How do I get certified in gemology?
A gemology career requires no formal college degree. However, you’ll need to take some trade classes to receive your certification. The International Gem Society offers an online Professional Gemologist certification course. The Gemological Institute of America offers a Graduate Gemologist program.
What can you do with a gemology certificate?
Graduates of gemology programs are suited for many jobs in the jewellery industry, including positions in:
- Wholesale and imports.
- Sorting and grading.
- Sales and retail.
- Appraisals*
How long does it take to get a gemology degree?
Programs vary from 3 months to 1 year, and many teach students how to design, cast, set, and polish jewelry and gems, as well as how to use and care for a jewelers tools and equipment. Graduates of these programs may be more attractive to employers because they require less on-the-job training.
What is a gemological refractometer?
A Gemological Refractometer is your primary and most powerful tool in gemstone identification. As with any typical critical angle refractometer, it will measure the Refractive Index of faceted stones, transparent to near opaque, whether loose or mounted (in many cases), up to an R. I. value of 1.81.
Is gemology a good career?
Gemmology is a profession with great scope. You can earn extremely well once your ideas and designs are appreciated. The starting salary of Gemologist is Rs. 2 Lakh to Rs.
How much does gemology school cost?
Living Off-Campus Budgets
| Programs/Locations | Graduate Gemologist (Carlsbad) | Jewelry Design & Technology Program (Carlsbad) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $21,000 | $19,900 |
| Books & Supply & Sale Tax | $2,882 | $1,966 |
| Housing & Meals | $7,619 | $7,619 |
| Transportation | $2,588 | $2,588 |
What does a refractometer do?
A refractometer is used to determine a concentration of a particular substance within a given solution. It operates based on the principle of refraction. When rays of light pass from one medium into another, they are bent either toward or away from a normal line between the two media.
How do you read refractometer refractive index?
To read the index of refraction, depress the switch on the left hand side of the refractometer until you see the scale through the eyepiece. This is a view of what the scale will look like. The upper scale indicates the index of refraction. By carefully interpolating you should get 4 decimal place accuracy.
How much money can you make as a gemologist?
The average gemologist salary is $54,374 per year, or $26.14 per hour, in the United States. People on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $42,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $69,000.
Do gemologists make good money?
Is Gia a good school?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is widely considered the most prestigious professional gemology school in the world. The graduate gemologist (GG) designation is earned along with a diploma from GIA.
How is Brix calculated?
Brix can be measured using two different instruments: A refractometer or a hydrometer. A refractometer determines degrees Brix by measuring the refraction of light passing through a liquid sample. The test tube is calibrated to measure the amount of liquid displaced, and from that, determine how much sugar is present.
Can a refractometer be used for gemstone identification?
Your refractometer can provide important clues for accurate gemstone identification. Kyrylo Gubariev, Graduate Gemologist (GG, AJP) is a gemologist with a passion for sharing his knowledge with fellow gem lovers. Originally from Ukraine, he is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand.
How do you test the refractive index of a gem?
Place a bright light source behind the refractometer and direct it into the light window. Place a tiny drop of RI fluid on the hemicylinder. Put the gem table-down in the RI liquid (as shown in the illustration) and center it on the hemicylinder. Look through the lens. Raise and lower your head until you can see the shadow on the scale.
How do you measure the RI of a faceted gem?
To measure the RI of a faceted gem with a refractometer: Place a bright light source behind the refractometer and direct it into the light window. Place a tiny drop of RI fluid on the hemicylinder. Put the gem table-down in the RI liquid (as shown in the illustration) and center it on the hemicylinder.
What does a rear window refractometer look like?
All refractometers function in the same way, though they may look slightly different than the one pictured here. A rear window allows light to enter. A hinged cover allows you to place a gem inside, on the flat side of a hemicylinder made of special, high RI glass.