Gemology

Gems, like most fields of nature, have their own specialist researchers. These are called gemologists and they study gemology using a variety of methods and tools.

What Is Gemology?

Gemology is the study of gemstones, both natural and artificial, and is a sub specialisation of mineralogy. Gemologists specialise in such areas as identifying different gemstones using scientific tests, grading and possibly even valuing stones. The gemologist will be knowledgable in subject areas such as the optical and physical properties of different stones and how these are measured. Such technical measurements are especially useful when trying to distinguish between a naturally occuring stone and a man-made synthetic form of the mineral.

Professional jewellers do not need to be qualified gemologists, however many pick up a considerable degree of gemological knowledge during their careers.

Training

There are many different gemology societies and schools around the world, some of which offer courses, certification and qualifications. In the US the best known is probably the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). On an international level the International Gemologic Institute (IGI) has its headquarters in Antwerp.

The IGI currently offers a variety of courses on subjects such as diamonds, coloured stones and pearls. At the time of writing (June 2010) a correspondence course in Polished Diamonds is available with online classes expected to be launched soon.