EGL USA offers first rough diamond course in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, Oct. 3 - European Gemological Laboratory, a member of the EGL USA group, the only gem lab in North America that grades rough diamonds, announced today that its Vancouver office will offer a five-day Rough Diamond Course in Vancouver from November 25 to 29.

The comprehensive course is being taught by EGL's Mineralogist and Rough Diamond Specialist, Elena Semenets, M.Sc., F.C.GmA, FGA; Donna Hawrelko, F.C.GmA, FGA, Chief examiner for Canada, Canadian Gemmological Association; John Mattinson, B.Sc., G.G., Supervisor of the Diamond Laboratory at EGL Vancouver; and Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., FGA, D.U.G., Director of European Gemological Laboratory, Canada.

The Rough Diamond Course will comprise the study of diamond geology and indicator minerals for mining purposes; typomorphic features (origin of rough diamonds); crystallography (the study of atomic structure); and morphology (the study of shape and surface features), based on the work of Russian mineralogist Orlov, who created the system to type diamonds by their external features. Two days of the course will be dedicated to practical study, including grading, evaluating and pricing rough diamonds. The cost for the course is CDN $2,300. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.

According to Deljanin, this is the first rough diamond course to be offered in Vancouver. It is geared to diamond miners, dealers, wholesalers and gemologists. No previous gemology background is required. For security purposes the Vancouver teaching venue will not be announced.

EGL USA is one of the oldest and largest independent gemological institutions focusing on gemstone certification and research. It is headquartered in New York City and currently has offices in Los Angles, Vancouver, and Toronto.

For more information, contact Donna Hawrelko at 604-926-2599 or Branko Deljanin at 604-980-0475 or by email to donnajohnboden@telus.net or branko@eglcanada.ca