement ring became a mainstream American tradition. The most popular choice for engagement rings. The anniversaries most closely associated with diamonds. The symbolism of the 3-Diamond Anniversary Ring. The emotional messages that right hand rings represent. The comparative advantages of prong and bezel settings. The primary categories of diamond jewelry for men and women. 12 Important sources of inspiration for diamond jewelry designs. Techniques for manufacturing jewelry, and the types of jewelry they re typically used to produce. How the metal contributes to diamond jewelry s appeal. The karat and European systems for rating gold content. How karat rating relates to cost and wearability. Why platinum jewelry is more expensive than comparable items made of gold. How platinum purity is measured and marked. Alternative metals that are now being used for diamond jewelry. Elements that help to define branded jewelry s signature. Factors to consider when helping customers select jewelry.
LESSON 8: Treatments, Synthetics, and Simulants coating HPHT treatment CZ irradiation diamond simulant laser drilling diamond tester synthetic cubic zirconia doubling synthetic diamond flash effect synthetic moissanite fracture filling treated diamond The distinctions between treated diamonds, synthetics, and simulants. How treatments are performed, and how they affect a diamond s appearance. The one treatment that s always considered deceptive. When gem quality diamonds were first produced, when they began to appear on the jewelry market, and their current status. Natural gemstones that are (or have been) used as diamond simulants. The most common simulants in terms of volume. The best diamond simulant from the 1970s to the 1990s, and the most recent gem material that might be considered a diamond simulant. Points to address when representing synthetics and simulants, or disclosing treatment. The tests that can be used to separate diamonds from simulants. The products that can be identified with the instruments and tests available in many jewelry stores. Which treatments can t always be identified with complete certainty, and why not. 13
LESSON 9: Formation and Properties chemical composition cleavage (property) covalent bonding crystal habit crystal structure cube (crystal form and pattern) density diamond stability field dodecahedron (crystal form and pattern) hardness macle Mohs Hardness Scale octahedron (crystal form and pattern) property refraction refractive index (RI) specific gravity (SG) toughness transparency The ages of the oldest and youngest diamonds. The depth range in the earth where diamonds formed. Diamond s chemical composition and crystal structure. The percentage of carbon in gem quality diamonds. The most common crystal form for gem diamonds. Why diamond and graphite have different properties. Diamond s rating on the Mohs Hardness Scale. The specific gravity, refractive index and dispersion of diamond. How diamond formation relates to the 4Cs. The trace elements that color diamonds yellow or blue. The primary basis for dividing diamonds into different Types (Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb). 14
LESSON 10: Deposits and Sources alluvial deposit conflict diamonds diatreme Kimberley Process kimberlite lamproite magma marine deposit pipe primary deposit river sorting secondary deposit How diamonds were delivered to Earth s surface. How primary and secondary diamond deposits were formed. How production from primary deposits compares with that of secondary deposits. The estimated total of diamond production for all of history, and current annual production. The world s oldest source of diamonds. The countries that now lead world diamond production. The top diamond producer measured by value. The two US states with diamond mines. How the conflict diamonds issue arose, the extent of the problem, and how it s being dealt with. 15
LESSON 11: Discovery and Mining grade grease belt heavy media separator indicator mineral open pit mining overburden recovery scrubber surface sampling test drilling When diamonds were discovered in South Africa. Equipment and methods used in diamond exploration. Factors that weigh in assessing the feasibility of mine development. The time and investment it took to discover and develop the Ekati Diamond Mine. Where the world s most important beach and marine deposits are located. The average size of a diamond pipe. The two ways of mining a diamond pipe. The average life span of a pipe mine. How diamonds are recovered from mined ore. The weight of rock and ore excavated for each point of finished diamond weight. 16
LESSON 12: Diamond Cutting blocking brillianteering bruting cleaving cross-working diamond grit grain (crystal) magic sizes rotary diamond saw sawing scaife window The principle that allows diamonds to cut other diamonds. When and where modern diamond cutting began to evolve. The variables considered in planning a diamond s cut. The crystal shapes best suited for cutting into round brilliants. The typical steps in diamond cutting. The two ways of dividing a diamond crystal. The best cleavage directions in the crystal structure. The advantages of laser sawing. When naturals are considered marks of good cutting. What causes bearding. The advantages of automated cutting, and the weight range of diamonds most often produced by automated cutting machines. 17
LESSON 13: The Diamond Industry ALROSA Central Selling Organization (CSO) cert certificate De Beers diamantaire diamond bourse diamond grading report Diamond Trading Company (DTC) independent jeweler manufacturer multi-channel supply Rio Tinto sight sightholder single-channel marketing trade laboratory The two men who were important in the early history of De Beers. The slogan that provides the theme for De Beers promotional efforts. De Beers role in today s diamond industry. The main suppliers of rough diamonds, and the primary sources of the diamonds they market. The industry centers where most diamonds are traded and cut. The largest diamond trading center and the largest cutting center. Key components of the diamond wholesale network and how they function. The types of services trade labs provide. Examples of traditional and alternative diamond retailers. Where most Americans purchase fine jewelry, and why. 18
LESSON 14: The Mystique of Diamonds There are no Terms to Know for this lesson. The Greek word from which diamond comes, and its meaning. Old beliefs based on diamond s optical and physical properties. Other once-popular myths about diamonds. The month for which diamond is the official birthstone. Other times for which diamond is a birthstone or lucky gem. Wedding anniversaries especially linked to diamonds. The century and couple associated with the first diamond engagement ring recorded by history. Royalty and celebrities who have added to the romance of diamonds. The movie star who immortalized the line Diamonds are a girl s best friend. 19
LESSON 15: Professionalism There are no Terms to Know for this lesson. The top three personal qualities that contribute to professionalism. Four additional qualities needed to reach your professional potential. Sources in which standards for professional conduct are spelled out. A simple technique that communicates integrity. Attributes or activities in which respect shows itself. What is required by the cooperation that s necessary for success within a team. Effective ways to hone your enthusiasm and exercise your creativity. Why professional grooming and attire are essential. The three outward marks of a true jewelry professional. The three main areas of expertise upon which jewelry sales success depends. Important resources for continued learning. Proven strategies for defining professional goals. 20
LESSON 16: Care and Cleaning diamond cloth diamond paper diamond tweezers durability firecoat hardness paper worn stability steam cleaner stone holder toughness ultrasonic cleaner The three properties that contribute to diamond s durability. Agents and conditions that can damage diamonds or jewelry. Procedures for minimizing the risk of in-store damage to diamonds and jewelry. Three things to consider in helping customers select jewelry for lasting enjoyment. The types of jewelry normally exposed to accidental bumps and scrapes. Setting styles that protect diamonds, and those that require more careful wear. How karat gold alloys and platinum relate to wearability. Precautions for minimizing cleaning problems. Professional and at-home options for cleaning diamonds and jewelry. Conditions to check for before cleaning customers jewelry. 21
LESSON 17: The Selling Process alternate choice close average sale average unit sale benefit feature items per sale profiling satisfaction call suggestive close summary close thank you note total sales The typical steps in the selling process. Appropriate responses when customers enter your store. The types of information that can help you build trust or interest in your store. Reasons why many customers have adversarial feelings when they enter a jewelry store. Conversation topics and question styles to use or avoid in building rapport. The main objective of profiling. The characteristics and advantages of emotional versus objective profiling. Effective techniques for getting customers involved with jewelry. How features relate to benefits. What objections mean, and three steps for overcoming them. Four methods for closing sales and their distinguishing characteristics. Situations in which it is appropriate to turn over a sale, and the steps for doing so. The two types of post-sale follow-up contact, and the reasons and timeline for making them. The four numbers that serve as the basis for measuring sales performance, and how to calculate and analyze them. Significant patterns that may emerge from sale measurements, appropriate responses to them, and effective strategies for improvement. 22
LESSON 18: Tools of the Trade Brilliant Eye CAD/CAM caliper colorimeter corrected loupe counterpad darkfield lighting dial gauge diamond card diamond cloth diamond paper diamond plunger diamond quality report diamond tweezers diamond wallet electronic scale flute gemological microscope gemscope jewelry cloth locking tweezers millimeter gauge performance evaluator reflected lighting ring sizing mandrel ring stick screw micrometer spectrophotometer triplet UV lamp video viewer The three main purposes of a counterpad. The distinctions between diamond cloths and jewelry cloths, and how to use and care for a diamond cloth. Examples of selling situations in which a ring stick is useful. The customers for whom mirrors are essential selling tools. How unset diamonds are normally organized in a diamond wallet. How a flute s color can affect a diamond s appearance. The main advantage of diamond cards compared to traditional diamond papers. The kinds and characteristics of tweezers and holders for unset diamonds. Advanced instruments for selling diamonds what they show and how they work. The types of lighting to use when examining inclusions or surface characteristics under magnification. The limitations of commercial colorimeters. The key content, characteristics, and uses of common presentation aids. The kind of information diamond quality reports provide, plus how and when reports should be used in presentations. 23
LESSON 19: Customer Service appraisal donation appraisal estate appraisal estimated replacement cost insurance replacement cost estimate liquidation appraisal trade-in The six steps required for exceptional customer service. The most frequent service retail jewelry stores offer. Assurances that help customers feel comfortable about leaving jewelry for repair. The standard steps of take-in for repair. Things to look for when examining jewelry during repair take-in. The fundamental objective of a warranty or guarantee. The usual terms and qualifications for diamond trade-in programs. The distinctions between appraisals and insurance replacement cost estimates. The information effective insurance documents must contain. Examples of common appraisal types, and their purposes. The information that needs to be included in a comprehensive customer profile. How client information should be organized to make it accessible and useful. Key client development activities, including timelines and objectives. The benefits of service calls, and guidelines for making them. 24
LESSON 20: Diamond Display asymmetrical design boutique merchandising category merchandising display element ensemble mass merchandising planogram pre-set solitaire semi-mount symmetrical design The three basic merchandising approaches and their characteristics. The primary diamond groupings for most category merchandisers. How understanding layout helps in the selling process. Factors in store layout that drive customer traffic. The advantage of keeping diamond jewelry well inside the store. The types of diamond jewelry normally included in the bridal category. The sales advantages of pre-set solitaires and semi-mounts. Two options for display design, and their purposes. The artistic design principle of asymmetrical display. Key considerations for display elements, lighting, props and signage. Important points for maintaining the effectiveness of displays. 25
LESSON 21: Security burglary distraction theft grab-and-run preventable crime robbery shoplifting smash-and-grab sneak theft stealth burglar switching theft three-minute burglary unpreventable crime USA PATRIOT Act The three categories for most crimes committed against jewelry professionals. Different types of theft and burglary, and their distinguishing characteristics. When a high percentage of armed robberies occur. The difference between preventable and unpreventable crimes. Effective measures for preventing crime inside and outside your store. Key points for display security. Appropriate responses during an armed robbery. The background and purpose of the USA PATRIOT Act, the obligations jewelry retailers have under the act, typical situations in which compliance may be a concern, and steps that might be required in those situations. 26