Discussing Diamonds – Expert Advice from Sam Lloyd

For jewellery designers and trade professionals who don’t often work with diamonds, describing them with confidence can feel like a challenge. How do you accurately communicate a diamond’s qualities to a client? What should you look for when assessing an old-cut diamond? How do you handle and examine stones like a professional?

In this interactive workshop, diamond expert Sam Lloyd will guide you through the essential skills needed to handle, observe, and confidently describe diamonds. This session is designed specifically for those in the trade who want to improve their knowledge and confidence with diamonds.

What You’ll Learn:

🔍 Handling Diamonds with Confidence

• Learn how to properly use tweezers and a loupe for accurate observation.
• Best practices for cleaning, avoiding damage, and storing diamonds safely.
• Tips for working with antique and delicate settings.

💎 Understanding & Describing Diamond Features

• How to assess and articulate key aspects of a diamond’s appearance, including cut, colour, and clarity.
• The unique characteristics of antique diamonds – irregular facets, weight-saving techniques, and how they compare to modern cuts.
• How to spot inclusions, subtle colour differences, and important features that impact a diamond’s appeal and value.

🗣 Communicating Diamonds to Clients

• How to describe a diamond accurately and persuasively, using the correct industry terminology.
• The do’s and don’ts of talking about diamonds – avoid common mistakes that could undermine client trust.
• Building confidence in your observations so you can discuss diamonds with ease in a sales or design consultation.

Final Challenge: Put Your Knowledge to the Test

At the end of the session, you’ll be given a diamond to assess and asked to describe it as if you were presenting it to a client. Sam will provide expert feedback on your observations, helping you refine your descriptions and ensure you’re using the correct language.

At the very end, there will be a Q&A session - don't miss this chance to talk to a professional diamond expert!

By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to handle diamonds professionally, a trained eye for key characteristics, and the confidence to discuss diamond jewellery accurately —whether you’re advising a client or incorporating diamonds into your designs.

About Sam Lloyd

Sam Lloyd is a jewellery industry professional with nearly 20 years of experience across operations, retail, and education, driven by her passion for gemmology.

She began her career in jewellery sales and inventory management before earning qualifications from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and the Federation for European Education in Gemmology. She later became a tutor at Gem-A and manager of Gem-A Instruments, traveling globally to teach practical testing techniques to gem enthusiasts, valuers, and students.

Sam further honed her expertise as a diamond buyer for Domino Jewellery, gaining commercial insight at a leading UK jewellery manufacturer. Now, as an independent consultant, she helps small businesses maximise the value of their high-end stock.