A high-value, high-risk business
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Shubhodeep Chakravarty interviews Swati Shekhar, practising gemmologist and a trainer with a private institute.
What does an ideal course in gemmology comprise?
An ideal course will take you six months, while a professional course can be for as long as a year. The course is divided into different 
modules. The first module generally deals with introduction to gemmology — the different precious and semi-precious stones and how to treat these stones.
The subsequent modules introduce a student to the different equipment used to identify and grade these stones. In addition, some complex stones require extreme precision while being analysed. Therefore, they are introduced in the later part of the professional course.
What are the latest trends in teaching as well as in learning gemmology?
With each passing year, a range of high-grade equipment is being brought into the profession. A modern gemmological institute seeks to train students to use this equipment and enable them to be at complete ease with a wide variety of precious and semi-precious stones.
Youngsters are not taking up gemmology in a big way. What are the possible reasons?
It is a misconception that the youth is not developing a liking for this profession. The average age of people in my professional group is 26. Earlier, gemmology was more of a family-oriented enterprise. Today, however, big business enterprises are increasingly hiring enthusiastic young professionals.
What are the human skills that one can cultivate through training in gemmology?
Gemmology is not just about being constricted in a four-walled laboratory. Professionals are increasingly interacting with prospective customers. A significant part of gemmological training focuses on inter-personal relationships and how to address queries.
One should also have a sharp eye for detail and a strong sense of discernment while grading the stones. Gemmology training also evokes a sense of responsibility in the student as s/he enters a high-value, high-risk business.
Author: HT Horizons
Date: 11th Feb., 2010
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