GEMMOLOGIST
Career Monograph
What is a Gemmologist?
Uses testing equipment such as refractometer, spectroscope, microscope to identify the
nature of gemstones. Sometimes more sophisticated testing procedures are necessary
to identify synthetic and treated diamonds and gems. Evaluates precious stones based
on experience and prepares identification and appraisal reports.
Working Conditions
May work regular hours, on contract or freelance basis. Work may be full-time but more
often is part of a another job in a jewellery business. Work is usually performed in an
office environment and independently or in consultation with fellow employees. Work is
usually done sitting or standing for short periods and requires good eye-sight and
perfect colour vision.
Preparation Required
Accredited gemmologists require a minimum of grade 12 with interest in the earth and
general sciences. A certain amount of manual dexterity is required in addition to
keyboarding skills. Training is available from career training institutions such as the
Canadian Institute of Gemmology, the Gemmological Institute of America and other
international institutions. Professional development programs are offered by these
institutes.
Employment, Advancement, Outlook
Work opportunities exist mainly in the jewellery industry. Other careers such as police,
customs officer, insurance agents sometimes need gemmological training. There is a
definite need for trained gemmologists in the future.
Remuneration
Starting salaries are similar to those found in the jewellery retail trade. With more
experience gemmologists quickly move above minimum wage and may earn betweeen
$ 20,000 and 30,000 depending on their job.
Related Careers
Geologist with a more academic background
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) Canada lists the gemmologist under 7344 Jewellers, Watch Repairers and Related Occupations. In Alberta also refer to OCCinfo for Gemmologist.
The Accredited Gemmologist, A.G. (C.I.G.) designation is a registered certification mark 
(see Industry Canada, Canadian Intellectual Property Office) and requires a user licence for business use. The annual user fee for diploma and C.I.G. Expert certificate holders is presently $100. It includes a membership in the Gem Connoisseur Club
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GEMOLOGY WORLD - J Wolf Kuehn
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