Question: I am very detail oriented and enjoy looking at high-end jewelry such as diamonds and other precious stones. I would like to professionalize my interest in jewelry and thought about gemology as a potential career option. Could you tell me more about what a gemologist does? Is there a need for gemologists? Where can I get training in gemology?
— Janice

Response: Gemology is a key element of the jewelry business. Gemologists are specialists who grade gems and precious stones.

Job Description
Gemologists must be detail oriented. This is critical since they inspect and appraise the value of gems and stones. The gemologists use the information obtained to prepare written documentation and appraisals for customers.

For example, when observing a diamond, gemologists assess features commonly known as the four Cs: clarity, cut, color and carat (weight). Gemologists are able to answer specific questions posed by customers about the characteristics of diamonds and stones.

Additional duties include sorting gems and stones, and coordinating inventory control of incoming jewelry items. Gemologists may prepare the gems and stones for use by jewelry designers.

Instruments used by gemologists include refractometers, which measure the extent to which light is bent or refracted from a stone, leverage gauges, loupes and polariscopes.

Career options available to gemologists include jewelry buyer, inventory specialist, diamond grader and appraiser.

Training Options & Costs
The following school offers a gemology-training program:
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
World Headquarters
The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(800) 421-7250
www.gia.edu
GIA Los Angeles Branch
600 Corporate Pointe, Suite 100
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 670-2100
E-mail: laedu@gia.edu
Career Services Center
GIA offers the six-month Graduate Gemologist Diploma Program. The program instructs on topics such as grading and detentions. You will learn how the four Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) affect diamond value. You'll learn to grade diamonds in the normal color range and to use gemological equipment designed to help you grade and identify hundreds of gemstones. You'll also learn to detect synthetics and treatments, to describe color in gemstones, to work with diamond simulants and to detect fracture-filled diamonds

The cost of the program is $13,995, including books, instruments, and materials. If completed as a correspondence course, the cost is $6,975. The next gemologist diploma program to be held at the Los Angeles campus will start May 5, 2006.

GIA has a Career Services department to help graduates find employment. The Career Placement Services Center offers assistance with resumes and other issues pertinent to the job search. Distance students can speak with center counselors regarding these issues. A representative stated that graduate gemologists are typically recruited by GIA to work at their various laboratories. GIA also maintains a web listing of jobs nationwide.

Professional Association
The following is a professional association you could join as a certified gemologist:
International Gem Society (IGS)
www.gemsociety.org
E-mail: service@gemsociety.org
This is an international society of gemologists. Membership benefits include industry updates through newsletters and professional development courses.

An additional benefit is the opportunity to become designated as a Master Gemologist by the IGS. Certification is earned by taking a written and practical exam. In order to qualify to take these exams, one must provide proof of certification as a gemologist, for which GIA certification should suffice. The fee per exam is $30 plus a $200 fee for gems that will be needed for taking the practical exam. Annual membership dues are $44.

Given your passion for gemology, you might want to visit the International Gem Society web site. The site provides a listing of gems ranging from agates to zircons. Details provided include retractability, wear-ability, heat sensitivity and other pertinent characteristics.

Publications
The following are trade publications that can help you learn more about the jewelry business and gemology:
Jewelers Circular Keystone
360 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
(800) 305-7759
www.jckgroup.com
This is the jewelry industry's leading trade publication serving a variety of professionals including manufacturers, retailers and vendors of fine jewelry. Subscriber benefits include industry news through articles and access to an online directory of jewelry suppliers. The annual subscription fee is $59.95.
National Jeweler
770 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
Subscription Department
(847) 763-9050
www.nationaljeweler.com
This is a bimonthly jewelry industry publication that serves professionals in the jewelry industry. Resources provided include a calendar listing of events, employment opportunities, industry updates and selling strategies. The yearly subscription fee is $89.

Employment Outlook
There are more job opportunities for gemologists than for jewelry designers, given the varied duties of a gemologist.

Salary Range
The pay of an entry-level gemologist ranges from approximately $33,000 to $40,000 per year.

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Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.