Back to: Diamond Grading Basics
Grading skills play a crucial role in various industries such as dealerships, jewelry manufacturing, and retail. These industries often deal with a wide range of goods, from large and high-quality stones to small and low-quality ones.
The amount of attention given to a diamond during the grading process depends on its quality and value. High-quality, large stones are given significant attention, especially if they haven’t been graded by a reputable lab. On the other hand, small and low-quality stones are usually quickly examined under a loupe, as extensive grading may not be worthwhile.
Gemological labs have an advantage over other industry professionals as they don’t handle mounted diamonds. In many jewelry businesses, especially retail stores, mounted diamonds make up the majority of goods. However, grading mounted diamonds is challenging as the mountings conceal clarity and cut details, obscure color, and make it impossible to accurately weigh the diamonds.
In the case of small diamonds, they are often sorted rather than individually graded. For instance, a parcel of small rounds weighing approximately 10 carats could contain around 335 small diamonds, each weighing about 3 points (0.03 carats). Grading each tiny diamond individually would not be cost-effective. Instead, dealers may use a series of sieves to sort them based on size and then further sort them into smaller piles based on color. Clarity characteristics may not even be considered for parcels of melee. As long as the supplier is reputable, the dealer can trust that the diamonds will be within the requested clarity range.
Sorting and matching go beyond loose diamonds. When manufacturers mount diamonds together in jewelry pieces, they ensure that each stone matches the others in terms of size, cut, color, and clarity. Well-matched diamonds are a sign of the manufacturer’s attention to detail and craftsmanship in the piece. A well-finished piece of jewelry with precisely matched diamonds, regardless of their clarity grade, is easier to sell because it can justify its price to customers.
A diamond grader possesses specialized knowledge and skill in evaluating the quality and value of diamonds. This expertise opens up various job opportunities within the diamond industry. Some potential job roles that a diamond grader can qualify for include:
- Diamond Grader: The most obvious job role for a diamond grader is to work within a gemological lab or a diamond grading facility. Here, the grader can assess and grade loose diamonds based on internationally recognized grading standards.
- Quality Control Specialist: Diamond grading skills are valuable in quality control positions. In this role, a grader can ensure that finished jewelry pieces meet specific standards of diamond quality, ensuring that all the stones used in the jewelry are properly evaluated and meet the desired criteria.
- Diamond Buyer: A diamond grader’s expertise can be utilized in the procurement process. Whether working for a jewelry retailer or a diamond wholesaler, a grader can evaluate and select high-quality diamonds for purchase, based on their superior knowledge of diamond grades and characteristics.
- Jewelry Appraiser: Diamond graders can also become jewelry appraisers. In this role, they assess the value of jewelry pieces, including diamonds, for insurance purposes, estate planning, or resale. Their deep understanding of diamond grading allows them to provide accurate appraisals.
- Sales Representative: With their knowledge of diamond quality and value, diamond graders can work as sales representatives for diamond retailers or wholesalers. Their expertise helps them educate customers and effectively communicate the value of diamonds, contributing to sales and customer satisfaction.
- Jewelry Designer: A diamond grader who has a creative flair can explore a career as a jewelry designer. Their understanding of diamond grading can assist them in selecting the right diamonds for their designs, ensuring the overall quality and aesthetic appeal of their jewelry creations.
These are just a few examples of the job roles that a diamond grader can qualify for in the industry. The diamond industry offers a wide range of opportunities where their expertise is highly valued.