September 13, 2010 by The Editor

The precious stones

Gemstones have held a fascination to man since time immemorial. Many wars and kingdoms have been overturned for the fortunes of the gemstones. It is seen as symbols of wealth, power, healing, and love. People want to acquire it for its beauty, rarity, value, durability, tradition and portability. The scientific study of gemstones is known as Gemology. It is a branch of mineralogy that deals with the study of gem materials, including identification and testing methods, cutting and polishing synthetically manufactured gems, precious metals and alloys, their sources and origins and grading and appraising. Gemologists study the quality, characteristics and value of gem stones.

Studies relating to this field are gem cutting, sorting, grading, valuation and identification of gemstones, fashion, computer pattern designing, jewellery making, consultancy regarding stones, selling etc. It is the jeweler who makes the excusitive piece of jewellery but it is the gemologist who advises the jeweller about the compatibility of gems to particular metals after its identification. IN jewellery business identification of the gemstone is the most important aspect of the business. Many gemstones look alike but are varied in value.

Gems have always intrigued man and people opting for a career in this field will have bright prospects. From trade point of view Gems & Jewellery has been one of the biggest foreign exchange earners for India. It is therefore, extremely necessary that people connected with the trade, receive training and carry out the operations scientifically and professionally so as to attain greater success. Candidates interested in the field need to have artistic and creative skills, aesthetic sense and color sensitivity.

Eligibility:

Candidates who have qualified 10+2 or equivalent/ Higher Secondary/ Senior Secondary or equivalent examination from a Recognized Educational Institution can apply for Gemology degree/ diploma/ certificate courses. Many art colleges around the country offer course in jewellery designing. Indian Institute of Gemology (IIG New Delhi) is offering various courses of Gemology. There is a three-and-a-half month course in gemology (resident programme) as well as a one-year home study programme. The Indian diamond institute and the Indian Gemological Institute conduct advanced fellowship programmes of 1year duration for science and engineering graduates. some of the other courses are Post Graduate Diploma in Diamond Technology, Diploma in Diamond Processing, Diploma in Diamond Trade management, Certificate course in International system of Diamond Grading, Certificate course in Grading, Cutting, Polishing, Bruiting etc, Certificate course in Planning& Marketing, Certificate course in Hard Shape Grooving, Diploma in Gemology, Certificate course in Colored Gemstone Cutting & Polishing, Courses in Jewellery Design & Machine Cast Jewellery. For P.G course eligibility is Graduation and for other courses Higher Secondary or equivalent.

Job prospect:

Job opportunities for gemologist are tremendous. A gemologist / jewelry designer can begin by working with jewellery houses or work as a freelancer. There is lot of job opportunities mainly in the private sector export houses. If one is good he can also start his own line of product. There are many areas of specialization in this field- gem grinder, gem polishers, gem asserters, engravers, jewellery setters, researchers and scientists. Related occupations could be of gem-cutters, hand engravers and watchmakers and repairers. There are also opportunities for setting up retail and trading units. Gemologists can be engaged in making small gem sculptures, giving shapes to the Gemstones, exporting jewelry etc.

Remuneration:

The scope of earning in this field is excellent. A trainee can get anywhere from Rs 8000 to 10,000 Rs

Institutes:

Many institutes offer courses in gemology like Indian Institute of Gemology, New Delhi, Arch Institute of fashion & Design / Arch Gemology & Jewellery Institute, Jaipur, ENSIGN The Jewel Design Institute, Dr. Dhamambal Government Polytechnic for Women. Chennai.