Gemology is a scientific branch that involves the study of gems and the techniques used to extract and grade it. No jewelry can be complete without the additional sparkling beauty of a gemstone in it. Gemstones are used by jewelry manufactures everywhere and top quality gems are very much rare to find. When sorting these gemstones, professionals are needed to ensure its quality.

Aspirants who desire to pursue a profession as gemologist need to have a certification at the diploma or graduate/PG level to pursue this dream of theirs. Diploma courses in Gemology are offered by many Indian institutions. Upon the completion of the Diploma course in Gemology, individuals can get jobs almost immediately within the jewelry industry. Due to innovation as well as the in introduction of the latest technology, the sorting and grading of gems is no longer a tough job. The career opportunities in addition to the pay packages are very much attractive. These reasons added to the vibrancy of this career has made the attractiveness of this career go up.

More particulars about the Diploma course in gemology and its other aspects are mentioned in detail below.

Advantages or Benefits of Diploma in Gemology

These are the advantages of studying the Diploma in Gemology course:

• Students shall get a good idea on gemology and about the other basic aspects of jewelry.

The core aspect of this course is to provide aspirants with knowledge of Gemology. This course will be very much beneficial for aspirants wishing to venture into the area of business and trade. It can also be pursued by those individuals who consider gemology as a hobby.

Eligibility Criteria for Diploma in Gemology

A pass in the 12th standard is necessary for students who aspire to join the diploma course in Gemology. The certification must be from an approved board. The aspirants are needed to be no less than 18 years when they appear for admission.

Admission Procedure for Diploma in Gemology

For procuring the admission form for the Diploma in Gemology course, aspirants can mail a DD or a MO taken in favor of the institution concerned. They can get the form directly from the institutions as well.

The Diploma course in Gemology generally begins in the month of April – May. To get admittance into this course, it will be necessary for all spirants to present themselves for an admittance test and score well in this exam. Those who have cleared this exam with top marks shall be short listed. They will, in turn, be needed to appear for a PI. Aspirants who clear both these steps of the admittance procedure shall be granted admission.

Top Gemology Colleges in India

The diploma course in Gemology can be taken by students from any of the institutes in India that has recognition. The following institutions can be chosen by students if they wish.

New Delhi

• Indian Institute of Gemology
• ENSIGN - The Jewel Design Institute
• Indian Gemological Institute

Jaipur

• Arch Institute of fashion & Design / Arch Gemology & Jewellery Institute
• Gemstones Artisans Training School
• Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council

Mumbai

• The Gemmological Institute of India
• The Jasami Department of Jewellery Design & Manufacture
• Jhaveri Center for Diamond technology
• Jewellery design & Technology institute (JDTI)

Candidates can also learn the Diploma in gemology course by correspondence in any of the aforementioned institutions. The admission tests for these courses will be carried out in Mumbai. The practical exams and the theoretical exams are included in the admission test.

Diploma in Gemology Course Curriculum

The diploma in gemology course shall include topics like:

Applications in Gemology

• Basic Qualities of a Gem
• Crystallography
• Methods Employed In Mining of Gems
• Optical Effects in Gemstones
• Optical Properties
• Physical Properties
• Theory of Gem Cutting Techniques

More particulars about the curriculum are given below:

Definition of gemology

• Adularescenec
• Asterism
• Basic qualities
• Chatoyancy

Chemical composition

• Iridescence
• Lustre
• Opalescence
• Sheen
• Weights and measure

Crystallography:

• Nature Of Crystals
• Crystalline And Non Crystalline Materials
• Forms
• Habits
• Seven Crystal Systems
• Twinning

Physical Properties:

• Hardness
• Cleavage

Specific Gravity (heavy liquid and hydrostatic Method)

• Fracture

Optics

• Nature of light
• Visible spectrum
• Light Reflection
• Refraction
• Total internal reflection
• Single and double refraction
• Dispersion
• Polarization
• Refractive index and its determination by refractometer
• Pleochroism
• Interference
• Jeweller’s Lens
• Microscope
• Spectroscopes
• Dichroscope
• Chelsea colour filter
• Ultraviolet light and x-rays
• Polariscope

Career prospects in Gemology

Given below are the career prospects available for gemologists:

• Entrepreneurship in the dealing of gemstones
• Working as gemologists with illustrious jewelers
• Setting up a laboratory or research institute for gem identification or testing
• Pursuing research in diamond grading or gemology
• Work as designers of jewelry

Aspirants have the option to venture into any of the areas mentioned above. They can start their career in a small scale and then enhance their business as they go on.

Job and Career options for Diploma in Gemology

The demand for qualified gemologists is quite high within India and abroad. This is because of the introduction of Indian gems into to the foreign market. It is possible for one to get jobs as jewelry setters, gem grinders, scientists or gem polishers. Aspirants can also go for advanced research in this field. Candidates can also start their own retail and trading units. A few top gemstone companies comprise of:

• Masterpiece Jewelry (India)
• Chunilal Nathalal & Sons
• B V Jewels
• Pinkcity Colorstones Private Limited
• Derika International
• Janki exports

More about the different types of arenas in gemology:

• Diamond grading – This involves the thorough study of diamonds, their grading and trading.
• Gem testing – This involves the testing of gems and their quality. It also includes the grading of gems as per as the standard parameters.
• Jewelry designing – This can be said to be the designing of jewelry with the combination of different metals as well as gem stones as to make it more appealing to the buyer.

There are many different national and multinational companies that are involved in the trading of gem stones. The majority of these firms take in gemologist with good experience as to help them identify the quality of gems and grade them accordingly.

Remuneration after Diploma in Gemology

The initial salary of aspirants of this field will be as much as Rs. 10000-15000 a month. The salary amount shall vary on the reputation as well as the size of the organization that takes them in. With more experience in this field, gemologists will be able to get more income.