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My Journey to Become a Graduate Gemologist

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I am a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.)!!!! Woo, Hoo!

I found out last week (while on vacation) that I had passed my 20-stone exam with the required 100% accuracy. I laughed. I cried. And then laughed and cried again! What a journey…20 months, 100’s of hours of study, 3 trips to NYC & over 500 gems identified.

I have always loved gemstones, but didn’t know anything about them. In 2008 I was hired as a host for Gem’s TV. My training for the position was less than 3 days & did not include training on gemstones. My first day on air (day 3), the producer fed me enough information (through my earpiece) to share with the audience. It was crazy! Needless to say, that was not going to work for me! And this is where my journey, education and real love for gemstones began.

After work that first day (and every day after), I began studying gemstones. I would research 5 new gems every day. I put my notes onto a 3 x 5 card and popped it into a file box. My little gem box was my lifeline to provide accurate information to our viewers. (Secret: I kept it off to the side so that when the camera was on the jewelry, I could peek at the cards.) It was a great start, but it wasn’t enough for me…I wanted formal training. My friend, Jessica, told me that I could get a great education through the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The GIA offered a program called the Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP). It was exactly what I needed & I enrolled immediately!

MY AJP required 3 courses: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Gemstone Essentials, and Diamond Essentials. I was able to do the work online and finished the program within 3 months. I never dreamed I would one day be a Graduate Gemologist (GG)! Enter Christine Webb from the Smithsonian Institution.

I joined the Q family in 2009. In 2012 I met Christine Webb. Christine is a Graduate Gemologist and was the on-air guest for the “Smithsonian Institution – National Gem Gallery” shows. Low and behold, she was a gem geek, just like me!! Following the show, I mentioned that I would love to get my GG, but felt it wouldn’t be possible. (My thoughts: I work full time: I have a husband & 3-year old; it would take years to complete.)

Christine quickly shot my excuses down & said, “You can absolutely do it!” As soon as I got home that night, I went to the GIA website to see if she was right. And she was! Because I had already completed my AJP, I was only 6 classes from my G.G. (3 online courses and their corresponding gem labs, which I would have to take in NYC.)

Next steps: get the blessing from my husband & approval from QVC. Both gave me their wholehearted support! So, in October of 2012 I enrolled in my first course!

It’s been a fascinating journey! But I have not been on this journey alone. There are several people who have been by side and were instrumental in the completion of my GG:

Q Friends & Viewers: Thank you for your constant kindness and encouragement on FB!!

QVC: Thank you for pouring into my education &, ultimately, to the people who matter most - our customers!

Jack, Rich, Mary H: Thank you for allowing me time to take the 3 required lab classes in NYC and for supporting my passion!

Debbie R: Thank you for proctoring every single exam (& there were a lot)! How I appreciate and adore you!

Sue K: Thank you for being my teacher, my coach, my cheerleader & my encourager! Thank you for access to Q’s gem lab & all of your cool gem books. Having a fellow GG as my guide was invaluable. You are a GEM!!

Jim & Isabella: Thank you for allowing & supporting my passion for gems. I couldn’t have done it without your support! All the hours away from you over the past 20 months could have been hard for us; but, “Team R., Rocks”!

I hope you find yourself becoming inspired to learn about gemstones. A great place to start is our Gem Guide on QVC.com. QVC, Peyton Kelley (GG & another one of my teacher’s & cheerleader’s) & the Q Gem Team partnered with the GIA to bring you the most accurate gem information available. Check it out!

Every book represents one exam. Each folder represents a comprehensive exam. The silver box is my traveling gem lab. I used it during my Gem ID class in which I identified more than 500 stones: natural, synthetic, imitation, doublets & triplets. Seeing it all laid out like this, kind of freaked me out! LOL! Still to come: the official paper degree from the GIA. I’ll post it when it arrives! ${#emotions_dlg.biggrin}$