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How to Become a Gemologist

Do you have a big interest with gemstones like the most treasured diamonds or the good-looking rubies? If you do so, then you are qualified to become a gemologist and be reputable on this well-paid career.

For this reason, we can teach you the steps on how to become a gemologist so you can start to identify and evaluate gemstones professionally.

Becoming a Gemologist, an Admirable Profession

Gemstones are loved by all. Who will not be amazed on the sparkle of diamonds and the eye-catching colors of sapphires and rubies? These most precious stones are just examples of the valuable jewels that a gemologist deals with. Generally, the scope of job of a gemologist doesn’t only focus on identifying gemstones but also in assessing the true value of the stones according to their characteristics and overall quality using several equipments. It is also part of their job to create reports after their careful assessment and give appraisal based on the result of their findings.
Gemologist categorized the gemstones based on their properties like crystal structure, specific gravity, and refractive index to name a few. In analyzing the properties of the stones, the important tools being used are:

  • Cloth and Gem Tweezers
  • Microscope
  • Spectroscope
  • Dichroscope
  • Refractometer with Polarizing Filter
  • Polariscope

Once an aspiring gemologist acquired his or her diploma, the possible career options are quality control specialist, stone sorter, importer or wholesaler, and independent appraiser. In most cases, after receiving the diploma the starters on this profession works as a jewelry store sales associate in a span of at least five years. This will serve as a stepping stone to a higher position and other career opportunities which have much higher salaries.

When you aim to start a career as geologist, there are several steps for you to follow.

  • Completion of Training. The first requirement to become a gemologist is to complete a course in gemology as offered in several vocational schools or technical colleges. Please be reminded that not all training schools in gemology issue diploma after the completion of the course so you must be careful in choosing the right school for your training. In the United States, the most recommended schools for taking gemology are Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International School of Gemology (ISG), American Gem Society (AGS), and Diamond Council of America (DCA). For the International Schools, the most well-known are Canadian Gemological Association (CGA), Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), Gem-A, and Ecole de Gemmologie de Montreal.

Continued Education. Just as mentioned earlier, the profession is for a lifetime and the education doesn’t end upon receiving the diploma. However, you should pass all the required examination first for you to receive a diploma. Once you are acknowledged as eligible gemologist, you should take further classes to accumulate updates on your profession. You can also decide if you want to be a specialist to a certain gemstone like diamond.

Expected Salary of Gemologist

The expected salary of a gemologist is based on experience. For example, $11 is the hourly rate for those who have 1 to 4 years experience; while $23.59 per hour is the rate for those who have at least 10 years’ experience in the industry.

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