Career Opportunities:

Since time immemorial gems have remained "neighbor's envy and owner's pride". The ornaments have been exotic, unequalled and invaluable articles of personal glory. They are considered symbols of wealth, talismans, adornments of gods, kings and the rich. They have also been revered for their magical powers as well. There are very few substances which pack so much value in such little sizes. And, with changing fashion and taste, men and women today, are steadily moving away from conventional styles of adornment and ornamentation and gradually adopting modern patterns better suited to their busy life styles. According to estimates, 60 percent by value, 82 percent by volume and 95 percent of the cut and polished diamonds get processed in India. Also considering the fact that India is the largest consumer of gold in the world and has excellent infrastructure for diamond cutting, Gemology can prove to be a very lucrative and satisfying career.

To be eligible for admission into a Gemology course, you must have completed 10+2 (any stream) or graduation. The duration of the courses vary but they are of short terms. A good command over English is a must if you want to progress in this field because not only it gives an edge during communication with customers but also, best of the books on the subject are in English.

Gemology course mainly consists of gem's identification and colouring, metal concepts drawing techniques, metallurgical processes, elements of fashion, design methodology, computer aided designing, ornament designing, ornament making and traditional and modern processes with specialization in jewellery designing. Gemologists identify, sort and grade gemstones in order to advise jewellers/ jewellery designs regarding various properties of gems and the suitability of particular gemstones in different metals and settings. Thus, the functions of a Gemologist include identification, measurement of weights, establishment of size and all other such aspects of various precious stones. You can specialize as a gem grinder, gem polisher, gem assorter, engraver, jewellery setter, researcher and scientist. You can also be involved in teaching and training people with relevant qualification and adequate experience.

For becoming a successful Gemologist you should have a sense of design and appreciation of quality. Excellent powers of observation, attention to detail, precision, ability to concentrate, initiative, an objective approach and a tremendous sense of responsibility are some of the other qualities, which will make your progress in this area, fast and smooth. Good hand-eye coordination, patience and concentration are required in great measures because the work is precise and delicate in nature. Students are taught on the various aspects of the stones that include:

• Identification and coloring of stones, i.e. sorting and grading of stones.
• Occurrence of the stones
• Physical properties of the stones
• Optical properties of the stones
• Identification of naturally occurring gems
• Design methodology
• Metal concepts drawing techniques
• Ornament designing, computer aided designing
• Metallurgical process
• Ornament making in both traditional and modern techniques

It is a fact that Indian gem cutters and craftsmen are respected and held in high regard all over the world. Also, Government's liberalization policy has opened up a whole new world of opportunities in India and abroad. Within India, Jaipur (Rajasthan) is among the world's largest gem cutting centers. Other emerging centers include Delhi, Mumbai, Surat and Ahmedabad. Most of the jewellery export houses and other centers located in these cities offer good positions to those with training in the latest trends and developments in this field. With the entry of branded gems and jewellery as well as the increased interest in newer designs and westernized styles, job opportunities have increased manifolds. If you can satisfy market needs and continue to create new things, you can carve a niche for yourself as a self- employed entrepreneur.