iGEM: the synergy of 3 centres of excellence to identify and evaluate gems and jewellery

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The needs in terms of gemmology are growing due to the evolution of society and the market for jewellery and gems. 
The proliferation of synthetic gems on the jewellery market, increasingly sophisticated treatments, and the imitation of historical or period jewellery, among other things, requires the expertise of a gemmologist.

A gemmologist to distinguish between natural, treated and synthetic gems

Treatments are used to improve the appearance of gems, and have been used for a long time. Some are considered traditional and are almost inseparable from a particular gem: the oiling of emeralds and the low heating of sapphires, for example. Like some synthetic productions, some treatments are difficult to identify, and the gemmologist will need the advanced equipment and instruments of a laboratory to do so.

It is important to keep in mind that treatments evolve quickly and become so advanced that they may be on the market several years before they are detected in the laboratory and presented to the gemmological community and consumers. The best example is the beryllium core diffusion treatment of sapphire giving a “padparadscha” colour.

An important aspect of the gemmologist’s job is to keep abreast of the various developments in treatments, and to stay on top of the latest techniques and trends. Whether it is for laboratory identification work, jewellery, for professionals, or individuals.

The production of synthetic gems has been around for a long time, but it really took off in the 1960s. Synthetic production methods have multiplied, and it has sometimes become difficult to differentiate natural gems from their synthetic counterparts.

This production is bound to grow, for many reasons. The first is the price; a synthetic gem being much cheaper than its natural counterpart. The second is rarity. The third – often mentioned but not always proven – is ethics (whether through a social and/or environmental aspect).

The gemmologist’s skills will be appreciated in the following fields or sectors:

  • In jewellery: the gemmologist will be able to ensure the purchase value of a gem and its authenticity, of a piece of jewellery, so that the jewellery store pays the right price, especially if there is the presence of synthetic gems. It will also allow them to inform the customers about their purchase and the care they will have to give it.
  • In the laboratory: whether for professionals or individuals, the gemmologist will use the appropriate advanced instruments to distinguish between natural, treated and synthetic gems, and certify their authenticity.
  • In appraisal: the price of a jewel will be totally different depending on the nature of the gem, and the purpose of the appraisal (for resale, insurance purposes, or in a notary setting: the jewel will not have the same final price). Appraisal requires additional training.
  • In the gem trade: the gemmologist seller will be able to guarantee the authenticity of their products, negotiate the best prices and avoid scams.
  • In gem cutting: the gemmologist gem cutter will be able to cut to the best of their knowledge of the chemical, physical and optical properties of the gem, and guarantee a quality product without bad surprises.

For its knowledge of antique jewellery

Nowadays, the antique jewellery market has become very important. The challenge is twofold: to determine if the jewel is really a period jewel or a replica, and to succeed in identifying the gems (a very difficult task depending on the type of setting).

Appraisals of an antique jewel cannot be satisfied by the market value of the gems and metals composing the jewel. One must take into account the rarity, the history of the brands (and their collections) to know how to give the right value. The work of a good gemmologist appraiser is essential here.

The jewellery market has more and more copies and counterfeits. In this field too, techniques are multiplying, and the knowledge of an experienced gemmologist evaluator can give the right value to a piece of jewellery that seems to be from the past.

The gemmologist’s skills will also be required in legal situations such as the separation or division of property/jewellery, in the sale of jewellery at an auction, the evaluation of jewellery in an antique store or jewellery store specializing in antique jewellery.

A solid training as an appraiser is essential for gemmologists wishing to specialize in this market.

 

In conclusion

Because of the wide variety of positions that a gemmologist can hold, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to give statistics on the number of jobs offered or on salaries (which can start at $15/hour but can also exceed $200/hour). The salary will depend on the gemmologist’s skill level, experience, specialty, the company offering the job, the position itself, whether the gemmologist is salaried or creates their own company.

Overall, in a constantly evolving market, the contributions and services of a good gemmologist are relevant. The gemmologist who has not only theoretical but also technical, economic, cultural, political and ethical skills and knowledge, and who keeps abreast of developments in the gem market, treatments, syntheses, technologies used and instruments used to detect them, will always find their place!

In order to better respond to the needs and demands of the various players in the gem industry, the gemmologist’s knowledge must be that of the present, but also that of the past and the future: history of jewellery, existing techniques and market developments.

Moreover, it is likely that new professions in the field of gemmology will emerge in the years to come, from mining sites or cutting sites to laboratories.

iGEM: the synergy of 3 centres of excellence to identify and evaluate gems and jewellery

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The needs in terms of gemmology are growing due to the evolution of society and the market for jewellery and gems. 
The proliferation of synthetic gems on the jewellery market, increasingly sophisticated treatments, and the imitation of historical or period jewellery, among other things, requires the expertise of a gemmologist.

A gemmologist to distinguish between natural, treated and synthetic gems

Treatments are used to improve the appearance of gems, and have been used for a long time. Some are considered traditional and are almost inseparable from a particular gem: the oiling of emeralds and the low heating of sapphires, for example. Like some synthetic productions, some treatments are difficult to identify, and the gemmologist will need the advanced equipment and instruments of a laboratory to do so.

It is important to keep in mind that treatments evolve quickly and become so advanced that they may be on the market several years before they are detected in the laboratory and presented to the gemmological community and consumers. The best example is the beryllium core diffusion treatment of sapphire giving a “padparadscha” colour.

An important aspect of the gemmologist’s job is to keep abreast of the various developments in treatments, and to stay on top of the latest techniques and trends. Whether it is for laboratory identification work, jewellery, for professionals, or individuals.

The production of synthetic gems has been around for a long time, but it really took off in the 1960s. Synthetic production methods have multiplied, and it has sometimes become difficult to differentiate natural gems from their synthetic counterparts.

This production is bound to grow, for many reasons. The first is the price; a synthetic gem being much cheaper than its natural counterpart. The second is rarity. The third – often mentioned but not always proven – is ethics (whether through a social and/or environmental aspect).

The gemmologist’s skills will be appreciated in the following fields or sectors:

  • In jewellery: the gemmologist will be able to ensure the purchase value of a gem and its authenticity, of a piece of jewellery, so that the jewellery store pays the right price, especially if there is the presence of synthetic gems. It will also allow them to inform the customers about their purchase and the care they will have to give it.
  • In the laboratory: whether for professionals or individuals, the gemmologist will use the appropriate advanced instruments to distinguish between natural, treated and synthetic gems, and certify their authenticity.
  • In appraisal: the price of a jewel will be totally different depending on the nature of the gem, and the purpose of the appraisal (for resale, insurance purposes, or in a notary setting: the jewel will not have the same final price). Appraisal requires additional training.
  • In the gem trade: the gemmologist seller will be able to guarantee the authenticity of their products, negotiate the best prices and avoid scams.
  • In gem cutting: the gemmologist gem cutter will be able to cut to the best of their knowledge of the chemical, physical and optical properties of the gem, and guarantee a quality product without bad surprises.

For its knowledge of antique jewellery

Nowadays, the antique jewellery market has become very important. The challenge is twofold: to determine if the jewel is really a period jewel or a replica, and to succeed in identifying the gems (a very difficult task depending on the type of setting).

Appraisals of an antique jewel cannot be satisfied by the market value of the gems and metals composing the jewel. One must take into account the rarity, the history of the brands (and their collections) to know how to give the right value. The work of a good gemmologist appraiser is essential here.

The jewellery market has more and more copies and counterfeits. In this field too, techniques are multiplying, and the knowledge of an experienced gemmologist evaluator can give the right value to a piece of jewellery that seems to be from the past.

The gemmologist’s skills will also be required in legal situations such as the separation or division of property/jewellery, in the sale of jewellery at an auction, the evaluation of jewellery in an antique store or jewellery store specializing in antique jewellery.

A solid training as an appraiser is essential for gemmologists wishing to specialize in this market.

In conclusion

Because of the wide variety of positions that a gemmologist can hold, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to give statistics on the number of jobs offered or on salaries (which can start at $15/hour but can also exceed $200/hour). The salary will depend on the gemmologist’s skill level, experience, specialty, the company offering the job, the position itself, whether the gemmologist is salaried or creates their own company.

Overall, in a constantly evolving market, the contributions and services of a good gemmologist are relevant. The gemmologist who has not only theoretical but also technical, economic, cultural, political and ethical skills and knowledge, and who keeps abreast of developments in the gem market, treatments, syntheses, technologies used and instruments used to detect them, will always find their place!

In order to better respond to the needs and demands of the various players in the gem industry, the gemmologist’s knowledge must be that of the present, but also that of the past and the future: history of jewellery, existing techniques and market developments.

Moreover, it is likely that new professions in the field of gemmology will emerge in the years to come, from mining sites or cutting sites to laboratories.

iGEM: the synergy of 3 centres of excellence
to identify and evaluate gems and jewellery

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The needs in terms of gemmology are growing due to the evolution of society and the market for jewellery and gems. 
The proliferation of synthetic gems on the jewellery market, increasingly sophisticated treatments, and the imitation of historical or period jewellery, among other things, requires the expertise of a gemmologist.

A gemmologist to distinguish between natural, treated and synthetic gems

Treatments are used to improve the appearance of gems, and have been used for a long time. Some are considered traditional and are almost inseparable from a particular gem: the oiling of emeralds and the low heating of sapphires, for example. Like some synthetic productions, some treatments are difficult to identify, and the gemmologist will need the advanced equipment and instruments of a laboratory to do so.

It is important to keep in mind that treatments evolve quickly and become so advanced that they may be on the market several years before they are detected in the laboratory and presented to the gemmological community and consumers. The best example is the beryllium core diffusion treatment of sapphire giving a “padparadscha” colour.

An important aspect of the gemmologist’s job is to keep abreast of the various developments in treatments, and to stay on top of the latest techniques and trends. Whether it is for laboratory identification work, jewellery, for professionals, or individuals.

The production of synthetic gems has been around for a long time, but it really took off in the 1960s. Synthetic production methods have multiplied, and it has sometimes become difficult to differentiate natural gems from their synthetic counterparts.

This production is bound to grow, for many reasons. The first is the price; a synthetic gem being much cheaper than its natural counterpart. The second is rarity. The third – often mentioned but not always proven – is ethics (whether through a social and/or environmental aspect).

The gemmologist’s skills will be appreciated in the following fields or sectors:

  • In jewellery: the gemmologist will be able to ensure the purchase value of a gem and its authenticity, of a piece of jewellery, so that the jewellery store pays the right price, especially if there is the presence of synthetic gems. It will also allow them to inform the customers about their purchase and the care they will have to give it.
  • In the laboratory: whether for professionals or individuals, the gemmologist will use the appropriate advanced instruments to distinguish between natural, treated and synthetic gems, and certify their authenticity.
  • In appraisal: the price of a jewel will be totally different depending on the nature of the gem, and the purpose of the appraisal (for resale, insurance purposes, or in a notary setting: the jewel will not have the same final price). Appraisal requires additional training.
  • In the gem trade: the gemmologist seller will be able to guarantee the authenticity of their products, negotiate the best prices and avoid scams.
  • In gem cutting: the gemmologist gem cutter will be able to cut to the best of their knowledge of the chemical, physical and optical properties of the gem, and guarantee a quality product without bad surprises.

For its knowledge of antique jewellery

Nowadays, the antique jewellery market has become very important. The challenge is twofold: to determine if the jewel is really a period jewel or a replica, and to succeed in identifying the gems (a very difficult task depending on the type of setting).
Appraisals of an antique jewel cannot be satisfied by the market value of the gems and metals composing the jewel. One must take into account the rarity, the history of the brands (and their collections) to know how to give the right value. The work of a good gemmologist appraiser is essential here.
The jewellery market has more and more copies and counterfeits. In this field too, techniques are multiplying, and the knowledge of an experienced gemmologist evaluator can give the right value to a piece of jewellery that seems to be from the past.
The gemmologist’s skills will also be required in legal situations such as the separation or division of property/jewellery, in the sale of jewellery at an auction, the evaluation of jewellery in an antique store or jewellery store specializing in antique jewellery.
A solid training as an appraiser is essential for gemmologists wishing to specialize in this market.

In conclusion

Because of the wide variety of positions that a gemmologist can hold, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to give statistics on the number of jobs offered or on salaries (which can start at $15/hour but can also exceed $200/hour). The salary will depend on the gemmologist’s skill level, experience, specialty, the company offering the job, the position itself, whether the gemmologist is salaried or creates their own company.
GOverall, in a constantly evolving market, the contributions and services of a good gemmologist are relevant. The gemmologist who has not only theoretical but also technical, economic, cultural, political and ethical skills and knowledge, and who keeps abreast of developments in the gem market, treatments, syntheses, technologies used and instruments used to detect them, will always find their place!
In order to better respond to the needs and demands of the various players in the gem industry, the gemmologist’s knowledge must be that of the present, but also that of the past and the future: history of jewellery, existing techniques and market developments.
Moreover, it is likely that new professions in the field of gemmology will emerge in the years to come, from mining sites or cutting sites to laboratories.