The gem and jewellery industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. India is the diamond manufacturing centre of the world — an estimated 14 out of 15 diamonds are processed here. The domestic demand for diamond jewellery too has been growing at an impressive 30-35 per cent. South India has always been recognised for its demand for high-quality diamonds, with cities like Chennai and Bangalore being established consumer markets. All this presents exciting career opportunities.
Diamonds are mainly mined in Africa, Australia, Canada and Russia, traded in Belgium, processed in India and sold in every corner of the world. The global nature of the industry opens doors to those seeking an international career.
These diverse career paths are part of a technical field, so it’s important to pursue a specialised education in diamonds. Whether you are looking at a career in manufacturing, trading, sales, appraisal or design, an understanding of the 4Cs of diamond quality is necessary. The 4Cs (Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat weight) is a universal standard developed by Gemological Institute of India (GIA) in the 1950s that virtually every professional jeweller in the world uses to describe a diamond. They are the basis for determining a diamond’s quality, and in turn its value.
Skills and specialisation
A gemmologist is someone who specialises in identifying gemstones, including diamonds. The need for trained gemmologists who can accurately identify stones is greater than ever in part due to the increase in gemstone treatments and synthetics. Professional credentials can open the doors to diverse job opportunities such as a buyer, trader or laboratory and research professional. Diamond manufacturers, jewellers, jewellery retail chains and gemmological laboratories worldwide are consistently seeking newly trained talent for their businesses. Each of these careers demands an eye for detail and a dedication to quality.
For a well-rounded and comprehensive education, be sure to choose a globally recognised institute. If you’re interested in diamonds, sign up for a course that exposes you to a variety of actual stones and teaches you to identify treatments, simulants and synthetics through technical concepts and hands-on training. Choosing an intensive course like those offered by the GIA will provide holistic training in the field. These programmes utilise the latest gemmological equipment, including microscopes and refractometers and focus on smaller class sizes.
Another important parameter for choosing a course is personalised attention. A campus tour of the institute will provide clarity on the staff, facilities and course curriculum. Opt for a programme that develops a deep understanding of the diamond industry through research-backed theory and hands-on learning.
Consider your overall development in the vast field of diamonds. For instance, does the programme conduct field trips to manufacturing facilities to demonstrate how diamonds are cut and polished? Does it invite industry leaders to share their experiences and knowledge with students? Does it provide language assistance to understand complex technical concepts? Does it offer networking opportunities at industry events and trade shows? For a newcomer to the industry, these features enhance the overall learning experience.
Content Courtesy: GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
