The most important part of being a Gemologist is identifying stones. Gemologists must sort raw, uncut stones, identify stone types, detect gem treatments and determine the potential value of stones before purchase. Gemology classes teach students how to identify more than 60 different species of stone. Proper gem identification helps save buyers money. Classes involve lectures, labs to practice gem identification and tests to measure skill level.
Diamonds make up a big part of the jewelry industry. A good course in Diamond Grading helps the Gemologist learn the 4Cs of diamond grading: color, cut, clarity and carat. Gemologists will learn how to estimate weight, find proportions and know the fundamentals of diamond treatments. Diamond grading education gives students the information they need to evaluate stones for the American market and markets in other countries. Gemologists also learn about synthetics and simulated stones.
Learning how to grade other precious gemstones is also important to the Gemologist. Valuable stones such as emeralds, rubies, topaz and sapphires are common pieces in jewelry, and some buyers purchase them as investments. Courses in colored stones teach students about valuable stones and how supplies change and shift, affecting prices and availability. Gemologists learn the basics of evaluation: estimating weight, size, value and potential for cuts.
Understanding and grading pearls is also a useful ability for Gemologists to have in retail. They must check pearls against a list of seven characteristics: size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality and matching. Pearls rarely stand alone, and gemologists must match them in color, size and quality with others for setting and stringing. Gemologists learn about the different types of pearls from akoya to Tahitian. Courses also cover pearl harvesting, post harvest treatments, pearl testing and imitation pearls.