Occupational Profile

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Gemmologist

Gemmologists apply their knowledge of natural gemstones, synthetics and imitations to identify and grade coloured stones and diamonds.

Avg. Salary N/A
Avg. Wage N/A
Minimum Education High school diploma
Outlook N/A

Also Known As

Appraiser

NOC & Interest Codes

The Gemmologist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Jewellers and Related Workers NOC 7344.1

Jewellers and Related Workers

NOC code: 7344.1

OBJECTIVE: Interest in precision working to examine, cut, shape and polish diamonds and precious and synthetic gems using optical instruments, lathes, laps and cutting disks
INNOVATIVE: Interest in analyzing information to differentiate between stones, to appraise gemstones and diamonds, and to identify rare specimens
METHODICAL: Interest in cutting, sawing and filing articles in preparation for further processing

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

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 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.

Learn More

Duties

Updated Oct 21, 2014

Duties vary from one position to another in this occupation but, in general, gemmologists:

identify different types of gemstones (for example, diamond, emerald, jade, ruby, topaz) and their synthetic counterparts
differentiate between natural gems and stones that have been treated to enhance their colour or clarity or to stabilize them
grade gemstones and pearls.

To identify gems, gemmologists may:

examine surface and internal characteristics under magnification using a loupe or microscope
use equipment such as a polariscope, dichroscope or polarising filter to detect optical characteristics
measure refractive indices and, in some cases, interpret optical character and optic sign
analyze absorption and fluorescent spectra
measure specific gravity (for example, by using hydrostatic or heavy liquid immersion techniques or by using calibrated measuring tools and calculating the weight of mounted stones)
use other sophisticated testing procedures to identify synthetic and treated gem materials.

Depending on where they work, gemmologists may have a variety of additional responsibilities. For related information, see the Jeweller occupational profile.

Working Conditions

Updated Oct 21, 2014

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.

Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Oct 21, 2014

Gemmologists need the following characteristics:

honesty and integrity
good colour vision
manual dexterity
good communication skills
able to pay close attention to details
interested in geology, physics and chemistry
able to work independently or as part of a team
able to meet deadlines.

Gemmologists should enjoy using tools and instruments to perform tasks requiring precision, analyzing information to appraise gemstones, and having clear guidelines and organized methods for their work.

Educational Requirements

Updated Oct 21, 2014

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 the following:

the Canadian Gemmological Association in Toronto and Vancouver
the Canadian Institute of Gemmology (CIG)in Vancouver
Gem-A in Great Britain
the Gemological Institute of Americain Carlsbad, California
George Brown College in Toronto
Granton Institute of Technologyin Toronto
the HRD Antwerp Institute of Gemmology in Antwerp, Belgium.

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.

For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.

Employment & Advancement

Updated Oct 21, 2014

Most gemmologists are self-employed. They may work for:

retail jewellers
appraisal laboratories
wholesalers of diamonds and coloured gems
jewellery manufacturers
auction houses, pawnbrokers and other buyers and sellers of estate jewellery.

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.

Gemmologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6344: Jewellers, Jewellery and Watch Repairers, and Related Occupations. In Alberta, 91% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
location in Alberta
employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary

Updated Oct 21, 2014

Gemmologists' earnings vary depending on the scope of their responsibilities, location, the method of payment and the gemmologist's qualifications.

Related High School Subjects

Science
Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
- Fabrication