Last Updated On 06 Oct, 2018
Gemologist is considered to be one of the oldest profession of the Indian society. Gemologists study the atomic structure of gemstones and identify its origin and find ways to prevent their damage/loss. In short, Gemologist is a profession where one studies the quality, characteristics and value of both precious and semi-precious gemstones such as emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies for their astrological significance.
A Gemologist identifies the gems and advises the jewellers about the compatibility of gems to particular metals. Mostly, this profession is adopted only by those whose ancestors have been into this profession from centuries ever since the time of emperors and kings and before. Gemstones are still considered to be the most precious things in India. The knowledge of gems and people's ability to buy it has increased among the masses in huge numbers and thus the demand of Gemstones and the professionals of this field have increased a lot in the last 50 years or so.
Also, considering the fact that India is the largest consumer of gold in the world and has excellent infrastructure for diamond cutting, the career of a Gemologist has emerged as very attractive and satisfying field. A gemologist can start their career by working with jewellery houses or can work as a freelancer.
To become a gemologist, students need to plan their career right from the Class 12. Even though students from any stream in Class 12 are eligible to pursue courses in Gemology, interested candidates can also do short-term certificate and diploma courses in this field. There are no entrance exams available in order to enroll in a course of gemology. There are several courses offered by institutions in India such as degree, diploma & certificate courses in this field. Some of the courses are listed below:
Certificate Courses in Gemology:
Diploma Courses in Gemology:
Bachelors Courses in Gemology:
Master Courses in Gemology:
Subject Combination - There is no specific subject combination required in Class 12 or graduation level to become a gemologist.
Eligibility -
To become a successful gemologist expert, one should acquire the right knowledge and training. After obtaining the necessary academic qualification and skills, gemologists can explore jobs in various roles and positions which match their skills. The work of a gemologist is of diversifying nature. The different roles that gemologists can take up are listed below.
Diamond Grader: They usually evaluate the quality of gems and diamonds, fabricate the gems which are used in jewellery or industrial equipment. They also examine the accuracy of gems angles and positions of cuts using shadow-graphs, magnifying glasses, and loupes, etc.
Jewellery Designers: They work on various materials, such as precious metals, gems, stones and crystals, to make accessories for the ears, neck, hands, fingers, feet and toes, etc. Jewellery designers require lots of imagination, creativity, and technical skills.
Gem Polishers: The role of gem polishers is to secure gems or diamonds in holders, chucks, dops, lapidary sticks, or blocks for cutting, polishing, grinding, drilling, or shaping.
Gemstone Auction Manager: The role and responsibility of a Gemstone Auction Manager is to take care of the entire auction process of various gemstones in an auction house.
Gem Assorters: A Gem Assorter is a person who examines gem surfaces and internal structures using refractometers, microscopes, and other optical instruments, to differentiate between stones, to identify rare specimens, or to detect flaws, or peculiarities affecting gem values. They also advise customers and others on the best use of gems to make attractive jewellery items.
Stone Setter: The role and responsibility of a Stone Setter is to set ornamental stones such as pearls, rhinestones, and colored glass in metal or plastic jewellery items and brush paste or cement the applied settings.
The growing demand for jewellery pieces of precious stones has increased the employment opportunities for Gemologists. There are many job opportunities for gemologists in various fields of jewellery. They can also find good opportunities in industrial areas particularly specialising in gem cutting, polishing and treatment of rough gems. The following are some of the sectors where gemologists can take up jobs:
Some of the top companies and industries are listed below:
Note: Gemologist can also work as an instructor or lecturer in colleges/ universities/ institutions.
The salary of a Gemologist may differ according to their knowledge, skills and experience. It usually increases with knowledge growth and time. Here are some relative salary figures for different types of gemologist job roles:
Job Profile | Starting Salary per annum (in INR) | Mid Level Salary per annum (in INR) | Senior Level Salary per annum (INR) |
Gemologist | 1,78,793 | 4,66,150 | 14,16,097 |
Diamond and Gems Grader | 1,22,554 | 4,20,000 | 11,74,457 |
Jewellery Designers | 1,21,147 | 2,97,988 | 6,91,263 |
Note: The above figures are an estimate and may vary from individual to individual and company to company.
Here's a list of some of the top books to increase your skills and knowledge in the Gemology field. There are no entrance exams available for a career as a gemologist. Therefore, you can refer to these books to upswing your knowledge.
Take our test and find out if it suits your strengths.
The biggest disadvantage of being a Gemologist is that the job requires endless hours of hard work and patience in order to flourish and carve an identity.
To be a successful Gemologist, an aspirant should have a keen eye for detail, good eye to hand coordination, accuracy, knowledge of optical instruments, rationality and chemistry expertise.
After spending 3-4 years in the industry, a gemologist can earn anywhere between ?4,66,150 to ?6,00,000 per annum.
The recruitment companies that hire a Gemologist are Gemological Science International, Solitaire Gemological Laboratories, DIANI Jewels, Diamonte Jewels, GS Gem scan Laboratories Pvt Ltd., Independent Gemological Industries etc.
Some popular colleges for an individual willing to be a Gemologist are GD Goenka University (GDGU), Gurgaon, Indian Diamond Institute (IDA), Surat, International Institute of Gemological Sciences, Delhi and St. Xaviers College (SXC), Mumbai.
The job profiles that can be considered by a Gemologist are Jewellery Designers, Diamond Grader, Gem Polishers, Gem Assorters, Gemstone Auction Manager, Stone Setter etc.
Some popular courses that an individual can pursue to be a Gemologist are Diploma in Gemology, Diploma In Diamond Sorting, Certificate in Gemology, Bachelor of Design - Gemology Design, B.Sc/B.Design - Gemology & Jewelry Design, Bachelor of Design - Gemology Design etc.
The books that an aspiring Gemologist can refer to are Gem Identification by Made Easy, Gemology by Cornelius S. Hurlbut Robert C. Kammerling, Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones by Joel E. Arem, Diamond: The History of a Cold-Blooded Love Affair by Matthew Hart and The Spectroscope of Gemology by James Payne and Anderson.
To be a Gemologist, a candidate should have at least a certificate, diploma or a degree-level education in Gemology.
A gemologist is an individual who studies the structure of gemstones and identifies its origin and value. A gemologist also checks the quality and characteristics of both precious and semi-precious gemstones.
You could become a Food Technologist , a Microbiologist , a Biologist , a Psychologist , an Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer after studying M.Sc. (Master of Science).
You could become a Geologist , a Biologist , a Psychologist , an Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer after studying B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science).