Gemologist (Edelsteenkundige)
Information on this skill...
A gemologist is a specialist and researcher who specializes in identifying gemstones. Determining refers to the analysis of gemstones. Think, for example, of analyzing the color and purity of gemstones or analyzing the authenticity of gemstones. Gemstones, such as diamonds, represent a certain value that does not only depend on the size of the diamond (carat). The purity of diamonds is just as important, as diamonds can contain inclusions, affecting their value. The profession of gemologist can therefore be regarded as an important profession, because it is the gemologists who can determine the values of gemstones in the right way. Because gemstones are rare stones, they usually represent a significant value, depending on the type of gemstone. This value can only be determined by specialists who have the right knowledge. In general, the beauty, durability and rarity of gemstones determine the ultimate value of gemstones. The value of gemstones, such as diamonds, is an interplay between various factors, such as the number of carats, rarity, color, inclusions, cut, light incidence and light transmittance, which together determine the final value. It is the gemologist who can determine through research which classification a gemstone gets. On the basis of the classification, it is possible to give a valuation to the gemstone, via fixed standards. It is also the recognized gemologist, who can issue a certificate that is linked to the gemstone. Gemology does not only relate to diamonds, but to all gemstones. The research methods that the gemologist applies can differ per gemstone.
A gemologist is therefore a researcher who specializes in identifying gemstones. The identification of gemstones is important to be able to determine the quality and therefore the value of gemstones. This often concerns gemstones that do not have a certificate and that are in the possession of private individuals or traders within the retail trade. In order to be able to determine the quality of these types of gemstones, it is important that a recognized gemologist is sought out, who may also issue a certificate or recognized valuation report. New gemstones that are marketed by diamond houses are in most cases provided with a certificate. Gemology is a separate field, which does not belong to a jeweler, goldsmith or silversmith by default. If there is doubt about the authenticity of a gemstone or the quality of gemstones, the gemstones will in most cases be sent to a gemologist, so that he can give a definite answer.
WHY A CERTIFICATE FOR GEMSTONES
A certificate for gemstones, such as a diamond, can be important for several reasons. Consider, for example, insuring a piece of jewelry, which contains a diamond. In this case, the insurance company will usually require a certificate from a recognized gemologist, in order to be able to determine the correct insurance value. But also traders and representatives of gemstones use certificates to prove the value of their gemstones, so that buyers, such as jewelers, know exactly what they are buying in gemstones. Gemology plays an increasingly important role nowadays, because not all stones that are classified as gemstones are actually gemstones. Thanks to modern techniques, it is possible to make synthetic gemstones, which cannot simply be distinguished from real gemstones. It is the gemologist who can do this.
AUTHENTICITY OF DIAMONDS
Nowadays, synthetic diamonds are also made, which must be classified as synthetic diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are much less valuable than real diamonds. It is almost or completely impossible for a layman to recognize synthetic diamonds. Artificial crystals are made by man and are therefore less valuable. Another name for artificial crystals is also called zirconia. Zirconias are most similar to diamonds, but these are artificial stones. Zirconias are almost indistinguishable from diamonds with the naked eye. Zirconias are also cut just as is the case with ordinary diamonds.
WHAT DOES A GEMOLOGIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A GEMOLOGIST
There are various training opportunities for the profession of gemologist. However, it is important to determine in advance for yourself what exactly you want to do after the training, because the various courses that are offered vary from courses to short courses and full-fledged courses in Gemology. Within the Netherlands, courses and training courses are offered by various parties, such as the Nederlands Edelsteen Laboratorium (NEL) and the schoonhoven vocational school. If you want to work professionally as a gemologist, it is best to choose the Gemmology study of the Gem-A in London, which is also offered within the Netherlands by the Dutch Gemstone Laboratory. By following this course you will receive the internationally recognised diploma FGA, which stands for Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. By following this course it is possible to join the Vak Vereniging Nederlandse Edelsteenkundigen (VVNE). This course will take about two years, depending on your previous education. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A GEMOLOGIST CAN BE EMPLOYED
A gemologist generally works for a gemstone laboratory or works as an entrepreneur. In addition, it is conceivable that a gemologist can be regarded as a jeweler or as an appraiser. The additional training to become a gemologist can be interesting for various craftsmen, who work with jewelry and gemstones. As described earlier, in some cases a gemologist can also be regarded as a commercial employee, such as a trader or representative. An antique dealer can also specialize in gemology.
COMPETENCES GEMOLOGIST
The most important competencies of a gemologist are accuracy and reliability, because many people value the judgment of a gemologist. Unlike being able to determine the gold content of gold, being able to determine the value of gemstones is much more difficult. In other words, people are highly dependent on judgment. Generally important competencies are independence, independence, customer focus, networking and communication. In addition, it is very important within this field to regularly follow further training, because new techniques and possibilities follow each other fairly quickly. Further competences cannot simply be indicated, because as a gemologist you can work in different ways.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A GEMOLOGIST
The labour market perspective as a gemologist is generally entirely dependent on the craftsman or professional herself, because you will have to choose the field of gemology yourself. Most people who choose to study gemology are active in the field of jewelry or diamonds. In many cases, it concerns an extra further education on a usual course such as the MBO goldsmith course. The career opportunities as a gemologist must be seen in building a good name, so that you can work as an independent entrepreneur.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY GEMOLOGIST
As a gemologist, you usually fall under the collective labour agreement gold and silver industry, in which the employment conditions are regulated, depending on the employer. If you work as an independent entrepreneur, you naturally determine your own employment conditions. It is not possible to give a salary indication for this profession, because most gemologists also perform other work. The profession of gemologist is usually an addition to another profession.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
Lesen Sie diese Informationen auf Gemmologe auf Deutsch.
Lea esta información sobre Gemologo en español.
Lees deze informatie over Edelsteenkundige in het Nederlands.
Mijnzzp.nl