Career Overview
Fabricate, finish, or evaluate the quality of gems and diamonds used in jewelry or industrial tools.
Also Known As
- Diamond Cutter
- Diamond Setter
- Gemologist
- Lapidarist
Alternate Job Titles
- Brilliandeer
- Brilliandeer Lopper
- Clarity Expert
- Diamond Assorter
- Diamond Cleaner
- Diamond Cleaver
- Diamond Cutter
- Diamond Die Driller
- Diamond Die Polisher
- Diamond Driller
- Diamond Grader
- Diamond Heister
- Diamond Mounter
- Diamond Picker
- Diamond Polisher
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Advise customers and others on the best use of gems to create attractive jewelry items.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Problem Sensitivity
- Flexibility of Closure
- Control Precision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Manual Dexterity
- Category Flexibility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Tools & Equipment
- Angle grinders
- Arbors
- Bead drilling vises
- Belt sanders
- Bench refractometers
- Chipping hammers
- Crack hammers
- Cross peen hammers
- Cutting laps
- Diamond girding lathes
- Diamond grinders
- Diamond saws
- Digital balances
- Digital calipers
- Digital micrometers
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
- Spend Time Sitting
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Gem and Diamond Workers.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $33,890 |
| Median | $49,140 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $81,610 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 23,420
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,140
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,690
Etchers and Engravers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $40,450
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,970
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,690
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.