Gemstones

Types of minerals or petrified materials that are cut and polished for use in jewellery, classified according to type, characteristics, and value.

gems
jewels

knowledge

cross-sector

Gemstones is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Precious stone setter: Precious stone setters use tools to insert diamonds and other gemstones into jewellery settings according to specifications. The setting of the gemstone depends on its size and its shape.
Precious stone cutter: Precious stone cutters use cutting machines and tools to cut or carve diamonds and other gemstones according to diagrams and patterns while considering different specifications. They are experts at fabricating jewellery such as rings, brooches, chains and bracelets from gemstones.
Jewellery polisher: Jewellery polishers ensure that finished jewellery pieces are cleaned by customer demand or prepared for sale. They may also perform minor repairs. They use either hand tools such as files and emery paper buff sticks and/or hand held polishing machines. They also use mechanised polishing machines such as barrel polishers. 
Gemmologist: Gemmologists value precious stones by analysing their characteristics, cut, and provenience either for trading or for further polishing efforts. They asses stones and gems to give them a market value.

Gemstones is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

References

1. Gemstones – ESCO