How to become A Gemologist

Gem Appraiser

Gem Expert

What do Gemologists do?

A Gemologist would typically need to:

• Identify, analyse, appraise, describe, grade, and certify the quality and characteristics of gems and precious stones
• Schedule meetings and consultations with clients to address their questions and concerns, and cultivate productive business relationships
• Examine various gemstones to determine their origin and whether they are natural or synthetic
• Immerse a gemstone in prescribed chemicals to identify it, based on physical characteristics such as specific gravity, crystal structure, and refractive index
• Establish the actual worth of a gem; estimate its wholesale and retail value based on pricing guides and market fluctuations
• Use CAD (computer-aided design) to bring to life creative concepts that appeal to the client and help them visualise the end product
• Grade a gemstone for quality of cut, colour, and perfection; certify the quality of finished pieces of jewellery
• Use their expertise to appraise family heirlooms of clients; work with particular gemstones, if trained as a specialist
• Study the investment markets, industry journals and newsletters to offer clients the best estimated value for their jewellery
• Assist jewellery designers, wholesalers and manufacturers in buying natural and synthetic precious stones
• Prepare identification and appraisal reports for insurance replacement and estate evaluation; scout for and procure appropriate replacements
• Use their skills to sell the merchandise, if working behind the counter of a jewellery store
• Assist with buying and selling of gemstones, and for drafting and signing of contracts, if employed by large jewellery houses
• Make use of their knowledge to estimate the value of donations or potential purchases, if employed in a museum
• Propose reserve amounts for jewellery that is going under the hammer, if working at an auction house
• Confirm the quality of extracted minerals, rocks, and gems, if employed by a mining firm

Depending on their area of expertise, a Gemologist may work in a well-lit and comfortable laboratory, shop, showroom, workshop, office, or studio. 

You may work in remote and uncomfortable locations if employed by a mining or prospecting company or travelling to gem markets. Since they deal with precious stones, Gemologists usually work behind locked doors with barred windows and burglar alarm systems; armed guards and CCTV surveillance are also standard.

How much they need to travel on business depends on their role and the employer; for e.g., one whose primary responsibility is purchasing gems may need to travel extensively compared to one who is employed in a laboratory.

Gemologists may work full-time, part-time, and on an hourly basis based on the requirements of their employer. 

Full-time Gemologists put in at least 40 hours a week, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends, to meet frequent deadlines and the functional operations of the organisation.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Gemologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Your employment may be contractual or permanent and mostly in urban or semi-urban areas.

Gemologists are generally employed by:

• Retail Jewellery Stores
• Large jewellery Houses
• Insurance Companies
• Auction Houses
• Mining Companies
• Museums
• Print/Online Media Companies
• Trade Schools 
• Institutes of Higher Education
• Pawnshops
• Private Clients

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Gem Society, are crucial for Gemologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Lack of adequate formal scientific training to support the observational nature of the job may lead to gross errors 
• Highly fragmented supply chains
• Physical exhaustion due to prolonged and irregular work schedules spent examining gems
• Remote, uncomfortable and dangerous work environment, if employed by a mining or prospecting company
• The need for a highly secure work environment due to the commercial value of gemstones

Any post-secondary academic program that a potential Gemologist takes up should ideally include a period of supervised experience, such as an internship or relevant work placement. Employers prefer such candidates who require less on-the-job training.

A sales or polishing internship in jewellery manufacturing and designing companies, jewellery shops, auction houses, gem exporting companies and retail companies will also serve the purpose.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

In addition, working with a diverse range of clients helps you build an understanding of different behaviours, situations, and problems you may encounter during your practice as a Gemologist. Furthermore, it will help you build a network of industry contacts.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in gemology to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

There are diverse pathways to becoming a Gemologist. You can gain an entry-level job with a B.Sc. in Gemology or a B.Des. (Bachelor of Design) in Jewellery Design in some locations. Before seeking employment, some individuals may continue with a postgraduate degree in the subjects mentioned earlier.

Many Gemologists also prefer a diploma, associate degree or bachelor’s degree in business and fine arts, while a smaller number chose to acquire post-secondary education in geology and management.

A Diploma in Gemology, which takes around six months if pursued full-time and a year if completed through distance learning, will enhance your practical and observational skills and train you to distinguish between authentic and imitation gems in the jewellery business. 

You may also pursue a Foundation Certificate Course in Gemmology which will introduce you to a wide range of gems through a judicious mix of theoretical and hands-on learning. The full-time program takes around four months, while the distance learning option may require six to ten months.

Another viable alternative is the Gem Diamond Diploma which may take four months of full-time study or eight months if done part-time. Comprehensive analysis of diamonds and the diamond market includes diamond grading, characteristics, colour estimation, identification of imitations and treatment.

Although it is possible to become a Gemologist with a high school diploma alone, aspirants who desire additional education also consider taking up three-month to one-year programs in trade schools. Students will learn how to design, cast, set and polish jewellery and gems, along with the use and maintenance of requisite tools and equipment.

Take college preparatory courses in high school, especially maths, art and computer science. English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

Certification in customer service, sales management, jewellery appraisal and inventory control from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and allow you to become an independent consultant.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

An employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Gemologists who have numerous opportunities for growth and attractive remuneration. 

You may find employment as a Sales Representative, Lab Researcher, Grader, Appraiser, Polisher, Diamond & Gemstone Buyer, Jewellery Designer, Auction House or Museum Specialist, Lapidary Artist, or Jewellery Photographer/Blogger. 

Gemologists who work for wholesale and retail businesses and major jewellery brands may be promoted to senior management positions. Self-employment, teaching, and consultancy are other viable options. 

Detail-oriented candidates with adequate knowledge of gemology and jewellery appraisal and a successful internship in the field have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Gemologist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD also enables the regular renewal of desirable certifications.

Attend trade fairs and exhibitions to enhance your knowledge and skills and keep abreast of the latest trends in the field while building a strong network. Your employer may provide in-house training by an experienced Gemologist. You will need to develop your business skills if self-employment is your goal. 

Postgraduate courses in goldsmithing, jewellery, metalwork, and silversmithing enable you to experiment and diversify. Colleges or commercial organisations offer shorter, skill-based courses to add to your expertise. You can also take advantage of specialist courses in setting, engraving, enamelling, as well as gemstone cutting and carving.

What Are Your Career Options as a Gemologist?

A lapidarist holds an entry-level job in the industry; they polish and cut gemstones and make moulds to set them in jewellery. Lab gemologists use various instruments to conduct research on the physical and optical properties of gems, their identification and categorisation per their actual value.

A gemstone appraiser examines the precious stones to come up with an accurate description and comprehensive report. Gem manufacturers apply various treatments to rough stones to be used in making jewellery.

Gemstone jewellers repair and recut gems, work with fine jewellery pieces, and help distinguish between natural stones, lab-created gems and lookalikes. An auction gemologist helps the auction house appraise gems and jewellery pieces on the block and purchase jewellery from private sellers.

Wholesale gemstone buyers travel the globe to scout for, find and make popular gems available to the public for a profit.

Tools of the Trade

Gemologists use a range of instruments such as microscopes, loupes, magnifying glasses, refractometers, shadowgraphs, polariscopes, dichroscopes, and spectroscopes to examine gemstones and evaluate their unique characteristics.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Gemologists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Gemologist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The Queen of England’s jewellery collection is worth around a whopping 57 million USD.

Gemologists who can fine-tune remarkable gems as breathtaking pieces of art, can aspire to a brilliant career with international appeal.

“The gem cannot be polished without friction nor man without trials.”

Confucius