What Is Gemology?
Let me explain what gemology is to you directly. Gemology is the science of studying, cutting, and valuing precious stones, but at its core, it's all about identifying those gemstones. If you're working in this field, you're called a gemologist, and even jewelers and goldsmiths might qualify as gemologists too.
You might be a collector or investor focused only on the monetary value of gems, but to tell one gemstone from another, you'll need a gemologist's help. I examine gemstones—whether they're raw from the earth or synthesized in a lab—using microscopes, computerized tools, and other grading instruments.
Understanding Gemology
At the heart of gemology, it's about identifying gems. As a gemologist, I identify a gemstone by its specific characteristics and properties, such as cut, color, quality, and clarity. For instance, some rubies and garnets look identical, but their physical properties differ a lot. You're probably familiar with the 4Cs for diamonds—color, clarity, cut, and carat—which are key criteria in gemology.
Gemology and Its Professionals
Beyond gemologists, the field includes appraisers, jewelers, lapidaries, metalworkers, and scientists. As a gemologist, I might get certified as a professional appraiser, which helps in jewelry sales and investing. Jewelers need gemology knowledge to answer customer questions and identify gems brought to them. Goldsmiths and metalworkers must know gems' physical traits to create suitable settings— for example, a diamond setting could damage an opal, and the pressure for a garnet might break tanzanite.
Lapidaries, or gem cutters, require special knowledge because cutting and polishing techniques vary by gem—what works for one could be disastrous for another. Scientists in geology, chemistry, or physics form a small but influential group; they develop new testing techniques and research emerging gemstones.
Gemstones as Investments
When stock market returns drop, you might look for alternatives to boost your returns on invested capital. Investing in rare or high-quality gemstones could retain or increase value, especially for diversification even in good markets. However, gemstones aren't easily liquidated if you need cash quickly, particularly rare ones appealing only to elite buyers.
Gemstone investing is speculative and best left to experienced professionals. Unlike gems, precious metals have standards and market vehicles, making them less risky for beginners. Beware of the term 'investment-grade' for gems—it's often misused since there are no formal standards, unlike for bonds.
Careers in Gemology
With gemstone synthesis advancing, gemology is a key field of study offering various career paths. You could become an appraiser, evaluating gemstones, jewelry, and watches while determining their value. Or work as an auction specialist, handling the buying and selling of unique jewelry. Bench jewelers manufacture and repair fine jewelry with expert skills.
Buyers monitor trends to source profitable gems and jewelry. Designers create unique pieces using precious stones. Lab and research professionals investigate new gems, treatments, and detection methods. Retailers thrive in fast-paced jewelry sales, and wholesalers import and sell diamonds, stones, pearls, jewelry, and watches globally.
How to Become a Gemologist
There are many career opportunities in gemology, like appraisers, retail associates, lab gemologists, and designers, but breaking in often requires formal training. First, determine what area of gemology you want to pursue—read about paths or talk to professionals in the field.
Assess your skills: gemologists need to be detail-oriented with good interpersonal skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. Sales skills help in retail or wholesaling, creativity suits designers, and meticulousness fits appraisers or repairers.
Consider your lifestyle, including salary needs, willingness to relocate, and preferred work hours—retail might mean irregular schedules versus a standard 9-to-5.
Obtain gemological training by matching your career to a school; some jobs need a diploma, others just certification. Research to ensure the program fits your goals.
Enrolling in Programs and Next Steps
Most gemology professions require a diploma from an accredited school, where you'll learn analysis, grading, buying, selling, and pricing of gems and metals. Complete the paperwork like any college enrollment.
Some roles need only a certification program, focusing on practical training without a final exam, unlike diplomas. After that, seek an apprenticeship for hands-on experience—many employers require at least a year before full-time hiring. Your school might offer formalized programs.
Once your apprenticeship ends, discuss full-time opportunities with your manager, showing reliability and hard work. Attend career fairs with resumes to network, and use social media like LinkedIn or join organizations like the American Gem Society to connect with professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Gemology is the science of identifying gemstones.
- Gemologists examine gemstones—both discovered raw and synthesized in the laboratory—using microscopes, computerized tools, and other grading instruments.
- The field of gemology contains professionals such as appraisers, goldsmiths, jewelers, lapidaries, and scientists.
- Investing in gemstones may be risky, but the precious metals sector can be less speculative for inexperienced investors.
- Unlike other types of investments, gemstones may not be as easily liquidated if you have an urgent need for cash.
Tip for Certification
- The International Gem Society offers an online Professional Gemologist certification course while The Gemological Institute of America offers a Graduate Gemologist program.
Other articles for you
Volatility skew reveals market expectations through variations in implied volatility across options, aiding traders in pricing and strategy development.
A wasting trust is a fund with declining assets that pays out until exhausted, often used in pensions or estates.
An internal auditor is a company employee who evaluates and improves financial controls and processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
A high street bank is a major retail bank with numerous branches in the UK, providing everyday banking services to individuals and businesses.
One-tailed tests in statistics evaluate if a sample mean is significantly greater or less than a population mean, focusing on one direction for hypothesis validation.
A 10-K wrap is a summary report that combines a company's SEC-required 10-K with additional commentary like shareholder letters and vision statements.
Buying on margin involves borrowing money from a broker to purchase securities, amplifying both potential gains and losses.
A balloon payment is a large lump-sum due at the end of a loan after smaller periodic payments that mainly cover interest.
A naked put is an options strategy where you sell put options without a short position in the underlying security to capture premiums if the price rises.
Hard money is currency backed by valuable commodities like gold or silver, valued for its stability over fiat money.