Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Training School in South Africa

jgold99 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 15, 2011 12:25 pm

Hello,

I am thinking about taking a course at the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Training School in South Africa. Has anyone here attended this school? I am wondering if their courses are good.

Thanks

Richard · **Posted:** Sat Oct 15, 2011 9:26 pm

Sounds good, but I know nothing of it. When I lived in S.A. 30 years ago I was approved, by the government, to take a trade-oriented diamond cutting course. First day of class the instructor, a staunch Africaner (rock spider), told me "Get out, no Englishmen allowed here". The Oppenhimers have always been more liberal, and are also not Africaners. Things have changed considerably in S.A. and I doubt you will have a problem. Just make sure before going. Best of luck. Richard.

jgold99 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 16, 2011 10:18 am

Good to know, thanks for your reply. I don't think it is like that anymore. I found them through GIA. GIA now offers lab classes at their school a couple of times a year. I am just wondering about the quality of their courses.

EthicalGems · **Posted:** Fri Jun 08, 2012 7:33 am

Hi!
I attended HODTS in 1998 in Jo'Burg and got my "Rough Diamond Diploma" as well as my "Elementary Diamond Polishing Diploma". The latter is not meant to make a master cutter out of you, but you'll get a better understanding of roughs once you've cut your first diamonds. As for learning the rough, where else can you do it? At the time, the course was run by a great guy, Koos Rademeyer, a veteran cutter who knows the diamond world inside out. If you have the time and the money, just go for it!
Cheers!
Eric

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