Not many people in the world can say that they are professional, certified polished diamond graders. At the International Gemological Institute (IGI) in Athens, Greece, 14 students from the renowned establishment’s first class of Polished Diamond Grading graduated with the honor on December 13.
These graduates are now armed with the knowledge to grade polished diamonds according to the famous four Cs of diamonds – cut, clarity, color and carat. Their diplomas reflect world grading and market standards. The fourteen students survived a six-day intensive course led by Greek gemologist, George Spyromilios.
Diamond grading is a very complex process that many consider to be an art. It is especially beneficial for jewelers who want to make sure that they have the proper and most up to date information in order to educate their customers and thus generate greater trust and increase sales. Being the town expert on engagement rings can easily boost the traffic to ones store.
As such, most of the 14 graduates were already jewelers by profession who wished to acquire more knowledge and skills about the commodity that defines their careers. With the value of diamonds moving upward and demand unceasing, it seems that the investment in time and energy for the coveted IGI diploma was worthwhile.
The success of this year’s Polished Grading Class, the IGI plans to hold the second annual session in 2011.
