Accredited Gemmologist – Why Real Expertise is No Coincidence
My Training as a Gemologist in Bangkok – Six Months in the Center of the Colored Gemstone World
If you truly want to understand gemstones, you have to go where they are traded. That's exactly why I spent six months at the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) in Bangkok, where I trained to become an accredited gemologist*/Accredited Gemologist* (A.G.).
*Gemology = the study of gemstones - a subfield of mineralogy that deals exclusively with gemstones.
Bangkok is considered one of the most important centers of the international colored gemstone trade. Traders, cutters, and gemologists from all over the world meet here. Rubies, sapphires, spinels, or alexandrites – hardly anywhere else can you see so many extraordinary gemstones as in this city.
For me, this period was not just a training, but an intensive immersion into the world of gemology and the international gemstone trade.
Why I Trained as a Gemologist
Although I have been working in the gemstone business for several years, I wanted to deepen my knowledge. It was important for me to offer my clients advice based on sound gemological training and internationally recognized expertise.
Especially in the gemstone trade, trust is crucial. Many stones on the market are treated or synthetically produced. Therefore, it is important that a gemologist can scientifically analyze and correctly evaluate gemstones.
With the training at AIGS in Bangkok, I wanted to further expand precisely this expertise.
Gemology in Practice – My Training at AIGS
A central part of the training was gemstone identification in the laboratory. With the help of instruments such as a microscope, refractometer, or spectroscope, gemologists learn to determine gemstones based on their physical properties.
Another important area was the distinction between natural, synthetic, and treated gemstones – a crucial topic in the international gemstone trade.
Furthermore, we intensively dealt with the grading of gemstones, i.e., their evaluation according to color, clarity, cut, and market value. Especially with high-quality colored gemstones, minimal differences can have a great impact on the price.
Diamondology was also part of the training.
Gemstones Outside the Laboratory
Besides the training, the experiences outside the institute were particularly formative. In Bangkok, I was able to regularly visit gemstone markets and meet traders from all over the world.
A visit to a mine was a particularly impressive moment for me. Only there does it truly become visible how much work goes into every single gemstone.
I also got to try cutting a gemstone myself – an experience that conveys great respect for the work of cutters.
A Trained Eye – and New Favorite Stones
During this time, I learned to trust my eye even more. Some experienced dealers told me I had a good knack for selecting exactly those stones that are truly exceptional from many others.
At the same time, I realized how complex the world of gemstones is. The more you learn, the more you realize how much more there is to discover.
Interestingly, my personal taste has also changed. A gemstone that barely interested me before now fascinates me particularly: Alexandrite, known for its impressive color change.
What This Training Means for Valoterna
The training as an Accredited Gemologist has not only changed my view of gemstones but has also shaped our work at Valoterna.
Our quality standards are even higher today. Every gemstone is carefully checked, and we attach great importance to transparency. Meanwhile, we have all our gemstones internationally certified – even smaller stones under 500 Euros.
The title A.G. – Accredited Gemologist is therefore more than just a qualification for me. It stands for an important milestone, for a seal of quality – and for a promise to our customers.
Because anyone who buys a gemstone from Valoterna should feel secure. For us, advice always comes before a quick sale.