How to Become a Gemologist

If you find the world of gemstones fascinating, you may flourish in a career in gemology. There are different types of jobs in the gemmology world, and which avenue you pursue is down to you and your interests. This article will tell you how to be a certified gemologist and what you need to do to make your dream job a reality!

So, how do you become a gemologist, and how long does it take to become a gemologist? To gain work in this career, you will need to gain a gemologist certification through courses you can take online and in person. How long it takes depends on your course and what you specialize in, but many institutions have courses that last around six months to a year. 

Overview of Gemology Courses Around the World

Gemology refers to studying, cutting, and valuing precious gemstones using tools, such as microscopes, refractometers, and polariscopes, to identify the different aspects of the gemstones. 

There are five main job avenues in gemology: lab gemologist, gemstone appraiser, gem manufacturer, gemstone jeweler, and auction gemologist. It is crucial to explore and understand these different job roles before you sign up for a course to ensure that you are getting training in your chosen field. 

Lab gemologists study and evaluate new gemstones in the laboratory using expert equipment. This work pays around $40,000 to $65,000, and to explore a career in lab gemology, you will need to have a laboratory science certification. 

The gemstone appraiser career pays from $50,000 to $70,000 and involves the examination of stones and the knowledge of the markets to identify how much a gemstone is worth. 

If you are more creative, a career as a gem manufacturer or gemstone jeweler might be for you! The gem manufacturer career pays around $20,000 to $55,000 and involves turning rough crystals and stones into high-quality gemstones. 

As a gemstone jeweler, you would value stones and repair or reset them in jewelry. This option pays around $30,000 to $65,000 and involves direct customer communication. 

Finally, we have the auction gemologist career, which involves working with auction houses to purchase and value gemstones. The auction gemologist route pays around $50,000 to $65,000 and is perfect for those who love exploring the vast range of gemstones out there in private collections. 

As there are many different avenues for a gemologist to explore, there are many different courses that assist them in training. Thankfully, institutions around the world provide certifications to help you on your journey. From the Gemological Institute of America in the USA to the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences in Thailand, these schools offer online and in-person training to further your career goals. 

How to Become a Gemologist 

You know you love gemstones and want a career in gemology. Now, you need to know how to become a gemologist, and we have all the information for you!

Step 1: Select an Area to Focus Based on Your Skills

Before you begin looking for courses, you need to select your area from the five we discussed above. This is a big decision, so take your time and reflect on your natural skills and abilities. If you have a sciencey mind and feel at home in a laboratory, a career in lab gemology may be for you. 

Have a think about the lifestyle factors that influence your decision, too. Some choices, such as the auction gemologist career, involve travel, which may not fit into your routine. Furthermore, other options are more sales-based, so you need to do well interacting with clients and customers!

Step 2: Pick a School

Once you know your niche, it is time to explore the schools that offer courses and find the one that fits you best. Many offer online and in-person courses, so there are a lot of options for you. However, it is useful to opt for the one in the country where you want to work or a school that has courses in your country. 

We will examine the different schools later on in this article so you know which ones are best for you. 

Choose Your Course and Enroll for a Diploma or Certification

The majority of schools have a range of courses that provide you with a certification or diploma in your chosen field. Whether you opt for a diploma or a certification is down to what career path you have picked. A diploma as an accredited gemologist allows you to identify, grade, and price gemstones. 

Other areas of gemology may only need a certification that focuses on the more practical side of the work. A certification in jewelry design may be what you need for your career. Furthermore, science gemology courses are great if you want to work in a laboratory. 

Step 4: Finish Theoretical and Practical Exams

A diploma in gemology will involve theoretical and practical exams, both written and in the lab. However, some certifications will not include  an exam. Lab-based training will involve learning how to identify gemstones through observation techniques, whereas theoretical training will explore the science of gemstones.

Step 5: Get an Apprenticeship 

Once you have your degree, you will need to get an apprenticeship to get hands-on experience in your chosen field. One year of on-the-job training is required for most jobs, and you can find these apprenticeships through the school you trained at or at gemologist career fairs. 

Step 6: Go to Career Fairs, Network, and Bid on Offers to Become a Gemologist

After your apprenticeship training, you are able to find a job in gemology. You may be able to get a full-time job with the company you trained at during your apprenticeship. However, there will be many other options for you depending on what you want from your career. 

Gemologist career fairs and online job boards will provide you with opportunities to become a gemologist. 

Top 7 Institutions for Becoming a Gemologist

These institutions are valued around the world for their certifications and diplomas. They offer graduate gemologist diplomas, and some have certifications in scientific gemology, gemstone jewelry, and manufacturing. 

Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Carlsbad, USA

GIA offers in-person and online training, with campuses in the USA, Bangkok, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, and Taipei. Their graduate gemologist diploma costs $23,700 and provides you with training in colored stones, Diamond grading, and factors that influence the value of a gemstone. 

GIA also has a range of certifications that are connected to gemology, including jewelry design and technology. You can apply for their courses on their website. 

The International Gem Society, Antwerp, Belgium

IGS offers online courses, including the professional gemologist certification course that involves written and practical exams. This course costs $400 and teaches you gem grading, appraising, and practical gemology. 

This organization also offers mini-courses online to expand your knowledge about gemstones. These mini-courses include Jade Specialist, Turquoise Specialist, and buying gems for profit. They cost around $50. 

Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain), London, UK

Gem-A offers a gemology diploma for around $5,500 that can be completed both in person and online. However, for this diploma, you will need to complete their gemology foundation course. Gem-A has teaching centers in the UK, China, the USA, Thailand, and India. 

Gem-A also has shorter courses in Diamonds and a shorter Gem Intro course that is perfect if you are unsure about your chosen field. 

Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), Bangkok, Thailand

AIGS has a diploma in gemology that is on campus at their Bangkok teaching center. It costs $11,000 and teaches you gem identification techniques, the proper use of scientific instruments, and the grading of gemstones. 

This institute also offers other in-person courses for jewelry making and niche gemology topics, such as Jadeite grading and pricing. 

Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), Basel, Switzerland

If you are interested in a career in lab gemology, SSEF is perfect for you. The courses this institute offers involve the science of gemology and Diamonds and cost around $5,600. They also have courses in basic gemology and jewelry. 

SSEF courses are all in person at their teaching institute in Basel, and you can apply for them on their website. 

Gemological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai, India 

GII offers diplomas in gemology, Diamond grading, and jewelry designing that are taught in person on their campus in Mumbai. The gemology diploma runs three times a year and lasts for three and a half months. 

This institute also has online diplomas in gemology available that take a year to complete, including 15 days of practical training in Mumbai. There is also a range of short-term courses available in gem identification and Diamond grading. You can apply for the GII programs on their website.

Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA), Sydney, Australia

GAA has two diplomas, one in gemology and one in Diamond technology. The diploma in gemology is a part-time, two-year course that has four contact hours a week on their campuses in Australia, alongside solo learning. The course costs around $5,000, and you can apply for it online. 

Alongside the diplomas they offer, GAA has a range of introductory courses for those interested in gemology. These courses last one or two days and include an introduction to gems and gemology, an introduction to ornamentals and crystals, and an introduction to antique jewelry. 

FAQs

How Many Years Does It Take to Be a Gemologist?

A diploma in gemology usually takes six months to a year to complete when doing it full-time. If you are studying part-time, it will take around two years. 

Are Gemologists in Demand?

Yes, there will always be a demand for gemologists. Experts in gemstones are needed in shops, auction houses, and laboratories to analyze and value gemstones and discover more about them. 

Is Becoming a Gemologist Hard?

Yes, becoming a gemologist can be hard, as it involves a lot of scientific study. However, if you are passionate about gemstones and love learning about them, the hard work will be extremely rewarding. 

How Do Gemologists Make Money?

Gemologists can make money from a range of work. They can value gemstones in stores or at auctions or work with gemstones to make jewelry. Furthermore, they can do lab-based work to study new gemstones. 

How Do I Become a GIA Certified Gemologist?

To become a GIA-certified gemologist, you will need to take their graduate gemologist diploma course. 

What Does It Mean to Be a Graduate Gemologist?

To be a graduate gemologist means that you have a comprehensive knowledge of gemstones with a diploma in gemology. 

How Much Does a Gemologist Make in the US?

The average salary for a gemologist in the US is $55,240. 

What Techniques Do Gemologists Use to Identify a Gemstone?

Gemologists use scientific equipment to identify a gemstone, including microscopes, spectroscopes, and refractometers. They also test with observations that examine the hue, transparency, luster, and optical phenomena of the gemstone. 

Start Your Gemology Education Today!

Gemology is an exciting and fulfilling career that involves the identification and valuing of gemstones. Whether you are interested in the science behind gemology and want to work in a lab or wish to work with auction houses to value gemstones, there is a career for you in gemology out there!

Here is a table examining the main gemology courses available around the world for you to apply to and start your gemology education. We have included a pick of the other courses they offer, too, in case you want to explore a specific avenue of gemology. 

Institution	Cost	Location	Other Courses Available
Gemological Institute of America – Graduate Gemologist Diploma	$23,700	Online, the USA, Bangkok, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, and Taipei.	Jewelry Design and Technology, Graduate Diamonds, Jewelry Essentials, and Colored Stones Essentials.
The International Gem Society – Professional Gemologist Certification Course	$400	Online	Jade Specialist, Turquoise Specialist, and Buying Gems for Profit.
Gemmological Association of Great Britain – Gemology Diploma	$5,500	Online, the UK, China, the USA, Thailand, and India.	Gemmology Foundation, GemIntro, and Diamond Grading.
Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences – Gemology Diploma	$11,000	Bangkok	Diamond Grading and Pricing, Jewelry Making, and Pearl Fundamentals.
Swiss Gemmological Institute – Scientific Gemmology	$5,600	Basel	Scientific Diamonds, Basic Gemology, and Advanced Colored Gemstones.
Gemological Institute of India – Gemology Diploma	–	Mumbai	Gem Identification, Diamond Grading, and Jewelry Designing.
Gemmological Association of Australia – Gemology Diploma	$5,000	New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, Southern Australia, Tasmania.	An Introduction to Gems and Gemology, an Introduction to Ornamentals and Crystals, and an Introduction to Antique Jewelry.