The International Diamond Laboratories (IDL) earlier this month launched a diamond grading training program for the diamond industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The courses are held at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). The training program covers theory and practical aspects of diamond grading. The first six-day course started August 9, followed by two more. The program, limited to 15 students at a time, is open to retailers, jewelry designers and consumers interested in knowing more about diamond grading. The country accounts for 80 percent of the Gulf diamond jewelry consumption with Saudi women spending SR7 billion ($1. 8 billion) on diamonds in 2007. IDL expects a 15-20 percent increase in this figure in 2008. Speaking about the newly launched training initiative in KSA, Peter Meeus, CEO of IDL, said: “Saudi Arabia is the largest regional consumer of diamonds and is an important market for IDL. As consumers become more aware of the value and characteristics of diamonds, there is a growing demand for accurate grading services. Our professional courses are aimed at imparting knowledge and skills required for being a successful diamond grader.” The first batch started on Aug. 9 and completed on the 14th, followed by two other batches scheduled from Aug. 16-21 and 23-28. The training program covers theory and practical aspects of diamond grading. To ensure individual attention to each student, IDL takes only up to 15 students per batch. Essam Jamaal, president of Gold and Precious stones committee at JCCI, said: “We are delighted to host IDL's training programs which are very relevant to KSA as it is a growing market for the diamond industry.” During the six days program, IDL's training instructors Jeroen Michielsen and Bahaa Jamal guide the students through the latest methods of diamond grading to define the 4C's- color, cut, clarity and carat. The program is open to retailers, jewelry designers and also consumers interested in knowing more about diamond grading. __
