GEMMOLOGY

A Career in Gemology - Jewellery designed and crafted for the biggest consumers in the global market of gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stones. Today jewellery is not only considered being fashionable or show of status but also an ideal investment. This science is totally technical & requires highly skilled knowledge to identify, sort & grade gems. A gemmologist is one who identifies,weighs, tests & establishes the form, size & other aspects of all precious stones. Many areas specialization in this field gem grinders, gem polishers, gem assorters, engravers, jewellery setters, researchers & scientists. A course on jewellery designing mainly consists of the following subjects :-

• Gem identification & colouring
• Metal concepts
• Metallurgical processes
• Drawing techniques
• Elements of fashion
• Design methodology
• Computer aided designing
• Traditional & modern processes with specialization in jewellery designing
• Ornament designing
• Ornament making
• Gem & stone consultancy & a bit of sales & marketing etc.
Whatever be the area one chooses to work in. It is all a matter of temperament.

Some career options include:

Gemmologists/Appraiser :It is usually an employed position with some options
for independent service work. Here, training & equipment costs can be high.
Those who are fascinated by diamonds can choose to work only with diamonds, which is a specialized sub-section of gemmology.

Lapidary Here the person specialises in cutting facetted stones or carving
gem materials. It can range from recutting jobs to unique sculptures in
carved gems.

Export One can work at an export house or under a well known designer,
& improve his skills as well as get in touch with international jewelleryhouses.

Designer Someone who designs jewellery through rendering & drawings,
models or even wax originals. May be employed by a company or self
employed. It is not necessary to know how to make thejewellery, just how
it is made.

Fashion This is another good option. One can get affiliated with some
prominent fashion designer & keep oneself updated with the latest fashions
& designs. The person will have to design & make jewellery & accessories
which fit in with the fashion industry, lines, colours, time of year & so on.
It also requires a flair for public relations, design. audience understanding
& good business sense. Also this will give you an opportunity to bring out
the best in you.

Goldsmith He can work with any material, can work for someone else,
making jewellery or for oneself; usually with a broad range of abilities. Can
make anything seen in standard jewellery stores. As an independent worker,
he may market work through own store or through galleries & jewellery stores.

Computer Operator This is an upcoming field. A computer professional
can move into this field & help in designing the jewels on the computer
& see how they look before the manufacturing starts. Finally,before selecting
this as your profession you should remember that if you don't have the
inherent ability or the flair for designing in you, no amount of education can
turn you into a skilled designer. Also, a lot of hard work is involved & one
should remain in touch with the latest fashions & trends, to satisfy the
modern customers.

Today precious jewellery though a craze has now got competition with the Imitation, fashion jewellery intricately designed and created to wear on all occasions without fear.