Gemstone Grader

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Gemstone Grader

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As a gemstone grader, you have specialist gemmology training from the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) or the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A). With this knowledge and experience, you are responsible for selecting stones and grading them according to the four Cs: colour, clarity, cut and carat.

You also have an integral role selecting stones for a piece of jewellery, choosing which stones are best in a central setting and shoulder position.

The job requires you to examine, identify, extract and classify diamonds and gemstones by eye and using gemmological instruments, then apply your knowledge of the chemical makeup of gemstones and diamonds.

Day to day, your responsibilities are:

• Sort and de-falsify diamonds and gemstones
• Record stone data with a high degree of accuracy
• Analyse diamond and gemstone trends
• Adhere to a high level of security and process integrity
• Conduct audits of machines and systems to provide assurance of process efficiency
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping and cleanliness
• Maintain confidentiality of all data and communications relating to sensitive information

Length of Training

1-2 Years

Salary Expectations

£20,000+

Qualification Requirements

Experience

1 year gemmology experience.

Knowledge

You are able to:

• Evaluate stone brilliance
• Communicate with jewellers, dealers and customers
• Assign value to diamonds
• Examine diamonds under various conditions
• Search stones for inclusions
• Determine portions
• Estimate stone weight
• Stay up to date on industry trends, knowledge and best practices
• Read and understand GIA reports
Skills
• Computer literate
• Work in a strictly controlled secure environment
• Routinely maintain concentration for extended periods
• Work with little-to-no supervision
Personal Attributes
• 20/20 vision and the ability to differentiate colour
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High ethical standards
• High degree of honesty and integrity
• A clean criminal record
• Extremely focused with great attention to detail
• Decisive and able to validate reasoning
• An innovative thinker, proactive and enthusiastic
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Flexible and able to deal with multiple tasks
• Good hand–eye coordination
• Routine orientated
• Exceptional observational, analytical, problem solving and planning
Qualification Requirements

Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.

You may have undergone a jewellery course prior to a gemmology course or may have come to gemmology without jewellery making experience.

Role Also Called

Gem sorter, Gem grader, Diamond sorter, Diamond grader