If you are fascinated by gems of all kinds and have an eye for detail, a career as a gemologist could be an ideal path for you. There are many misconceptions about what gemologists do, though, and many people don’t have the faintest clue what they do at all. If you are going to embark on this career path, it would be in your best interest to learn more about gemologists: what they do, how they get into the field, what their salary and job outlook is like, and more.

The Job Duties of a Gemologist
If you choose to become a gemologist and complete all the necessary training to enter the field, you may then find employment in a variety of settings. As you may expect, gemologists are employed in all facets of the jewelry industry, but that’s just the beginning. There is more than one possible role for a gemologist. You may find yourself working as an appraiser for a jewelry buyer or antique shop. Ever watch “Antiques Roadshow”? The experts who analyze the jewelry with a special microscope and tell its story are gemologists who also have a special expertise in the history of jewelry. You may also find yourself working in a lab grading gemstones, or even in a museum setting. A successful jewelry designer may also require your services, or you may train to become a jewelry designer yourself. And, of course, you may find employment with a traditional jewelry retailer or wholesaler.

Gemologist Education and Training
Before you can think about getting a job as a gemologist, you must graduate from a reputable gemology school. You will learn from the experts how to identify and analyze all types of gemstones and categorize them according to grade and price. Many students also seek additional training in diamonds above what is required, due to the high demand for diamond experts in the field. At the end of your education program, you will receive some sort of certificate or degree, which may vary depending on the school. There is even a graduate gemologist program from the Gemological Institute of America. Coursework is typically done in a traditional campus setting, but some courses may also be available online.

Job Outlook
The median annual salary for gemologists is $34,060. More than half of gemologists are self-employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so this career path provides a lot of freedom, although it is a somewhat competitive field.

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