gemology
The branch of mineralogy that studies natural and artificial gemstones.
Gemmologists value precious stones by analysing their characteristics, cut, and provenience either for trading or for further polishing efforts. They assess stones and gems to give them a market value.
Competences and skills
22 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 3 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesgemstone grading systems
Systems used by different institutes to analyse and grade gemstones e.g. Gemological Institute of America, Hoge Raad voor Diamant and European Gemological Laboratory.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
1 competencegemstones
Types of minerals or petrified materials that are cut and polished for use in jewellery, classified according to type, characteristics, and value.
Essential skills and competences 8 competences
Occupation specific
4 competencesimmerse gemstones in chemical liquid
Use chemical solutions to identify the properties of gemstones.
recognise fake goods
Identify imitation and counterfeit products using methods and equipment such as microscopes and laboratory analysis in order to determine their properties.
use gemstone identification equipment
Operate equipment to identify gemstones such as scales, refractometer, and spectroscope.
write gemstone grading report
Write a grading report to determine the quality of gemstones.
Sector-specific
2 competencescalculate value of gems
Determine appraised value of gemstones such as diamonds and pearls. Study price guides, market fluctuations and grades of rarity.
examine gems
Closely examine gemstone surfaces using polariscopes or other optical instruments.
Cross-sector
2 competencesappraise gemstones
Assess and analyse cut and polished gemstones, determine if they are natural or synthetic and verify their worth. Look at the gem's colour, clarity, and cutting properties in order to grade their value.
operate microscope
Operate a microscope, an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye to see.
Optional knowledge 3 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
3 competencesalloys of precious metals
Types of material that consist of two or more metals or non-metals.
chemistry
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
precious metals
Types of rare metal that occur naturally and have a high economic value.
Optional skills and competences 8 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencedetermine origin of gemstones
Apply various determination methods such as spectroanalysis, optical analysis by microscope, and chemical or surface analysis to collect information that will help distinguishing gemstones from different localities.
Sector-specific
6 competencesconduct jewellery market research
Conduct market research in order to identify which types of jewellery items are popular at a specific time: earrings, rings, neckwear, wrist wear, etc.
cut gem stones
Cut and shape gemstones and jewellery pieces.
develop jewellery designs
Develop new jewellery designs and products, and modify existing designs.
model mineral deposits
Geologically model mineral deposits in order to determine their location, their aspect and their economic potential.
polish gemstones
Use polishing agents or fine grades of diamonds to remove small amounts of stone in order to get a shiny surface that will improve light refraction or reflection.
trade in jewellery
Buy and sell jewellery, or serve as an intermediate between potential buyers and sellers.
Cross-sector
1 competenceadvise customers on jewellery and watches
Provide customers with detailed advice on watches and pieces of jewellery available in the store. Explain about different brands and models and their characteristics and features. Recommend and provide personal advice on pieces of jewellery, according to the customer's needs and preferences.