What Does a Diamond Grader Do? (Salary, Job Description and More)

The diamond industry is an interesting one. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry that spans the globe, and it’s only getting bigger each year as more and more people purchase diamonds and other jewelry items like necklaces, rings, bracelets, and watches annually. 

With this much money in the diamond industry, it’s no surprise that the quality of diamonds used has increased over time.

Diamond grading is also an essential part of the diamond industry, and it’s something that’s under scrutiny by both jewelers and consumers.

Many jewelers refuse to buy diamonds unless they have been certified by one of the world’s four major diamond certification labs.

First, let’s look at their role in the diamond trade, and we’ll explore what you can expect to pay in terms of salary and other details about this occupation.

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So What Does a Diamond Grader Do?

When most people think of the term diamond grader, they probably picture someone with a microscope. 

The primary task of a diamond grader is to grade diamonds based on four criteria: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. 

When jewelers buy diamonds from wholesalers or dealers for resale in their stores, they want them to be of the best quality possible. 

While judging the quality of any gemstone is subjective – because personal preference plays a significant role in aesthetic beauty. 

It’s still essential for jewelers to have general guidelines that help determine the quality of each stone. 

Diamond Grader Job Duties

A diamond grader is responsible for the following duties

1. Grading diamonds based on their quality and 
2. Determining the market value of a diamond 
3. Assessing a diamond’s features such as color, clarity, carat weight, cut, fluorescence, symmetry, and more 
4. Answering customer questions about diamonds 
5. Providing customers with appraisals of their diamonds 
6. Examining stones that dealers bring in 
7. Keeping records on all diamonds graded 
8. Make sure all reports are sent to clients or others requested by other people. 
9. Working with a team 

The Minimum Requirements to Become a Diamond Grader

Education Requirements

Most applicants have a background in gemology or metallurgy. 

Applicants must also be fluent in English, the primary language for trade communication. 

Experience

Diamond graders must have at least five years of experience grading diamonds. 

Most people with this experience are hired as an assistant to senior graders, who eventually become senior graders. 

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Skills 

One of the major skills needed as a diamond grader is knowledge of industry standards.

A diamond grader must know the industry’s standards for clarity, color, carat weight, cut, shape, and size. 

When stones are graded according to these standards, they are sorted into a set order representing their quality level. 

A stone with a lower grade is less valuable than one with a higher grade.

Other essential skills include: Language skills, Communication skills, computer literacy, and fluency in English are also required.

Training

Most employers require employees to complete training courses before starting work. 

New employees may spend up to three months completing training before they begin their first day on the job. 

As they gain more experience, graduates will gradually take on more responsibility within their company until they eventually become senior graders and lead trainers. 

Diamond Grader Salary & Outlook

Most diamond graders are typically paid by the piece, not by the hour. 

They earned an average of $29.50 per hour, but this varies based on where they live. 

In some countries like Asia, the wages can be as high as $30-40 dollars per hour. 

However, it is essential to note that income levels vary worldwide. A US-based grader’s income may not provide enough coverage when living in other countries like Indonesia or Thailand.

The employment rate is expected to rise by 8%, with an annual growth rate of 0.2%. 

It is estimated that there will be 16,000 jobs available in 2023.

Diamond Grader Work Environment

Diamond Graders have the following working conditions:

• The majority of them work in an office environment. However, they might spend time with other diamond graders at a conference or exhibition. 
• They may work at their employer’s site or from home. 
• They may be able to visit a retail store on occasion. 

This profession is usually 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday. 

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Conclusion

So, now that you’ve got all the basics of what a diamond grader does, what kind of career will it be for you? 

It’s essential to have the right skills and qualifications for this position. 

If being an expert gemologist suits your personality well, contact your nearest company offering training. 

You may not find many job openings, but good luck with your search.