How to Become a Gemologist

Do you love diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds? Do these gemstones capture your attention and inspire you to learn all you can about the precious jewels? Gemologists spend their days doing just that; they examine gemstones, identifying and evaluating each one's worth. If this sounds interesting, then read on and learn how-to become a gemologist.

Do you love diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds? Do these gemstones capture your attention and inspire you to learn all you can about the precious jewels? Gemologists spend their days doing just that; they examine gemstones, identifying and evaluating each one's worth. If this sounds interesting, then read on and learn how-to become a gemologist.
Fred Cuellar, "The Diamond Guy", talks about selecting the perfect diamond. Finding the right one is not nearly as simple as it may appear.

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Introduction
- While out on the town, do you become distracted by objects that sparkle; more specifically, those rare stones that catch the sunlight and appear to beckon you to take a closer look? Do you find yourself drawn to jewelry stores just so you can admire the minute details of the various gemstones? If so, chances are you have a keen appreciation for gems and might want to consider a career as a gemologist. By following this how-to guide, you will be well on your way to an exciting new career!
Step 1: Start Training
- The first step for any aspiring gemologist is to start training. It will take an entire lifetime of schooling and experience, so the sooner you get started, the more valuable you will be to those that seek out your expertise. Here are some important tips to keep in mind regarding training:
- 1. Graduate with a diploma in gemology. Many people try to pass themselves off as accredited by getting a certificate of completion for taking only a few courses, but it is essential to complete the entirety of the curriculum and pass all the necessary exams to receive an official diploma.
  2. Even after you receive your diploma, keep learning and taking classes. There will always be new information in the field that will be essential for your continued success as a professional gemologist.
- It is important to keep in mind that many schools and organizations do not give out diplomas, but only provide courses for you to take. Before choosing where to train, do some research and make sure you can earn a diploma. Some of the places that offer diplomas include:
- 1. Gemological Institute of America
  2. Diamond Council of America
  3. Gemological Association of Great Britain
  4. International School of Gemology
Step 2: What Type of Jobs are Available?
- Careers in gemology usually involve managing, appraising or buying. Working at a jewelery store is the most popular route for future gemologists. In fact, most beginning gemologists are encouraged to work at least five years in a jewelry store as a sales associate. Once you have put in time as a sales associate, there are several different career options for those that are trained as professional gemologists. These include:
- 1. Jewelry store sales associate, appraiser or manager with five years experience
  2. Wholesale or import dealer
  3. Diamond Grader and/or Stone Sorter for Importer
  4. Independent appraiser
- Once you have put in your five years behind a jewelry store counter, determine which of the above jobs you would like to pursue. If you decide to continue your career at a jewelry store, you will already be in the perfect position to move up the ladder. If you prefer to become an importer or wholesale dealer, or eventually an independent appraiser, then you will have to move into that area of the field after gaining as much knowledge in sales as you are able to.
Step 3: Find Employment
- Now that you have experience and know which direction you are headed, it is time to find work. If you already work at a jewelry store you are a step ahead of others. If you chose one of the other paths for a gemologist, you will need to start looking for an experienced importer or wholesale dealer that will hire you at an entry level position and allow you to gain experience in this area of gemology. Find wholesale or import dealers and go talk to them. Send them your resume. Find an independent appraiser and do the same. Expect to start out at the bottom, but use the time to gain knowledge and useful experience and you will become a valuable hire in the future.
Conclusion
- Although it will take you a lifetime of learning and hands-on experience to learn everything there is to discover in the world of gemstones, being a gemologist is still a fascinating and rewarding career for many people. If you love admiring your grandmother's jewels, and find you would like to know everything you can about them, then chances are gemology is worth exploring.