Here, here, Daniel. I just wanted to note that GIA does offer some
distance education courses that would offer a beginning point for
learning about gemology, at a lower cost than enrolling in their
campus. You might well choose to do that later, but by then you will
have had a chance to better evaluate the opportunity before you. (GIA
can be found at www.gia.edu)
To get an idea of what the competition is like, you might consider a
trip to Tucson in February. Nothing like walking around town to 30 or
so shows, with thousands of gem dealers, to give you a new
appreciation for how many people are involved in this business. AGTA
also offers a selection of education programs in gemology and
marketing that would be another opportunity to educate yourself. But
be awaRe: many of the shows require a resellers’ tax number and
proof that you’re in the industry, such as invoices showing gem
purchases. Learn more about tucson at www.tucsonshowguide.com.
As Daniel notes, there’s a lot more to being a gem dealer than might
appear at first blush. There is such a range of quality in colored
as well as a wide variety of common treatments, that in
order to be successful, you must be knowledgable. I’ve been writing
about the gem industry for nearly a decade, and I wouldn’t even
consider tackling such an opportunity without more gemological
education than I have. I’m a generalist, and for this biz, you
really have to be a specialist! If you can’t take the time to acquire
the knowledge, pass on the opportunity – it’ll save you from finding
yourself stuck with a bagful of low-quality emerald you paid premium
prices for, and can’t unload. It is possible to build a successful
gem business – but like any business, it takes time, effort, and
education.
And remember, if something seems too good to be true – it probably
is.
Suzanne
Suzanne Wade
writer/editor
Suzanne@rswade.net
Phone: (508) 339-7366
Fax: (520) 563-8255
