B.Sc. in Gemology is a 3-year full-time undergraduate course divided into 6 semesters. Gemology is a branch of Mineralogy which is exclusively concerned with:

• identification
• testing
• manufacturing
• grading
• cutting
• polishing
• appraisal, of precious and semi-precious gemstones which are used in the jewellery and astrology industries.

The course offers comprehensive learning in gemology, starting from extraction of gemstones to final grading and evaluation. Students enrolled to the courses are imparted advanced lessons in:

• assessment and grading of gemstones
• jewellery designing.
• gem manufacturing and exporting industries.
• jewellery distribution companies.
• gem certifying bodies.
• gemology-based research.
• standard and advanced gemmological tests used in the identification of gemstones.
• examining gem materials under the microscope.
• testing natural and synthetic gemstones through to imitation.
• complementary skills such as gem-photography.
• gemology, coloured stone, jewellery, and pearls.
• value assessment, history and jewelry marketing skills.
• conditioning, grading or the general assessment of a gem.
• retail jewellery sales.
• Marketing in jewellery distribution companies.
• application of grading materials such as:

1. polarizing filter
2. magnifying glass
3. spectroscope
4. practice gems
5. gem tweezers
6. microscope.

The average annual course fee in India ranges between INR 10,000 and 7 lacs, depending upon the institute offering the course. The average annual salary offered in India to successful graduates of the course ranges between INR 2 and 10 lacs, depending upon the candidate’s expertise in the field.

B.Sc. in Gemology: Career Prospects

Gems are one of the most precious and important parts of the Indian culture. Both precious & semi-precious gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, etc. are valued for:

• their astrological significance.
• being considered as symbols of power and prosperity.
• aesthetic value.
• their role in the gem exporting and gem mining industry.
• their significance in wholesaling and retailing of gems and jewellery.
• demand of gold and diamond studded jewellery.

Some of the top professional profiles open to such graduates are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.

JOB POSITION	JOB DESCRIPTION	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Gemologist	Gemmologists typically possess excellent powers of observation, precision, attention-to-detail, and ability to concentrate. They possess excellent hand -eye co-ordination, an objective approach and a great sense of responsibility. They possess good artistic and aesthetic sense, creative skills, and colour sensitivity. With an insight into customs, traditions, and latest trends, they influence art forms and design. With good communication skills, they facilitate an understanding with the clients as well as crafts persons.	INR 3,00,000
Jewelry Designer	Jewelry Designers work with precious diamonds, metals, beads and gemstones to create wearable pieces of art. They may create one-of-a-kind pieces for high-end jewellery, or an entire line for a mass-market fashion designer. They may also sell their jewelry themselves. They create jewelry entirely by hand, or may begin the design process by using computer-aided design software. Many artists, jewellery designers are often freelance workers, and must continually seek assignments or customers in a competitive market.	INR 3,30,000
Gem Polishers	Gem Polishers work with precious stones and metals. They may manufacture and make jewelry, work in a lab fashioning specialty items, or even run their own stores. They may also saw, split, cut, polish, shape, or drill gems and diamonds to prepare them for use in jewelry or industrial tools. This position also involves finishing, fabricating, and evaluating gem and diamond quality.	INR 5,00,000
Diamond Grader	Diamond Graders locate, identify, and document clarity and other diamond characteristics. They are assigned grades of polish, clarity, and symmetry according to lab procedures They verify and determine measurements and proportions of natural and synthetic diamonds. Also, they measure stones using leverage gauges and the Sarin Grading Machine- prepared gold. They refine by weighing, sorting, and counting gemstones. They assist the Diamond Department in monthly inventory formations. They are cross-trained in quality check, and help with inspecting finished jewellery. They often implement new programs to increase profitability.	INR 6,00,000
Engravers	An Engraver uses tools to impress designs, pictures, or words onto the surfaces of wood, metal, and other materials. They may use engraving for purposes of identification, printing, and decoration. Such people with this specialized know-how often work in the jewelry and printing industries; both jobs are concentrated in large cities.	INR 10,00,000

Course Level	Under Graduate
Duration	3 years
Examination Type	Semester System
Eligibility	10+2 from a recognized educational Board
Admission Process	Counselling after qualification of entrance examination
Top Recruiting Organizations	Independent Gemological industries, DIANI jewels, Diamonte Jewels, etc.
Top Recruiting Areas	Gem testing organizations, mining, retail Jewellery business, and such.
Top Job Profiles	Gem polishers, Engravers, Gemologist, Diamond Grader, among others.
Course Fee	INR 10,000 to 7 lacs
Average Starting Salary	INR 2 to 10 lacs