Before you understand what a gemologist is, you must first understand the meaning of the term Gemology. Gemology is a branch of science that deals with artificial and natural gemstones and gems. It is considered to be a branch of mineralogy. A gemologist is specially trained to identify as well as evaluate gems and stones. A gemologist is specially certified to work in this field. In reality, being a good gemologist takes a lot of time as it covers a large scope of information.
Sometimes a gemologist can actually infer the type of gemstone that is laid before him by observation but often this may not be possible. A gemologist performs a series of tests that helps him to determine the type of a gemstone. Sometimes a single test is adequate enough to provide sufficient indicators but is inadequate for its complete identification. After a gemstone is identified by a gemologist, it has to be analyzed properly to grade it. The objective of a grading report is to analyze how good the quality of a gemstone is in terms of its attributes like cutting, clarity and color. There are several types of grading systems and the results may vary from gemologist to gemologist.
Another function that is performed by the gemologists is known as appraising. This is a process wherein a polished and cut gemstone is assessed by a gemologist. When a gemologist assesses a gemstone, it is his job to ascertain whether the gemstone is natural or synthetic as well as its true worth. While there are some gemologists who operate independently, many others often work for jewelry stores and auction houses. The gemologists often find employment for themselves in retail stores. In a retail setup, a gemologist may work as a buyer or a sales person. He also finds job as an adviser to a jewelry designer as sometimes a jewelry maker may not have adequate skills to determine what type of gemstones should be used.
A gemologist can also make his career in a museum to evaluate a gemstone that a museum may wish to possess.
If you are a resident of Orange County in California, you will be happy to know that there are some good registered gemologists in Orange County. These certified jewelry appraisers in Orange County should ideally provide you services like complimentary cleaning as well as inspection and some of the most detailed and reliable appraisal services of estate jewelry and antique jewelry.