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: 

Buy and sell rough diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376760  Buy and sell rough diamond gemstones 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
110228  Buying and selling rough diamond gemstones  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  36   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for learners who buy and sell rough diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the trading practices in rough diamond gemstones.
  • Identify the costs associated with processing rough diamond gemstones.
  • Estimate the added value of diamonds after processing.
  • Identify the markets in which the best price of polished diamond gemstones can be obtained.
  • Buy and sell rough diamond gemstones. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners:
  • Understand:
    > The history, structure and operations of the diamond processing industry.
    > The requirements for security of diamonds.
    > The structure, properties and characteristics of diamond gemstones.
    > Advanced weight yield.
  • Are competent in:
    > Using a loupe for advanced applications in examining diamond gemstones.
    > Evaluating rough 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 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the trading practices in rough diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The mechanisms for buying and selling rough diamond gemstones are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The key features of the different trading centres and their mechanisms are described according to the nature of the trade. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The requirements to trade in rough diamonds are described in terms of legislation, finance and access. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tendering processes are explained in terms of requirements to participate and mechanisms to determine the tender price. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of deviating from internationally accepted practices are described in terms of potential impact on credibility, value, reputation and profitability. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the costs associated with processing rough diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors to take into consideration in arriving at the cost of converting rough diamonds to polished gemstones are identified and ranked in significance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods used to determine the cost to convert rough diamonds to polished gemstones are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The sources of conversion of rough diamonds into diamond gemstone are identified according to application and cost. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Estimate the added value of diamonds after processing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods to monitor and control the value of diamonds being processed are described and their applicability explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods to calculate the contribution to profits of batches of diamonds after processing are described in terms of workplace specific practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Batches of diamonds are costed in terms of purchase price, conversion costs and evaluated in terms of selling value to determine the value added. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify the markets in which the best price of polished diamond gemstones can be obtained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different centres for selling diamonds are described according to the trends and features of the market. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basis for deciding which market should be chosen is described in terms of price, practices and features of the gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Diamonds are evaluated against different centres according to the features of the diamonds. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Recommendations are made on the market to use and the potential profit of the diamonds to be disposed of. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Buy rough diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rough diamonds in a parcel are evaluated against the composition of the parcel and ruling market prices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The cost of conversion of the stones in the parcel from rough to polished is estimated in terms of what can be economically converted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The potential resale value of the parcel is determined with respect to the potential selling price of the polished gemstones and the realisable value of the rough that is not to be polished. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The potential profit that can be derived from the parcel is determined from its potential purchase price, cost of conversion, sale of rough and sale of polished gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A price is set for purchasing the parcel and tender documents submitted where applicable. Otherwise a bid is made and a transaction concluded in accordance with industry practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Sell rough diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rough diamonds are evaluated and collected together as a parcel for sale against ruling market prices and a minimum price is set. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The parcel is submitted for sale at a bourse appropriate for its composition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tenders received are examined for compliance and if the reserve price is met the transaction is concluded in accordance with industry practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Where rough diamonds are sold other than by means of a tender, the transaction is concluded in accordance with industry practice. 


    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 equipment:
  • Reason for selecting particular equipment for different characteristics.
  • Identification of different critical characteristics in gemstones.
  • Relevant terminology and names of characteristics.
  • Implications of non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Skill in handling diamond gemstones:
  • The ability to locate and rotate a diamond gemstone for grading.
  • Techniques in positioning stones for grading and valuing.
  • Ability to determine resultant valuation from the assessments of characteristics and internationally recognised price lists.

    Skill in valuation of rough diamonds:
  • Applying internationally accepted pricing schedules.
  • Determination of the yield of the potential polished diamond from the rough.
  • Determining optimal outcome from differing parting options.

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

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Clearly assessing diamonds and determining valuation.
  • Communicating ways to improve value to 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:
  • The ability of the learner determine purchase price, conversion cost and potential selling price 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:
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to accept responsibility for the purchase decision and to share this with colleagues in the process of valuing the polished diamonds indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member within the structure of the organisation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:
  • The decision to purchase and subsequently monitor conversion processes and select the appropriate market to sell to indicates the learner's ability to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • The ability of the learner to assess the trends in the markets requires the assimilation of a variety of information and indicates the candidate'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:
  • The ability of the learner to purchase and sell rough diamonds indicates the candidate'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:
  • The ability to determine the value added after processing demonstrates the critical use of science and technology in the processing of information and the safeguarding of the material, the environment, fellow workers and oneself. 
    		•

    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:
  • The ability of the learner to understand the importance of valuing diamonds against internationally recognised standards so that diamonds can be traded in international markets indicates understanding of the interdependent relationship the industry has with other countries and systems. 
    		•

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 110228, "Buying and selling rough diamond gemstones", Level 4, 10 credits.

    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  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 


    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.