SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Gem and Diamond Workers

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Diamond Cutter
  • Diamond Grader
  • Diamond Picker
  • Diamond Polisher
  • Diamond Sawer
  • Diamond Setter
  • Facetor
  • Gemologist

What do Gem and Diamond Workers do?

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.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

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.

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.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

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)

A normal week

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  • Thinking Creatively
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Handling and Moving Objects

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • 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

  • Grinding or polishing machines Diamond grinders · Glass bevelers · Glass polishers
  • Power saws Glass cutting saws · Lapidary slitters · Revolving saws
  • Hammers Chipping hammers · Crack hammers · Jewelers' hammers
  • Faceting laps Lapidary units · Vibrating laps
  • Power drills Gem drills · Mini drills

Who it suits

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.

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Questions people ask

How much do Gem and Diamond Workers earn in South Africa?

Gem and Diamond Workers salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Gem and Diamond Workers do?

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 and Estimate wholesale and retail value of gems, following pricing guides, market fluctuations, and other relevant economic factors.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.