GEMMOLOGIST
Victoria Lam
Hello, my name is Victoria and I work with gemstones. I've been interested in them since I was 15 when I got a job in a local jeweller's. What particularly fascinates me is the science behind gemstones - what makes a ruby red or an emerald green. Because I knew I was interested in this, I took biology and chemistry at A-level, which helped greatly when I did my Gemmology Diploma after a degree in Marketing Management.
My career has enabled me to travel to jewellery fairs all over the world and go to loads of glamorous events and parties. My day-to-day job involves working with journalists, writing press releases, organising events and teaching customers about jewellery purchases and how to care for their stones.
Find out about Gem-A, or more about other jobs in the lifestyle and leisure industry.
Did you know?- A highly trained Gemmologist can earn over £50,000 a year.
- You could travel to countries like Thailand, India, Brazil, Africa or Madagascar where the majority of gemstones are mined, cut and sold.
- Sometimes Gemmologists act as brand ambassadors for various clients and attend high profile events and parties.
- You must have good eyesight and memory and have great attention to detail.
- Gemmologists sometimes work with stones worth millions of pounds.
- A similar profession is a Jewellery Valuer, for which you must learn to identify gemstones by undertaking chemical experiments.
Interesting in becoming a Gemmologist? Find out more about it here, check out our Useful Links section or talk to a careers advisor at school.