Sometimes it is confusing to know exactly who's who and what they do. 

After all, in this day and age, knowledge has reached overwhelming proportions……and it keeps growing.  This knowledge explosion has led to an “Age of Specialization”.  And the field of diamonds and gems is no different.

Since most gemstones come out of the ground and belong to the mineral kingdom, the study of gems draws on the findings of both geology and mineralogy.  Let’s see if we can’t get a handle on the differences.

GEOLOGY

The primary concern of geology is the Earth itself, and the processes which formed and shaped its rocks throughout its long history.

MINERALOGY

The main focus of mineralogy is the analysis and classification of natural solids, by their underlying structures, and chemical makeup, as well as their physical and optical properties.

GEMOLOGY

The study of gems…….that’s gemology.  The combination of rarity, durability, and especially beauty is what makes a true gem.  Gemology is knowing what makes a particular stone not only appealing……..but valuable.  Those who study gemology seriously work to develop a “critical eye”.  That means vision that is attuned to details of form, symmetry, color, play of light, and even a certain artistic sense.

Gemology is a unique hybrid specialty.  It is a mingling of the scientific, the esthetic, and the commercial.  It tries to address both technical questions like “What properties tell me this stone is a sapphire and not a spinel?” and visual discrimination like “What makes this cut more appealing than that one?” or “What makes this emerald’s color more highly prized than that one’s?”.  Someone who does this is a gemologist.

GEMOLOGIST

A gemologist studies gems and jewelry scientifically, knows and identifies them, can judge the elements of their beauty and value, and can apply this knowledge…….especially through communication to others.

A gemologist must know about organics, synthetics, and imitations, because they are used in jewelry too.  The gemologist’s stock in trade is an “informed opinion”.  That’s why the gemologist’s integrity is so important. 

GRADUATE  GEMOLOGIST

For over seventy years, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has been the benchmark for gemology and gemologists, not only in the United States, but around the world.  GIA has lead the industry in technological advances and education in gemology since the 1930’s.

The completed course of study at GIA results in a Graduate Gemologist Diploma and the right to use the letters “GG” after your name.

PROFESSIONAL  JEWELRY  APPRAISER

A professional jewelry appraiser is a person with very specialized knowledge and training in determining the value of diamonds, gems, and jewelry.  It is best when a jewelry appraiser is also a graduate gemologist.  

A professional appraiser will provide you with a written opinion of value, on which you and others involved can base your decisions.

There are several Professional Organizations where appraisal techniques and practices are taught. Qualified professional appraisers always write their appraisals to USPAP standards. That’s the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

After successfully completing a Professional Organizations course of study in appraising, the privilege of letter designations after your name is granted. The letters vary depending on the professional organization.