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How to Become a Gemologist

I have always been interested in gems and jewelry and would like to become a gemologist. How would I go about doing that? What kinds of career opportunities would be open to me?

Becoming an expert in gems can be a fascinating career or hobby. How to go about it?

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt/380846992/

Learning about the requirements:

What do gemeologists do?

http://www.yourgemologist.com/gemologist.html

What the Census Bureau says you need to know to be a gemeologists or jeweler

What does it really involve?

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/swamibu/1182138940/

Where to get trainning: http://www.gia.edu/3954/gia_home_page.cfm

Course description:

To receive a list of accredited technical schools that have programs in gemology, contact:

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology: 2101 Wilson Blvd. , Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22201; URL: http://www.accsct.org

Leaning at home, online and free

http://www.bwsmigel.info/
http://www.gemsociety.org/info/info.htm
A glossary of jewelry terms: http://www.jewelryhistorians.org/resources/glossary.html

Before you sign on:

Become familiar with what the industry standards for professionals in the field.

Trade and professional organizations:

Accredited Gemologists Association: 3315 Juanita St.
San Diego, CA 92105; Phone: (619) 501-5444

Publishes the monthly AGA Newswire; an annual Certified Gemological Lab Directory and the Cornerstone. They hold an annual conference in February in Tucson, AZ.

American Society of Jewelry Historians

"...ASJH, founded in 1986, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and information on jewelry history and related topics, including ancient to modern jewelry, cultural influences on jewelry design and wear, famous jewelry designers, jewelry design houses, and jewelry collectors...."

Phone: (914) 235-0983, (212) 302-6636

Publishes the Newsletter of the American Society of Jewelry Historians, jewelry-related book reviews, reviews of museum exhibitions and on ancient and modern jewelry.

American Society of Appraisers: 555 Herndon Pkwy., Ste. 125
Herndon, VA 20170; Phone: (703) 478-2228, 800-ASA-VALU

The Society sponsors mandatory recertification program for members. It publishes magazines of interest to the profession. And it holds and annual International Appraisal Conference.

American Gem Society: 8881 W Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89117; Phone: (702) 255-6500; (866) 805-6500

"...The American Gem Society is a not-for-profit trade association of fine jewelers, jewelry manufacturers and suppliers in the United States, Canada, and Europe who are dedicated to consumer protection, ethical business standards, and development of the highest gemological skills and knowledge...."

It represents 1,600 retail and manufacturer jewelry firms in North America. It offers a series of titles to those passing extensive exams.

And it's worth exploring these additional industry sites.

Trade Shows:

From the American Society of Appraisers

May 27-29, 2008. Las Vegas, Nev. This course includes a special hands-on session with Doug-lass Garrod, FGA, DGA Gemmological Association of Great Britain.

July 8-1, 2008. Held just before Jewelry Camp 2008 in Hempstead, N.Y., offers an intense course in the study of valuation theory and principle.

http://www.jewelrycamp.org/

July 11th-13th. Classes begin Friday, July 11th at 10:30 and end Sunday, July 13th at 4:00, with a Dinner on Friday and a Wine and Dessert party on Saturday. Formally and affectionately named Jewelry Camp, the conference has been renamed "The Antique Jewelry and Art Learning Conference". The conference curriculum is packed with jewelry classes and seminars for everyone from the beginner to the connoisseur and with classes on Art pertaining to jewelry as well..."