Gemology

Introduction

 

 

Gems are an important part of Indian culture. Since time immemorial, Indians have coveted both precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies and the like for their astrological significance. Gemstones were also looked upon as symbols of power and prosperity. Nothing much has changed as far as the utility of these precious materials goes.

However, the art of finding gemstones, grading and evaluating them and processing them for the end user has changed radically. Gemmology or the science of the study of gems and precious metals has emerged as a new line of study and as a new career path for job seekers.

Now-a-days everyone seeks quality assurance and the gems industry is no different. The owners want to posses the best of gems to showcase it to their prospective buyers or retailers. The retailers on their part want to give the best to the customers and outdo other competitors. Finally, the end-user also wants genuine and high quality gems and gem encrusted jewellery for personal use.

The need of all these stakeholders is authentic and ably catered to by the modern day gemmologist. A profession in gemology is not just confined to laboratories and conducting tests for grading and evaluating gem stones. In fact as a gemmologist you have innumerable job opportunities ranging from working in a diamond mine to the owner of a popular gems and jewellery brand.

Step-by-Step

 

To take up a short-term certificate or diploma in any gemology related study program you must have completed your schooling or 10+2 level and must be at least 18 years old. These courses provide basic information regarding the identification of different gemstones. Also, principles of evaluating and grading cut gems are a part of these study programs. Some of these short term courses are: Gem Identification Certificate course, Diamond Grading Certificate course, Certificate course in Cut Design and Analysis, Pearl Grading, Polished Diamond Grading course.

Apart from these short-term courses, you can go for a diploma in gemology. The duration of these study programs can range from anywhere between nine weeks to one-year.

The curriculum of these programs incorporates the study of various techniques and instruments that are used in the gemmological industry. These courses also provide you with hands on experience on gemmological related tools and instruments by way of practical tests.

Although you can get into these diploma courses with bare minimum information regarding precious stones but the evaluation process in these institutes is very stringent.

The basic prerequisite for applying for a diploma in gemology is that you must be a graduate in any discipline. Some art and design colleges across the nation also offer jewellery design as a part of their bachelors and masters level curriculum.

Is it the Right Career for Me?

 

Gemology is a science and art rolled into one. To take up gemology as a lucrative career you need to have interest in the study of various precious and semi-precious stones.

You ought to have adequate knowledge about the way these materials develop in the depths of the earth. You must have a discerning eye such that you can spot even the minute changes in the constitution of different gems and stones. This quality immensely helps gemmologist to grade and evaluate gemstones.

Next, you must be prepared to work for long hours in gemmological laboratories and units where cutting and polishing or treatment of gems takes place. Other essential qualities for this profile are good communication skills, ample knowledge of technological advancements in this field and personal integrity when making high profile transactions in the gem market.

Job Prospects

 

The job prospects for a gemmologist are plenty. You can look for employment in a wide variety of places. You can enter the mining or the gem exporting industry. Then there is the scope to work in the jewellery designing and jewellery retailing business.

You can also find ample of opportunities in industrial units specialising in gem cutting and polishing and treatment of rough gems. In fact, the diamond polishing industry in India is one of the largest foreign exchange earning sectors in the country.

Other options include opportunities in gem and precious metal evaluating and testing laboratories and gem certifying bodies. Furthermore, you can look for a job in units producing gemmological tools and instruments and those manufacturing artificially created gemstones.

Last but not the least you can take up a teaching assignment in any of the institutions offering courses in gemology or even set up your own independent unit.

Demand and Supply

 

There is a great demand for trained gemmologists these days. The growth in demand for these professionals is mainly propelled by the requirements of people who want to buy genuine gem stones.

Moreover, the gems and jewellery industry has gone through a sea change in the recent past. Buyers and even retailers have become more quality conscious and as a result, there is all the more need for expert gemmologists.

On the supply side, various institutions across the country are trying their best to meet the demand for professionals in this field. Being a relatively new discipline, gemology is slowly but steadily gaining coin in the society.

What’s more interesting is the fact that gemology in our country is intricately associated with astrology. In this context gemology will never ever lose its shine and will continue to remain a viable career path for job aspirants

 

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