A gemologist is a professional who specializes in identifying and grading diamonds and gemstones.
A gemologist has completed a course, or a series of courses, in various types of gemstones. Most gemological training teaches students about the qualities of gemstones, their structure and shape, and how to identify and grade them.
Gemologists also learn how to identify rough diamonds and polished diamonds and assess their qualities and flaws.
The gemologist is not supposed to determine a diamond or gemstone’s value, but rather the stone’s quality, generally after it has been cut and polished. This skill demands considerable experience with various gemstones and a comprehensive knowledge of their flaws and grading parameters.
Most respected gemologists have generally been trained at the Gemological Institute of America lab in the US, which is considered well-known and respected. Of course, years of experience in identifying gemstones also contributes to the quality of the gemologist’s work.
This profession is taught in Israel at a number of gemological laboratories.
Courtesy of Talking Diamonds: A Lexicon of Diamond World Technology by Shalom Lissitzky
