The following responsibilities are common for Gemologists:

• Assigns conclusion reports to a gemstones grading
• Examines and identify gemstone materials using standard gemstone testing equipment
• Grades gemstones using color, quality and cut
• Estimates wholesale and retail value of gemstones
• Advises customers on use and quality of gemstones to use in their jewelry

A Day In The Life

A gemologist is an individual that has acquired an expertise about different kinds of gems and stones.  These experts use instruments like microscopes, polariscopes, refractometer and other optical tools to study the outside and inside of the gemstone and understand the stones purity and quality levels.  They also will typically immerse a gemstone in a chemical liquid solution to determine specific qualities, gravities and properties of a particular stone.  They also grade stones for perfection, color and quality.of a cut gem.  These individuals use fair market value, follow pricing guides and watch the public economic changes to determine and estimate wholesale and retail pricing of gemstones.

Typical Work Schedule

This position is a full time occupation working mostly in offices or retail jewelry store settings.

Projected Job Growth

Demand for gemologists is expected to have a slight increase over the next few years.  Vacancies for positions are further between than most because individuals typically stay employed for long periods of time.

Typical Employers

Gemologists typically are self-employed or work in a retail jewelry  store or jewelry repair store assisting customers and grading and fixing customers gemstones and jewelry.