Gem and Diamond Workers
What is a Gem and Diamond Worker?
Gem and diamond workers are skilled artisans who specialize in the crafting, cutting, and polishing of gemstones and diamonds. They play a crucial role in the jewelry manufacturing industry, transforming raw stones into beautifully finished pieces that showcase their brilliance and color. These workers often have a deep understanding of the properties of different gemstones and the techniques required to manipulate them effectively.
The work of gem and diamond workers can vary significantly depending on their specific role and the type of stones they handle. Some may focus on the cutting of raw diamonds, utilizing precise methods to ensure maximum sparkle and clarity, while others may be involved in setting gemstones in various types of jewelry. The process involves a blend of artistry and technical skill, as workers must balance aesthetic considerations with the physical properties of the materials they are working with.
In addition to technical skills, gem and diamond workers often must have a keen eye for detail and color, as the quality of their finished products is critical to their value and appeal. They may work in settings ranging from small artisanal workshops to large jewelry manufacturing companies, and their work often necessitates a commitment to quality, precision, and craftsmanship. As technology evolves, some gem and diamond workers also adopt modern tools such as lasers and computer-aided design (CAD) software to enhance their work.
Overall, careers in gem and diamond working appeal to those with a passion for fine jewelry, a talent for artistry, and an appreciation for the beauty of natural stones.
Tasks
- Examine gems during processing to ensure accuracy of angles and positions of cuts or bores, using magnifying glasses, loupes, or shadowgraphs.
- Assign polish, symmetry, and clarity grades to stones, according to established grading systems.
- Estimate wholesale and retail value of gems, following pricing guides, market fluctuations, and other relevant economic factors.
- Examine gem surfaces and internal structures, using polariscopes, refractometers, microscopes, and other optical instruments, to differentiate between stones, to identify rare specimens, or to detect flaws, defects, or peculiarities affecting gem values.
- Identify and document stones' clarity characteristics, using plot diagrams.
Technology Skills
-
Computer aided design CAD software
- GemCad
- Jewelry design software
-
Accounting software
- Business accounting software
-
Analytical or scientific software
- Spectrophotometer analysis software
-
Internet browser software
- Web browser software
-
Data base user interface and query software
- Gem identification databases
Tools Used
- Grinding or polishing machines
- Power saws
- Hammers
- Faceting laps
- Power drills
Knowledge
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
-
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
-
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Skills
-
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Abilities
-
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
-
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
-
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
-
Visual Color Discrimination
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
-
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
-
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
-
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
-
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
-
Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Detailed Work Activities
- Examine physical characteristics of gemstones or precious metals.
- Evaluate quality of materials or products.
- Determine the value of goods or services.
- Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.
- Operate grinding equipment.
Work Interests
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$30790.0 - $78500.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.