How to become a diamond dealer?
It is often said that diamonds are a woman's best friend, they also represent a global market of 41 billion dollars. Although there are many people involved in this trade, from miners to distributors, it is the diamond dealers who are responsible for putting these magnificent precious stones into the hands of customers. Whether you love being surrounded by fine jewelry or are fascinated by the stone in elle itself, a career as a diamond dealer may be for you. So, how to get started?
The profession of diamond dealer often makes people dream. It is a profession of excellence, coveted and different. Indeed, this profession is not like the others, it is a profession of art. It's art, an art of precision. As a diamond dealer, we see the most beautiful things that nature has offered us every day.
The profession of diamond dealer is being able to imagine diamonds shining on the most beautiful pieces of jewelry. Being a diamond dealer is a world apart, it's almost a magical world, it's a know-how.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A DIAMOND DEALER?
Behind every perfect engagement ring is a diamond dealer who knows the 4Cs well: cut, clarity, carat, and color. Their keen eye is unmatched when it comes to finding the true value of a gemstone. To the naked eye, cheap cubic zirconia is indistinguishable from a perfect natural diamond, until you look at the price tag. Diamond dealers make sure to find the perfect stone for you.
The functions of a diamond dealer can vary. Indeed, a diamond dealer can very well cut rough diamonds as well as sell the diamonds in their final state. It's a broad profession with different functions, where you don't always do the same thing. But some diamond dealers prefer to focus on a single aspect of their profession.
What is certain is that diamond dealers never get bored, it's a profession that can suit different people. (Fun fact: the profession of diamond dealer is the only profession in the world of gemology that is specialized in a single and unique stone: the diamond).
The diamond cutter can cut rough diamonds to transform them into the shapes we all know (brilliant, round, princess, oval...). The diamond cutter transforms nature to make something exceptional. This transformation is very important, it is the cut of the diamond that allows it to reflect light and therefore to be so brilliant. The diamond cutter performs this aspect of the job in a workshop and does what is called cleaving, sawing, roughing and many other actions to make the stone intensely brilliant.
The diamond cutter can also sell diamonds. The diamond cutter will then choose quality diamonds either to sell and work with jewelry houses, or to sell on his own by creating his own brand. The diamond cutter also has the role of finding the rare gem for his clients, he must know how to search, negotiate and make his customers happy.
A diamond dealer has various tasks of several kinds:
● Ensure the finishes
● Know how to harmonize shapes and colors
● Know how to practice art drawing
● Prepare the crystals
● Know how to handle instruments and machines with precision
● Determine the 4C diamond qualification criteria
● Have a gift or knowledge about negotiation
You've noticed this job is full of surprises. It's an exciting and bouncing job, which will suit manual people as well as people who enjoy contact with others.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES AND SKILLS OF A DIAMOND CUTTER?
The diamond cutter's profession is vast, it can never be stressed enough, a diamond cutter can spend all day in workshops or be in constant negotiation to make his customers happy. So for all these aspects, he must have a special profile.
A diamond cutter must be precise, organized, meticulous, skillful and creative. But he must also have a great ability to concentrate and be patient. The diamond cutter must ensure that he respects safety instructions and rules for handling precious materials. He must work the diamond while respecting its physical and chemical properties. With the evolution of technology, the diamond cutter may be required to make 3D representations (for a custom order for example). Having a gift for negotiation and a commercial instinct is a plus. Indeed, the diamond cutter must know how to sell his stones and jewelry to a sometimes selective clientele.
THE INDUSTRY CAN BE EXCLUSIVE BUT NOT ONLY THAT...
The diamond trade industry is extremely exclusive. Most diamond dealers come from a family business. These families buy and sell to families already known in the field. This does not mean that it is impossible to break into this trade. You need to raise capital and find a dealer willing to sell you precious stones. Money talks, and as there is a limited amount of natural diamonds, it will be quite costly to assemble your initial inventory.
WHERE AND HOW ARE DIAMONDS FORMED?
In France, there are different ways to train for the profession of diamond cutter. Passionate about this universe forever, it is possible for you to start training after 9th grade, after the baccalaureate, or at any time in your life.
It's never too late to realize your dreams.
WHAT TRAINING AFTER THE 9TH GRADE?
It is not necessary to have formal training, but it helps to boost your career. Schools such as the Gemological Institute of America will teach you everything you need to know about diamonds. Remember, this is a highly specialized skill as the price of a diamond varies greatly depending on what you see under the microscope. There are different options available to you, one of which is to follow a 2-year vocational training course after 9th grade. This training is interesting because you will be trained in real time by companies. Indeed, the vast majority of these trainings are done alternately, which means that the student will spend half of the time in a company.
There are different places where you can do a vocational training course such as:
● SEPR : initial vocational training center in Rhône-Alpes
● Haute École de Joaillerie : in Paris, this school offers a lapidary vocational training course with a diamond option. The lapidary vocational training course with a diamond option allows the apprentice to know everything about stone cutting, from crystallization to the use of the right tools... The student is also able to make technical and artistic drawings in 3 dimensions.
WHAT TRAINING AFTER THE BACCALAUREATE?
After the BAC, it is possible to head towards a bachelor's degree in specialized schools. Again, the student will have the opportunity to do internships or alternations to further their training.
There are different places where you can do a bachelor's degree such as :
● ING Paris/Lyon : in 3 years, the future diamond dealer learns to identify and then recognize the gems used in high jewelry. The National Institute of Gemmology allows its students to have a busy and complete program. Courses in commercial techniques, geopolitics, history of gems and others intertwine with the hours spent in the laboratory studying gems. This training allows candidates to prepare for the competition to obtain a European diploma. The levels of gemmology in this school are 4.
(Fun fact: you can do internships for several weeks in this school, this offer may be ideal for professionals or for a career change)
● Gem School : in Versailles, this school will even allow professionals to perfect their techniques and their learning.
There are a few other places where you can train for this fascinating profession. You can also train abroad with one of the largest independent laboratories: the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA).
Many diamond dealers have never been "officially" trained, either from several generations of diamond dealers, or directly trained by a diamond dealer. This is a rather delicate option, but it can work.
WORKING WITH A GEMSTONE OR DIAMOND ASSOCIATION
The more contacts you have, the better off you'll be in an industry where everything is about sales. For this reason, many diamond dealers choose to work with local associations. This organization provides a list ranging from local members to novices in diamond trading. How you use this list is entirely up to you, but contacting local members can help you gain experience and contacts.
MAKE YOUR DIAMOND PATH
The best way to get started in the diamond trade is to progress. Take an entry-level or junior role at a jeweler or stone merchant to gain experience. Don't forget to keep your contacts, as the industry is a matter of trust. Diamond trading is a world based on contacts, and the more relationships you have, the more people there will be who can buy from you in the future.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAVELING AS A DIAMOND DEALER?
The best way to get started in the diamond trade is to progress. Take an entry-level or junior role at a jeweler or stone merchant to gain experience. Don't forget to keep your contacts, as the industry is a matter of trust. Diamond trading is a world based on contacts, and the more relationships you have, the more people there will be who can buy from you in the future.
CERTIFY YOUR DIAMONDS TO THE MAXIMUM
Before launching your business, make sure all your diamonds are certified. The Gemological Institute of America, the International Gemological Institute, and the American Gem Society all certify diamonds for the 4Cs. In addition, a certificate of authenticity, issued by the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab, serves as verification of your diamond's quality. Certification gives customers a promesse of value and builds trust. Diamonds are a major investment, and this little piece of paper proves they're worth it.
AN EXCITING JOB BUT WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
Jewelry is a booming industry that continues to evolve and reinvent itself, just like the diamond market. The diamond is the most demanded stone in the world and its sales are increasing. The great Jewelry Houses like to surround themselves with skilled craftsmen. This demanding profession will always be in demand for novelty and new craftsmen.
One becomes a diamond dealer out of passion, for the love of the brightest stone in the world and everyone loves what shines. In short, the magical world of diamonds has not said its last word.
1) Harry Winston is a famous diamond dealer who bought the third largest diamond in the world: the Vargas. This diamond dealer cut this huge diamond of 726.6 carats into more than twenty other diamonds.
2) Antwerp is the diamond capital. The Celinni is a member of the Rough Diamond Exchange in Antwerp which explains why our diamonds are cheaper.
3) The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world, due to its imposing weight but also its blue color. This diamond is also known because it is said to have a curse. Its last owner: Evalyn Walsh McLean would have allowed the children of the house to play with it. This would explain the many abrasions of this jewel.
Congratulations! You have all the cards in hand to become an incredible diamond dealer.
The Celinni offers you a free introduction to gemology in our showrooms. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
DISCOVER OUR OTHER GUIDES:
