The study and identification of gemstones and their properties.
A gemologist establishes what a stone is and assesses its quality. The first is identification: naming the species, telling a natural stone from a laboratory-grown one or an imitation, detecting treatments, and knowing when a stone needs advanced laboratory testing. The second is grading: by the 4Cs for diamonds, with color on the D-to-Z scale, and by a separate system for colored stones. Market factors and supply chains then bear on what the stone is worth.
The GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma teaches students to identify more than 60 species of gemstones, separate natural from laboratory-grown gems, detect treatments, grade diamonds and evaluate colored stones with GIA’s colored stone grading system.
In job listings
Listings may ask for a gemology qualification, such as the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma, in roles that handle stones: buying, grading, quality control, training and client advising in jewelry boutiques. GIA lists appraiser, diamond buyer, colored stone buyer, lab professional and jewelry sales among its graduates’ careers. See current gemology roles.
