Career as Gemologist

Last Updated On 06 Oct, 2018

How to Become a Gemologist

About Gemologist

Gemologist is considered to be one of the oldest profession of the Indian society. Gemologists study the atomic structure of gemstones and identify its origin and find ways to prevent their damage/loss. In short, Gemologist is a profession where one studies the quality, characteristics and value of both precious and semi-precious gemstones such as emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies for their astrological significance.

A Gemologist identifies the gems and advises the jewellers about the compatibility of gems to particular metals. Mostly, this profession is adopted only by those whose ancestors have been into this profession from centuries ever since the time of emperors and kings and before. Gemstones are still considered to be the most precious things in India. The knowledge of gems and people's ability to buy it has increased among the masses in huge numbers and thus the demand of Gemstones and the professionals of this field have increased a lot in the last 50 years or so.

Also, considering the fact that India is the largest consumer of gold in the world and has excellent infrastructure for diamond cutting, the career of a Gemologist has emerged as very attractive and satisfying field. A gemologist can start their career by working with jewellery houses or can work as a freelancer.

Eligibility to become Gemologist

To become a gemologist, students need to plan their career right from the Class 12. Even though students from any stream in Class 12 are eligible to pursue courses in Gemology, interested candidates can also do short-term certificate and diploma courses in this field. There are no entrance exams available in order to enroll in a course of gemology. There are several courses offered by institutions in India such as degree, diploma & certificate courses in this field. Some of the courses are listed below:

Certificate Courses in Gemology:

  • Certificate Course in Hard Shape Grooving
  • Certificate Course in International System of Diamond Grading
  • Certificate Course in Grading, Cutting, Polishing, Bruiting
  • Certificate Course in Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing
  • Courses in Jewellery Design & Machine Cast Jewellery
  • Certificate Course in Planning & Marketing

Diploma Courses in Gemology:

  • Diploma in Diamond Trade Management
  • Diploma in Gemology
  • Diploma in Diamond Processing

Bachelors Courses in Gemology:

  • Bachelors of Fine Arts in Jewellery Design

Master Courses in Gemology:

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Diamond Technology
  • Masters of Fine Arts in Jewellery Design

Subject Combination - There is no specific subject combination required in Class 12 or graduation level to become a gemologist.

Eligibility -

  • For Bachelor courses, diploma courses and certificate courses, applicants should have passed class 12 examination or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised university/board.
  • The minimum age required for applicants to pursue these courses is at least 18 years.
  • There is no upper age limit for this course.
  • For Master courses, applicants should have passed a bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised university/institute.
  • Some of the institutions/universities also offered online courses in particular gemology fields.

Types of Job Roles Gemologist

To become a successful gemologist expert, one should acquire the right knowledge and training. After obtaining the necessary academic qualification and skills, gemologists can explore jobs in various roles and positions which match their skills. The work of a gemologist is of diversifying nature. The different roles that gemologists can take up are listed below.

Diamond Grader: They usually evaluate the quality of gems and diamonds, fabricate the gems which are used in jewellery or industrial equipment. They also examine the accuracy of gems angles and positions of cuts using shadow-graphs, magnifying glasses, and loupes, etc.

Jewellery Designers: They work on various materials, such as precious metals, gems, stones and crystals, to make accessories for the ears, neck, hands, fingers, feet and toes, etc. Jewellery designers require lots of imagination, creativity, and technical skills.

Gem Polishers: The role of gem polishers is to secure gems or diamonds in holders, chucks, dops, lapidary sticks, or blocks for cutting, polishing, grinding, drilling, or shaping.

Gemstone Auction Manager: The role and responsibility of a Gemstone Auction Manager is to take care of the entire auction process of various gemstones in an auction house.

Gem Assorters: A Gem Assorter is a person who examines gem surfaces and internal structures using refractometers, microscopes, and other optical instruments, to differentiate between stones, to identify rare specimens, or to detect flaws, or peculiarities affecting gem values. They also advise customers and others on the best use of gems to make attractive jewellery items.

Stone Setter: The role and responsibility of a Stone Setter is to set ornamental stones such as pearls, rhinestones, and colored glass in metal or plastic jewellery items and brush paste or cement the applied settings.

Employment Opportunities for Gemologists

The growing demand for jewellery pieces of precious stones has increased the employment opportunities for Gemologists. There are many job opportunities for gemologists in various fields of jewellery. They can also find good opportunities in industrial areas particularly specialising in gem cutting, polishing and treatment of rough gems. The following are some of the sectors where gemologists can take up jobs:

  • Jewellery Business Management
  • Gem Testing Laboratories
  • Retail Jewellery Business
  • Jewellery Manufacturing
  • Mining Industry
  • Product Development Departments
  • Art Auction Houses
  • Gem Exporting Companies
  • Top Notch Goldsmiths
  • Jewellery Shops and Showrooms
  • Industries Manufacturing Synthetic or Artificial Gems

Top Recruiting Companies / Industries for Gemologists

Some of the top companies and industries are listed below:

  • Gemological Science International
  • DIANI Jewels
  • Solitaire Gemological Laboratories
  • Diamonte Jewels
  • Independent Gemological Industries
  • GS Gem scan Laboratories Pvt Ltd.

Note: Gemologist can also work as an instructor or lecturer in colleges/ universities/ institutions.

Planning to choose Gemologist as your career?

Pay Scale/Salary of Gemologist

The salary of a Gemologist may differ according to their knowledge, skills and experience. It usually increases with knowledge growth and time. Here are some relative salary figures for different types of gemologist job roles:

 

Job Profile

Starting Salary per annum (in INR)

Mid Level Salary per annum (in INR)

Senior Level Salary per annum (INR)

Gemologist

1,78,793

4,66,150

14,16,097

Diamond and Gems Grader

1,22,554

4,20,000

11,74,457

Jewellery Designers

1,21,147

2,97,988

6,91,263

 

Note: The above figures are an estimate and may vary from individual to individual and company to company.

Books & Study Material to Become Gemologist

Here's a list of some of the top books to increase your skills and knowledge in the Gemology field. There are no entrance exams available for a career as a gemologist. Therefore, you can refer to these books to upswing your knowledge.

  • Gem Identification by Made Easy
  • Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones by Joel E. Arem
  • Gemology by Cornelius S. Hurlbut Robert C. Kammerling
  • Amateur Gemstone Facing Volume 1 by Tom Herbst
  • Gem Testing by E.A. Jobbins
  • Diamond: The History of a Cold-Blooded Love Affair by Matthew Hart
  • The Spectroscope of Gemology by James Payne and Anderson
  • Understanding Jewellery – 3rd Edition by David Bennett

Pros of becoming a Gemologist

  • This is a star-studded profession where you will constantly deal with precious and semi-precious stones and minerals.
  • The market demand for the career as a Gemologist is on the amplification.
  • The profession has tremendous growth along with outstanding remuneration.
  • The salary increases as per the growth in experience and positions.

Cons of becoming a Gemologist

  • This profession requires hard work and high-level of skill to flourish in this industry.
  • As a Gemologist, you have to spend endless hours in gem grading and polishing laboratories to prove your expertise.
  • There is less scope for promotion, upgrading to senior level posts etc.
  • Sometimes, there will be stress and pressure to meet the deadlines.

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FAQs about Gemologist

Who is a Gemologist?

A gemologist is an individual who studies the structure of gemstones and identifies its origin and value. A gemologist also checks the quality and characteristics of both precious and semi-precious gemstones.

What qualification do I need to be a gemologist?

To be a Gemologist, a candidate should have at least a certificate, diploma or a degree-level education in Gemology.

Which books are best for aspiring Gemologists?

The books that an aspiring Gemologist can refer to are Gem Identification by Made Easy, Gemology by Cornelius S. Hurlbut Robert C. Kammerling, Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones by Joel E. Arem, Diamond: The History of a Cold-Blooded Love Affair by Matthew Hart and The Spectroscope of Gemology by James Payne and Anderson.

What courses can I pursue in order to be a Gemologist?

Some popular courses that an individual can pursue to be a Gemologist are Diploma in Gemology, Diploma In Diamond Sorting, Certificate in Gemology, Bachelor of Design - Gemology Design, B.Sc/B.Design - Gemology & Jewelry Design, Bachelor of Design - Gemology Design etc.

What job profiles can a gemologist consider as a career choice?

The job profiles that can be considered by a Gemologist are Jewellery Designers, Diamond Grader, Gem Polishers, Gem Assorters, Gemstone Auction Manager, Stone Setter etc.

Which colleges can I consider for admission if I want to be a Gemologist?

Some popular colleges for an individual willing to be a Gemologist are GD Goenka University (GDGU), Gurgaon, Indian Diamond Institute (IDA), Surat, International Institute of Gemological Sciences, Delhi and St. Xaviers College (SXC), Mumbai.

Which recruitment companies offer employment opportunities to a Gemologist?

The recruitment companies that hire a Gemologist are Gemological Science International, Solitaire Gemological Laboratories, DIANI Jewels, Diamonte Jewels, GS Gem scan Laboratories Pvt Ltd., Independent Gemological Industries etc.

How much money can a Gemologist make after 3-4 years of work experience?

After spending 3-4 years in the industry, a gemologist can earn anywhere between ?4,66,150 to ?6,00,000 per annum.

What skills are required to be a successful Gemologist?

To be a successful Gemologist, an aspirant should have a keen eye for detail, good eye to hand coordination, accuracy, knowledge of optical instruments, rationality and chemistry expertise.

What is the biggest disadvantage of being a Gemologist?

The biggest disadvantage of being a Gemologist is that the job requires endless hours of hard work and patience in order to flourish and carve an identity.

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