Are you interested in knowing about gems and jewellery? Do you want to know the process behind making a jewellery item? Then an enthralling career in gemology is just the best career for you.
Since time immemorial, gems like precious and semi-precious stones of rubies, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires etc have been an important part of Indian culture and India has excellent infrastructure for diamond cutting making a career as a gemologist attractive and lucrative option. India is the largest gold manufacturer in the world.
Who are Gemologists?
Gemology is the science of studying and identification of various gemstones like diamonds, asteroids, stones, natural gems etc along with evaluating, grading and certification.
A Gemologist is an expert in gemology who studies the atomic structure, characteristics and quality of different types of gemstones and also advises the jewellers about those gems compatibility with other metals while making jewellery designs.
Responsibilities
- Using equipment such as microscopes, computerized tools and grading instruments for examining, evaluating and certifying characteristics and quality of gemstones.
- Examine and evaluate whether the gemstones are artificial or synthetic.
- Immersing the stones in prescribed chemicals for determining the gravity key properties and its substitutes.
- Estimating the wholesale retail value of gemstones based on pricing guides and economic changes like market fluctuations.
- Grading the gemstones for their quality of cut, colour or perfection using loupes, magnifying glasses, refract meter and shadowgraphs.
Education and Eligibility
- Completion of 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board of India.
- Several Indian colleges and universities offer diploma, graduation and post-graduation courses in Gemology such as:
- Diploma in Gemology or Diamond processing or Diamond Trade Management.
- Certificate Courses in Colored Gemstone Cutting and Polishing or Jewelry design and Machine cast Jewelry etc.
- Bachelors and Masters in Fine Arts in Jewelry Design.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Diamond Technology.
Skills Required
A successful gemologist should possess the following skills:
- Excellent observational skills.
- Good design sense and quality appreciation.
- Precision and accuracy.
- Excellent coordination of hand and eyes.
- Awareness of various colours.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Detail-oriented.
- Mathematical skills.
Top colleges in India to pursue Gemology
If you are interested to pursue a career in Gemology, the following are the top colleges to consider that are accredited by the American Gemological Society (AGS).
- National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi
- Indian Institute of Gemology, New Delhi
- Arch Gemology & Jewelry Institute, Jaipur
- Gemstones Artisans Training School, Jaipur
- Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Gemology, New Delhi
- Sidhar Institute of Gemology, Andhra Pradesh
- SRDC Diamond Institute, Mumbai
Specializations in Gemology
The following is a list of specializations offered in Gemology:
- Jewellery Designing
- Gem Grinding
- Gem Engraving
- Gem Polishing
- Gem Assortment
- Jewellery Setter
- Gem Research.
Job Roles for a Gemologist
The following are some of the job roles after qualifying as a Gemologist.
- Gem Manufacturer.
- Gemstone Appraiser.
- Lab Gemologist.
- Lapidarist.
- Diamond Grader.
- Jewellery Designer.
- Gemstone Auction Manager.
- Sales Personnel.
- Researcher.
Employment Sector for Gemologists
The increasing demand for gemstone jewellery has also risen employment opportunities for skilled Gemologists. The following are some of the employment sectors where these professionals can work in:
- Jewellery Shops and in showrooms.
- Mining Industries.
- Gem Testing laboratories.
- Jewellery Business Management.
- Retail Jewelry Business.
- Art Auction Houses.
- Gem Exporting Companies.
- Jewellery manufacturing in synthetic and artificial gems.
Top recruiting companies for Gemologists
The following are the leading companies and industries that hire Gemologists.
- Gemological Science International.
- DIANI Jewels.
- Solitaire Gemological Laboratories.
- Diamonte Jewels.
- Independent Gemological Industries.
- GS Gem Scan Laboratories Pvt Ltd.
- Instructor or lecturer in colleges or universities.
Salary and Career Outlook
Gemology has a great scope for its professionals. You will start earning lucratively when your designs and ideas start getting noticed and appreciated. The entry-level salary of a Gemologist is INR 2-3 LPA. An experienced and qualified Gemologist can earn an annual salary of INR 4-5 LPA.
The growing demand for precious and genuine gemstone jewellery has given rise to increasing job opportunities for skilled and experienced Gemologists.
In India, Gemology is interconnected with Astrology and so will never lose its charm and be an excellent career path for job aspirants.
Gem cutting, polishing along the treatment and grading of raw precious and semi-precious stones are huge businesses in India. The industries of gemstone consultancy, jewellery designing and manufacturing will always keep this field hit and trending.
Many foreign brands and companies are collaborating with the Indian Jewelry industry for gold and diamond-studded jewellery manufacturing.
– Samiya Firdous
