By: Joan Tupponce, Joan Tupponce & Associates, Inc.

When it comes time to purchase a diamond ring, you'll feel confident about your choice if you consult with a gemologist.

A gemologist is someone who studies gems and their construction, looking for what makes one gem different from another.

"In becoming a gemologist you have to be versed in the commercially produced materials used in jewelry production," explains Todd Minnich, assistant store manager and graduate gemologist at Schwarzschild Jewelers. Minnich also does jewelry appraisal.

Gemologists can take several different career paths. The most customary, according to Minnich, is sales. "That's where you are delivering the product to the end user," he explains. "You advise potential customers on the different gem materials and what sets the gems apart. You're helping someone understand gems through your knowledge of the gem world."

Gemologists can also become appraisers where they look at jewelry and gems to establish their value. The most customary appraisals are done for insurance purposes or for settling estates.

"Appraisers look at loose stones or finished jewelry that is brought in for evaluation," explains Minnich. "Just because you are a gemologist doesn't make you a good appraiser. You have to understand valuation science. It's a specific job path."

A third career path focuses on laboratory work. Gemologists can work for the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gem Society grading gems.

"When you are a lab technician you are sitting all day, grading gems for size, weight, color and clarity," Minnich says. "You have to study to keep up with trends and new developments as well as technological advancements in the field."

Gemologists can also work as corporate trainers or in jewelry selection.

"The reason I chose the path that I did is because I like dealing with the end user," Minnich says. "The process can be fun and educational for the customer. It's usually a positive experience."

A college degree isn't required to become a graduate gemologist. Courses are available at trade schools or by correspondence. Graduate gemologists must sit for a final exam.

"It can take as little as six months to become a graduate gemologist if you devote all of your time to the study," Minnich says.

Gemologists who want to become appraisers can take a four-year college curriculum that focuses on valuation science.

It's crucial that gemologists have a thirst for knowledge and attention to detail.

"It's easy to miss something which could affect grade or value," Minnich says. "You also have to be healthy and have good vision because you are relying on your eyes."

Because gemologists work with microscopes and small instruments such as tweezers, they need to have a steady hand.

"You can't be jittery," Minnich says. "In fact, they advise against drinking coffee."

Minnich describes the field as an interesting marriage of art and science.

"I enjoy working with people and sharing information," he says. "There are few experiences like the jewelry store experience."

Pull Quote: "In becoming a gemologist you have to be versed in the commercially produced materials used in jewelry production."