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Gemmologist
Gemmologists apply their knowledge of natural gemstones, synthetics and imitations to identify and grade coloured stones and diamonds.
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Avg. Salary N/A
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Avg. Wage N/A
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Minimum Education High school diploma
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Outlook N/A
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Employed < 1500
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In Demand Medium
Also Known As
Appraiser
NOC Codes
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: Jewellers and Related Workers (7344.1)
- 2006 NOC-S: Jewellers, Watch Repairers and Related Occupations (H514)
- 2011 NOC: Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers and related occupations (6344)
- 2016 NOC: Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers and related occupations (6344)
Interest Codes
The Gemmologist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Jewellers and Related Workers
- OBJECTIVE
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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
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Interest in analyzing information to differentiate between stones, to appraise gemstones and diamonds, and to identify rare specimens
- METHODICAL
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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.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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 testing procedures to identify synthetic and treated gems.
Depending on where they work, gemmologists may have a variety of additional responsibilities. For related information, see the Jeweller occupational profile.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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.
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Gemmologists need:
- interest in geology, physics and chemistry
- honesty and integrity
- good colour vision
- manual dexterity
- attention to detail
- communication skills
- the ability to work alone or as a team
- the ability 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 Mar 31, 2017
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 Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) in Toronto and its affiliates in Vancouver and California
- the Canadian Institute of Gemmology (CIG) in Vancouver
- the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) in London, United Kingdom
- the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, California
- George Brown College in Toronto
- HRD Antwerp 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.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2017
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:
- Retail Trade [pdf]
- Other Services [pdf]
- Manufacturing [pdf]
The employment outlook [pdf] 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)
- size of the occupation
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Gemmologists’ earnings vary depending on the scope of their responsibilities, location, the method of payment and the gemmologist’s qualifications.
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) website: canadiangemmological.com
Canadian Institute of Gemmology (CIG) website: www.cigem.ca
Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) website: www.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, 2017. 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.
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