This assignment begins the next stage of the journey you began in Diamond Essentials. In that course, you gained a basic understanding of diamond grades and how they relate to value, as well as how the diamond market operates at the retail level. Diamonds & Diamond Grading builds on that foundation. You’ll learn—in more detail—about diamond grades and grading. You’ll also explore the diamond industry beyond its retail level to gain an understanding of diamond value in other market segments.

One of the most remarkable things about the diamond trade is how dynamic it is. The industry has changed significantly in recent years, and the world supply of diamond rough has increased tremendously. Abundant new sources were discovered in Australia and Canada. One mine in particular—the Argyle mine in Australia—caused dramatic growth in India’s diamond cutting industry, which processes large numbers of inexpensive diamonds. This made diamonds available to a wider consumer base.

Even De Beers, which was a stabilizing force in diamond supply and value for most of the twentieth century, has undergone astounding changes in recent years. Those changes—which you’ll learn about in this course—will reverberate throughout the industry for quite some time.

There have also been many advances in diamond technology. Some scientists developed new treatments for improving color and clarity. And others have explored the way diamond interacts with light, inspiring greater appreciation of the diamond cutter’s skills.

Diamonds are beautiful, desirable objects: They always have been and always will be. This course will deepen your understanding of these special gems.