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Diamond Cutter and Polisher Career in South Africa

Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.

OFO Code2021-711203
Trade occupationYes
Green occupationNo
Related qualifications2

Occupation overview

Operates machines to cut and polish diamonds.

What does a Diamond Cutter and Polisher do?

A Diamond Cutter and Polisher works in diamond processing, operating machines to cut and polish diamonds. The work can focus on specialised stages such as sawing, blocking, bruting, crossworking, brillianteering, girdle polishing, table polishing, star polishing, top polishing, grading or final processing control.

Specialisations

Automatic PolishersBlockerBottom PolishersBrillianteerBruterCrossworkerDiamond BoilersDiamond Cutting SetterDiamond MarkerFancy BrillianteerFancy CrossworkerFinal Diamond Processing ControllerGirdle PolishersPolishers GradersPrep PolishersSawyerSawyer (laser)ScourerStar PolishersTable PolishersTop 8 side polishersTop half PolishersTop Polishers

Alternative job titles

Diamond Cutter

How to become a Diamond Cutter and Polisher in South Africa

  1. Learn about the different diamond-processing specialisations, such as Sawyer, Bruter, Blocker, Crossworker, Brillianteer and the various polishing roles.
  2. Consider the National Certificate: Diamond Processing: Polisher - Brillianteer, an NQF Level 3 qualification with 323 credits, as a relevant training pathway.
  3. Consider the National Certificate: Diamond Processing: Polisher - Crossworker, an NQF Level 4 qualification with 351 credits, as another relevant training pathway.
  4. Compare the two pathways with your preferred specialisation and career goals.
  5. Confirm the current qualification, provider and assessment requirements with SAQA or an appropriate training provider before enrolling.

Edupstairs Preparation Guidance

This is a practical trade career centred on operating diamond-processing machinery and performing specialised cutting and polishing work. Build familiarity with the different processing stages and focus on accurate, careful machine operation. The listed certificates are relevant pathways, but they should not be treated as the only possible route or as automatically compulsory. Verify current details with SAQA and the training provider.

Useful school subjects

  • Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences
  • Mechanical Technology
  • Engineering Graphics and Design

Skills that may help

  • Operating processing machines
  • Careful and precise cutting and polishing
  • Understanding diamond-processing stages
  • Working towards a specialised processing role
  • Checking and grading polished work
  • Following an accurate production process

Related Careers

Data source: Career information is based on South Africa’s Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) and Edupstairs career guidance. Employer, training and professional requirements may vary and should be confirmed with the relevant organisation.
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