QUESTIONS MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED

1. Do I need to have experience in the diamond industry in order to enroll in The Diamond Institute, Inc. ?

No, absolutely no experience, prior education, or training is needed in order to enroll in our program. It is designed to benefit anyone who has the interest and desire to learn the exciting, rewarding, and profitable field of cutting and polishing diamonds, from the novice to the full time professional.

2. What makes The Diamond Institute, Inc.'s program so unique ?

No organization generally available to the public has ever offered individuals this type of opportunity to participate in the diamond cutting trade. It is the intention of The Diamond Institute, Inc. to teach diamond cutting and polishing as well as good business practices and ethical considerations of the diamond industry. Previously, only a few small shops have offered diamond cutting apprenticeships for exorbitant fees and lasting from 18 months to two years, after which one becomes a salaried employee.

3. Where can I polish diamonds after I graduate ?

The diamond polishing equipment can easily fit in a spare room at home or a small office.

4. Where can I purchase pre-formed, rough diamonds to polish ?

Sawn and bruted diamonds of various sizes and quality, ready to be cut and polished, may be purchased at any time and in any quantity from The Diamond Institute, Inc. at the prevailing cost of rough plus a flat fee for plotting, sawing, and bruting. Market price varies based on supply and demand and the position of the U.S. dollar internationally.

5. Who will buy the diamonds I have polished ?

There is a huge demand for quality cut and polished diamonds throughout the United States as well as worldwide. The United States is the largest consumer market in the world for polished diamonds, and imports in excess of 12 million carats per year from other countries. Diamonds polished by graduates of The Diamond Institute, Inc., may be marketed and sold to any reputable, bona fide retail jewelry store, wholesaler or dealer.

6. I live in a rural, remote area. How will I be able to sell cut and polished diamonds ?

Location is irrelevant to success in this field, as diamonds can be polished anywhere and shipped by mail to any other area.

7. How much money can I expect to earn ?

Graduates of The Diamond Institute, Inc. will be able to cut and polish at least two diamonds per day on their own equipment, and eventually 4 or more diamonds per day after a few months. An independent projection of profitability is available on request from The Diamond Institute, Inc.

8. Can I learn more about The Diamond Institute, Inc. before I make a commitment ?

Additional information may be obtained by contacting The Diamond Institute, Inc. during business hours at (360) 928-0134, E-Mail, Sofus Michelsen or by writing to us at PO Box 1782, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Please call us if you wish to make an appointment to visit our facility and observe a class in progress.