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Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?
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Author:  Aquagirl [ Tue Jun 26, 2012 3:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

Currently I am studying gemology through the IGS's online course. I am having some trouble getting comfortable with my new equipment. I am intimidated, lol.
But anyways, currently I work in accounting and would love to find a job in the gem industry when we move to AZ. What types of jobs can I hope to apply for with a Professional Gemologist cert from the IGS? Am I destined to work retail? I don't mind working retail to get some experience but I really want to work with someone who can teach me the ins and outs of the business.
Thanks, Julie

Author:  Barbra Voltaire, FGG [ Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

Every jewelry store needs an accountant.
You may be a "double" score!

Author:  Barbara O. Ellis [ Tue Jun 26, 2012 10:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

See if you can get double pay :wink: :lol: .

Author:  Aquagirl [ Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

Ok, I am going to get my AJP from the GIA, so that should help!

Author:  JB [ Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

Doubtful. Most people can get an AJP in a weekend or two. Get your CPA and triple your salary.

Author:  Barbra Voltaire, FGG [ Fri Jun 21, 2013 11:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

agreed

Author:  Aquagirl [ Mon Jun 24, 2013 8:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

Accounting is a job, gems and jewelry are my passion. Does anyone have any serious advice for me... :?

Author:  Barbra Voltaire, FGG [ Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

My friend, we are serious!
You can get a job in retail sales in a jewelry store which pays peanuts with or without taking these GIA mini courses.
Check the job listings on the GIAs site?
http://www.gia.edu/gem-job

Can you live on the salaries posted?

Also see
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index ... 452AAPZUAr

and posted by the Jewelers of America
https://www.jewelers.org/files/jajewelrycareers.pdf
The article indicates

Quote:
SALARY EXPECTATIONS*
Entry Level
$18,000 to $35,000
Qualified/Experienced
$35,000 to $55,000

Author:  Aquagirl [ Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

I just don't know what to do. I'm not exactly sure what I want to do in the "gem world." I just know I want to be in it.
I don't really want to work retail, the hours, the pay, holidays...
I do have another option- a friend of mine has told me about a business idea he has in mind.
I just don't want to be unhappy in another accounting job :cry:

Author:  Barbra Voltaire, FGG [ Mon Jun 24, 2013 12:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

I hear you.
Most jewelry/gem related opportunities involve retail sales.
I personally enjoy working with the public, romancing the stones,etc. And, I'm pretty good at it.

If I had to do it all over, would I do it again?
No.
I would have pursued the scientific side of my geology degree.

That way, I could afford to buy the jewels I sell to others. :wink:

Now, how about going back to my 1st idea? Accounting for a jeweler/ gem dealer?

Author:  Aquagirl [ Mon Jun 24, 2013 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

I would do that, be an accountant for a dealer or jewelry store. Now to find something like that ;)
I am in the collecting phase. I DON'T have the money for it, have paid off the same cc 3x now. So I am hoping to curb my urges for more by studying something I love. I love gems and jewelry. Ok, teach me how to sell them.
I just don't know how in depth I want to get, gemmology degree...

Author:  Barbra Voltaire, FGG [ Mon Jun 24, 2013 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

We offer several options to get free gem/jewelry information on the left side.
Dr. Smigel's Online Gemology Course is super.

Also, the new book available on DVD Handbook of Gemology is a fabulous option. And for $49, it's the price of a pizza and a pitcher of beer!

Read through the material.
See if it's something you wish to pursue before laying out $1000's to qualify for a "credentialed" retail sales position.

Author:  Aquagirl [ Mon Jun 24, 2013 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

Oh I started studying with the IGS, Intl Gem Society. Passed the first exam with flying colors. My problem is I am not comfortable with my equipment. I don't know how to use it. I have just about everything you would need, except for the spectrometer. I am seriously thinking about the IGS. At least, there are online video lessons. Just need $2000 for that. I have read much of B Smigel's notes. I have a good relationship with Barry Bridgestock. ;)
I have been doing that also, building some great relationships/contacts with people in the industry on FB.

Author:  Barbra Voltaire, FGG [ Mon Jun 24, 2013 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Moving to Arizona next fall- what jobs can I apply for?

I'm not aware of any Gem/Jewelry establishment which recognizes IGS as an alternative for GIA, Gem-A, DGemG or AIGS.
I could be wrong.
Please chime in folks if you know otherwise. :D

Have you seen these videos?

-Tutorial on Using a Polariscope
-Using the Dichroscope Spectroscope, and Chelsea Filter
-Tutorial on Using a Reftactometer
-Tutorial on Specific Gravity Using the Hydrostatic Method

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