The Gemmology program teaches students to analyze and classify a wide variety of gem materials, both natural and artificially created. The program focuses on analyzing chemical and physical characteristics of gem and gem-like materials, and identifying different gems. The gem materials are classified into categories according to their desirable characteristics, which eventually determine the value of the gems. To accomplish the identification and classification, students use a number of specially designed instruments, such as microscopes, spectroscopes, refractometers and polariscopes, on real gem materials.
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify a large number of gemstones and gem materials and distinguish them from synthetics and imitations.
- Use, maintain and handle gemmological instruments and testing equipment competently and safely.
- Grade gemstones for quality based on their cut, colour and other physical characteristics, chemical composition and possible place of origin.
- Grade diamonds based on their cut, clarity, colour and carat weight.
- Apply the basic skills of jewellery appraisal to assess market value.
- Contextualize jewellery according to historical and stylistic qualities to assess provenance, materials and method of production.
- Conduct ethical and secure business practices consistent with jewellery business standards.
