Occupation AtlasGem and Diamond Workers
O*NET · 51-9071.06
Gem and Diamond Workers
Fabricate, finish, or evaluate the quality of gems and diamonds used in jewelry or industrial tools.
Also called Brilliandeer · Brilliandeer Lopper · Clarity Expert · Diamond Assorter · Diamond Cleaner · Diamond Cleaver · Diamond Cutter · Diamond Die Driller
30 more
Diamond Die Polisher · Diamond Driller · Diamond Grader · Diamond Heister · Diamond Mounter · Diamond Picker · Diamond Polisher · Diamond Selector · Diamond Setter · Diamond Sizer · Facetor · Gem Carver · Gem Cutter · Gem Expert · Gem Stone Cutter · Gemologist · Girdler · Jewel Bearing Maker · Jewel Blocker · Jewel Sawyer · Jewel Setter · Jewelry Cutter · Jewelry Gemstone Cutter · Jewelry Setter · Lapidarist · Lapidary · Pearl Cutter · Pearl Peller · Pearl Restorer · Sapphire Stylus Grinder
Compare with another occupationCompare with Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic5.46
- C Conventional4.11
- I Investigative3.09
- A Artistic2.88
- E Enterprising2.14
- S Social1.15
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (59%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (54%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (50%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- WritingbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
Show the other 23
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Service OrientationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Time ManagementImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- CoordinationImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- InstructingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- Systems AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- RepairingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- Systems EvaluationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- SciencebasicImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 core · 12 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Assign polish, symmetry, and clarity grades to stones, according to established grading systems.Importance 4.4
- Estimate wholesale and retail value of gems, following pricing guides, market fluctuations, and other relevant economic factors.Importance 4.4
- Identify and document stones' clarity characteristics, using plot diagrams.Importance 4.4
- Examine gems during processing to ensure accuracy of angles and positions of cuts or bores, using magnifying glasses, loupes, or shadowgraphs.Importance 4.3
- Examine gem surfaces and internal structures, using polariscopes, refractometers, microscopes, and other optical instruments, to differentiate between stones, to identify rare specimens, or to detect flaws, defects, or peculiarities affecting gem values.Importance 4.2
- Examine diamonds or gems to ascertain the shape, cut, and width of cut stones, or to select the cuts that will result in the biggest, best quality stones.Importance 4.2
- Advise customers and others on the best use of gems to create attractive jewelry items.Importance 4.1
- Secure gems or diamonds in holders, chucks, dops, lapidary sticks, or blocks for cutting, polishing, grinding, drilling, or shaping.Importance 3.8
- Locate and mark drilling or cutting positions on stones or dies, using diamond chips and power hand tools.Importance 3.8
- Select shaping wheels for tasks, and mix and apply abrasives, bort, or polishing compounds.Importance 3.6
Show the other 12
- Measure sizes of stones' bore holes and cuts to ensure adherence to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.Importance 4.4
- Sort rough diamonds into categories based on shape, size, color, and quality.Importance 4.2
- Place stones in clamps on polishing machines and polish facets of stones, using felt-covered or canvas-covered polishing wheels and polishing compounds such as tripoli and rouge.Importance 4.1
- Hold stones, gems, dies, or styluses against rotating plates, wheels, saws, or slitters to cut, shape, slit, grind, or polish them.Importance 4.0
- Replace, true, and sharpen blades, drills, and plates.Importance 3.6
- Immerse stones in prescribed chemical solutions to determine specific gravities and key properties of gemstones or substitutes.Importance 3.4
- Secure stones in metal mountings, using solder.Importance 3.4
- Split gems along pre-marked lines to remove imperfections, using blades and jewelers' hammers.Importance 3.1
- Regrind drill points, and advance drill cutting points according to specifications for channel depths and shapes.Importance 3.1
- Lap girdles on rough diamonds, using diamond girdling lathes.Importance 3.0
- Dismantle lapping, boring, cutting, polishing, and shaping equipment and machinery to clean and lubricate it.Importance 2.9
- Regulate the speed of revolutions and reciprocating actions of drilling mechanisms.Importance 2.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- MathematicsImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- English LanguageImportance 2.7Level 2.8
Show all 33
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- MechanicalImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- DesignImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- AdministrativeImportance 2.3Level 2.6
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- TransportationImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- GeographyImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- PhysicsImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- ChemistryImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- PsychologyImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.0Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 4.5Level 5.9Level 6 looks like: Detect minor defects in a diamond
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.9Level 5.5Level 6 looks like: Cut facets in a diamond
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Control PrecisionImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
Show all 52
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- VisualizationImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Number FacilityImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- OriginalityImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Far VisionImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- MemorizationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Rate ControlImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Response OrientationImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Static StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.3Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.5Level 5.7
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 5.7
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 4.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
Show all 41
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Processing InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.8Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.9
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
7 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Tools (7)
- Business accounting software
- Gem identification databases
- GemCad
- Inventory tracking software
- Jewelry design software
- Spectrophotometer analysis software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination +0.6, Writing −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.0, Persuasion −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Craft Artists
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.9, Operations Monitoring −0.8
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Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −0.6, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.7, Equipment Maintenance +0.6
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Model Makers, Wood
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.8, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Average difference 0.2 points · Installation +0.6, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Carpet Installers
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing −0.9, Coordination +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.