- Joined
- Jun 13, 2005
- Messages
- 1,046
Hi all,
I''m 28 and have loved jewelry since I was a child. Although I did contemplate a career in the trade in highschool, I didn''t pursue it and instead ended up as a manager in the software industry.
However, I''ve recently begun taking a course in basic gemmology at EGM (Montreal School of Gemmology). I''ve since learned there are numerous career possibilities in this field (to name a few... appraiser, stone dealer, setter, lab worker, lapidary, store owner, etc).
I''m now exploring the option of eventually changing careers... but I''d like your advice on what might be suitable for me given certain constraints, such as:
- I''d like to work with the public (ie: consumers)
- I gravitate towards set jewelry vs loose stones
- I don''t think into fabrication or cutting (leave that to someone else)
- I''d probably like to own my own business some day (ie: generate my own income)
- I do *not* wish to travel on a regular basis
- I''d like a career that would allow me to have a personal life (ie: does not require long hours all the time)
So, from what I know so far, I think options could be appraiser, or in sales? Does anything else come to mind?
I also am wondering what accreditation might be suitable. EGM is encouraging students to pursue the school''s own gemmologist certificate program; however, they also offer a FGA program and GIA-GG programs (diamonds and/or colored stones). Also, I know some people also do separate programs in jewelry-making, design, etc. Do I need any or all of these accreditations? What makes sense for my situation?
Thanks for any and all insight!! I am open to any advice anyone may have.
Thanks so much!
Anne
I''m 28 and have loved jewelry since I was a child. Although I did contemplate a career in the trade in highschool, I didn''t pursue it and instead ended up as a manager in the software industry.
However, I''ve recently begun taking a course in basic gemmology at EGM (Montreal School of Gemmology). I''ve since learned there are numerous career possibilities in this field (to name a few... appraiser, stone dealer, setter, lab worker, lapidary, store owner, etc).
I''m now exploring the option of eventually changing careers... but I''d like your advice on what might be suitable for me given certain constraints, such as:
- I''d like to work with the public (ie: consumers)
- I gravitate towards set jewelry vs loose stones
- I don''t think into fabrication or cutting (leave that to someone else)
- I''d probably like to own my own business some day (ie: generate my own income)
- I do *not* wish to travel on a regular basis
- I''d like a career that would allow me to have a personal life (ie: does not require long hours all the time)
So, from what I know so far, I think options could be appraiser, or in sales? Does anything else come to mind?
I also am wondering what accreditation might be suitable. EGM is encouraging students to pursue the school''s own gemmologist certificate program; however, they also offer a FGA program and GIA-GG programs (diamonds and/or colored stones). Also, I know some people also do separate programs in jewelry-making, design, etc. Do I need any or all of these accreditations? What makes sense for my situation?
Thanks for any and all insight!! I am open to any advice anyone may have.
Thanks so much!
Anne