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Appraiser
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, gemmologists:
To identify gems, gemmologists may:
Depending on where they work, gemmologists may have a variety of additional responsibilities. For related information, see the Jeweller occupational profile.
Gemmologists may work full time, part time, or on a contract or freelance basis. Travel often is required for those involved in selling wholesale gems or jewellery to retailers.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to examine, cut, shape and polish diamonds and precious and synthetic gems using optical instruments, lathes, laps and cutting disks
Interest in analyzing information to differentiate between stones, to appraise gemstones and diamonds, and to identify rare specimens
Interest in cutting, sawing and filing articles in preparation for further processing
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Gemmologists need:
Gemmologists should enjoy using tools and instruments to perform precision tasks. They should enjoy analyzing information to appraise gemstones. They should like having clear guidelines and organized methods for their work.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 29 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 27, 2021 and Apr 19, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Appraise gemstones and diamonds to identify rare specimens and to detect peculiarity affecting stone values | 14 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Examine, cut, shape and polish diamonds and precious and synthetic gems | 14 |
| Tasks: Fabricate and repair precious and semi-precious metal jewellery | 14 |
| Tasks: Set precious and semi-precious stones in jewellery mountings | 14 |
| Tasks: Clean all parts using special cleaning and rinsing solutions and ultrasonic or mechanical cleaning machines | 13 |
| Attention to detail | 11 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 11 |
| Tasks: Test, adjust and regulate timepiece movements | 11 |
| Manual dexterity | 10 |
| Repair | 10 |
Training in gemmology generally involves a combination of formal instruction and experience. Employers prefer to hire gemmologists who have at least Grade 12 education and a diploma or other accreditation in gemmology. Computer skills and courses in geology, chemistry, and physics are definite assets.
Prospective students are advised to discuss their career plans with practising gemmologists before choosing a training route. Training programs are offered in a variety of formats (full-time classroom instruction, seminars, and distance education) by sources such as:
For current information about programs, admission requirements, and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.
Ongoing professional development is required for gemmologists to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most gemmologists are self-employed. They may work for:
Becoming an independent gem dealer requires a large financial investment. With experience and additional training, gemmologists may become appraisers who apply their knowledge of the market value of gemstones to estimate their worth.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers and related occupations
2016 NOC: 6344
75.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Gemmologists’ earnings vary depending on the scope of their responsibilities, location, the method of payment, and the gemmologist’s qualifications.
Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) website: canadiangemmological.com
Canadian Institute of Gemmology (CIG) website: www.cigem.ca
Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) website: canadianjewellers.com
Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) website: gem-a.com
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) website: www.gia.edu
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
