Careers in Gemology

Gemology is the study of gemstones. A gemstone or a gem, also called a precious or semi-precious stone, is a piece of mineral, which can be cut and polished so as to be used in jewelry or other adornments. The art of cutting and polishing gems to give them the perfect look to be used in jewelry and other embellishments is termed as gemology. Ranging from a mere Rs. 100 to several thousands or even lakhs, the actual value of a gem can be determined only by a gem specialist, on the basis of 4 Cs - cut, clarity, carat (weight), and color. With the increase in the demand for designing and manufacturing ornaments and jewelry, opportunities in gemology are endless.

Course Details
Gemology is offered at degree, diploma, and certificate levels. Students who have passed their 10+2 examination, or any equivalent recognized examination, in any stream are eligible for admission into various gemology courses. 3-year Bachelor’s program in Fine Arts (BFA) and Diploma in accessory and jewelry design are offered at graduate level. After completing a graduate course one can pursue gemology courses at post graduation level. Generally, diploma, post graduate diploma, and certificate courses are available to such candidates, ranging from 6 days to 3 months to 1 year. One can choose from different specializations offered - gem grinding, jewelry designing, gem polishing,  gem engraving, gem assortment, jewelry setter, and gem research.

Career Prospects
 

A gemology graduate can find jobs in designing, manufacturing, management, research, academic training, and professional value analysis of gems. Other then this a gemologists, can work as gemstone appraiser,  jewelry business owner, sales associate at a jewelry store, diamond or colored stone grader, jewelry historian, and auction house cataloguer. One can also enter the mining or gem exporting industry. Good number of opportunities can be explored in gem and precious metal evaluating and testing laboratories and gem certifying bodies, units producing gemological tools and instruments, and industrial units specializing in gem cutting and polishing and treatment of rough gems. 

Institutes Offering 

Some of reputed institutes in India include: Gemological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai; National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Indian Gemological Institute (IGI), New Delhi; New Delhi; Indian Institute of Gemology, New Delhi;  Indian Diamond Institute, Surat; Gemstones Artisans Training School, Jaipur; Jewelry Design & Technology Institute (JDTI), Arch Gemology & Jewelry Institute, Jaipur; Noida; Indian Institute of Gems & Jewelry (IIGJ), Mumbai; Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council, Jaipur; National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad; St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai; Small Industries Service Institute, Chennai; Dr. Dharmambal Govt. Polytechnic College for Women, Chennai; and Jasani Department of Jewelry Design and Manufacture, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai.

Remuneration
The pay scale in gem industry generally depends upon the qualification and skills of the candidate and the status of the employer. On completing a basic course in gemology, a fresher can be hired at a salary ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month. A higher qualification can easily bring an attractive package between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 35,000 per month. With experience and time one can establish his own independent unit which can produce good amount of profit, on annual basis, depending upon the scale of the business.