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As a gemstone buyer, you source, select, buy and value stones to supply the jewellery industry supply chain. From securing purchases with wholesalers to curating collections, making up bespoke requirements and selling gemstones and jewellery to consumers,

you enjoy the job’s varied nature. Cutting and appraising expertise add to your well-rounded marketplace knowledge. In the sales element of the role, you engage with clients, present gemstones, demonstrate product knowledge, answer queries and, of course, close sales effectively.

Reputation and trustworthiness are vital. You maintain scrupulous records of transactions for quality assurance and authenticity as well as compliance with legal and industry gemstone guidelines.

You will:

• Buy gemstones from wholesale dealers
• Sell gemstones to customers
• Work with clientele for bespoke requirements
• Travel to find unique stones
• Source wholesale market suppliers
• Identify, evaluate and appraise stones, including laboratory grown diamonds
• Inventory, catalogue and store gemstones

Length of Training

1-2 Years

Salary Expectations

£20,000+

Qualification Requirements

Experience

You need one to two years of sorting and grading before progressing to buying and sourcing.

Knowledge

As a gemmologist, you have a forensic understanding of gems, synthetics and treatments, and both a practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of gem testing and enhanced gem identification.

Skills
• Technical skills and knowledge
• Research and report writing skills
• Good mathematics and chemistry
• Dedication and tenacity
• Integrity and honesty
• Great communicator
• Computer literate
• Work in a strictly controlled secure environment
• Routinely maintain concentration for extended periods
• Work with little-to-no supervision
Personal Attributes
• Good vision and the ability to differentiate colour
• Excellent eyesight – have 20/20 vision
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High ethical standards
• Clean criminal record
• Extremely focused
• Great attention to detail
• Decisive and able to validate your reasoning
• Innovative thinker, proactive and enthusiastic
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Flexible multitasker
• Good hand–eye coordination
• Routine orientated
• Exceptional observational, analytical, problem solving and planning
Qualification Requirements

You need a gemmology certification and diamond grading qualification to be a reputable stone dealer.

Role Also Called

Gem buyer, Diamond buyer, Gemstone sourcer, Diamond buyer, Gemstone dealer, Diamond dealer