How To Become A Gemmologist
So you want to be a gemmologist but not sure where to start or what to do? Then this post is for you!
This was inspired by a recent post I published where I discussed my journey to becoming a fully qualified gemmologist.
Why Do You Want To Be A Gemmologist?
This is a genuine question, is it because you:
I ask because training to become a gemmologist is more than just looking at a few gemstones, as it requires:
I’m not trying to put anyone off but becoming a gemmologist is more than just looking at pretty stones, it is a commitment of both time and money, which is why having a clear reason/goal as to why you are doing it can help you acheive it.
Gemmology Courses
If I haven’t put you off, let’s look at some of the courses that are out there.
There are a lot, from many different institutions and training providers but you want to get a qualification that is industry recognised as this will increase the chances of you getting a job within the industry.
Gem-A Gemmology & Diamond Diplomas
I’m going to start with one that I know very well (as it is the one I have done).
The Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain) is the longest-established gemmology training provider in the world.
The Gem-A diplomas are widely recognised and highly regarded qualifications within the industry.
In terms of courses, there are four that they offer:
Gem-A offers three main options when it comes to studying their courses (GemIntro is online only):
I would highly recommend studying either at Gem-A HQ or an approved teaching centre as being able to get hands on with stones on a regular basis and having a tutor you can ask questions to in-person makes learning so much easier.
One thing that is good about the Gem-A courses is that not only do you get the course notes but a basic gemmology tool kit (doesn’t include a refractometer) and a selection of gemstones to test.
You don’t get any stones with the Diamond Diploma but you do get a basic set of tools.
If you pass the Gemmology and/or Diamond diplomas and become a member of the Gem-A, you can use the letters FGA (Fellow of the Gem-A) and/or DGA (Diamond Fellow of the Gem-A) after your name.
And the majority of graduates do, I know I do!
GIA Graduate Gemmologist
Probably the most well-known gemmology course in the world is the GIA Graduate Gemmologist Program.
Interesting fact, Robert M. Shipley (the founder of GIA), studied the Great Britain National Association of Goldsmiths gemological correspondence course in the 1920s, which would go on to become the Gem-A in 1931.
When it comes to the course, it is broken down into two sections:
You can choose to study these separately as they offer a Graduate Diamonds and Graduate Colored Stones but this works out more expensive than doing the GG program.
When it comes to where and how to study, GIA offers 2 options:
- Campus – this is where you study in-person at one of GIA campuses around the world, which includes Carlsbad (GIA HQ), New York, London, Bangkok and Mumbai
- Online + Lab Classes – this involves studying the theory at home and then attending lab classes for the practical
The online + lab classes is the cheaper option but I would recommend the in-person training, just because you get more hands-on time with the stones.
GIA does offer a scholarship program and if you are successful in your application, GIA will give you some money towards your course.
If you just want to dip your toe in, they do offer three essentials courses (jewelry, diamonds and colored stones), these are online only courses but give you a kind of intro into the GIA program.
I have done the essentials courses and at some point, would like to do the full GG.
BCU Gemmology and Jewellery Studies Degree
While the degree is relatively new, it is probably the most in-depth gemmology course you can take.
But what puts it above the Gem-A or GIA courses?
Having been around the course when I was doing my Gem-A diplomas, I would say it was like the Gem-A course on steroids.
I’ve also got to talk about the tutors as the team includes amazing gemmologists and teachers who have plenty of experience both in the industry and teaching gemmology.
Because this is a degree, enrolling on the course is a bit more complicated than the others where you just pay the course fees and the entry requirements vary depending on whether you are:
- A UK-based student
- A mature student (21 and over)
- An international student
How you fund the course is going to depend on whether you are a UK or international student and as this is an in-person only course, it means that you are either going to have to move to Birmingham, UK (it’s not that bad) or commute in every day for the duration of the course (3 years).
The Gemmology Degree (I think it is the only one?) is gaining a really good reputation within the industry and I know that some graduates have gone to work for the GIA and other major gem labs.
Other Courses
Lots of institutions offer gemmology courses and while many of these are very good (I know people who have studied at AIGS in Thailand and said it was really good), the problem is that they don’t have the global recognition that the GIA and Gem-A courses do.
And when you are paying good money and investing time and energy into a course, you want it to enhance your chances of getting a job or improving your career afterwards, which is why I recommend going for one that is industry recognised.
Which Course Should You Choose?
This is entirely down to you but some general advice is:
I'm Paul Haywood FGA DGA, the owner and founder of Haywoods Gems, I'm a fully qualified Gemmologist and Diamond Grader from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
