I’ll never forget the sense of wonder I felt when I attended my first gem and mineral show in Denver as an 18-year-old. Surrounded by sparkly treasures from around the world, I was immediately captivated by their diverse beauty and vibrant colors. Although I purchased a few pieces at the time, I didn’t dive fully into the gem world again for many years. Life took me in a different direction—toward a career in property management.
Yet, deep down, I never lost my fascination with the intrinsic magic that gemstones hold. Eventually, that initial spark led me to pursue gemology, and it completely transformed my life. Today, I am proud to run Geralyn Sheridan Designs, creating unique fine jewelry informed by my formal gemological education. Let me tell you a bit more about what is a gemologist and how I became one. And I’ll also share a day in the life of a gemologist who also happens to be a jewelry designer and goldsmith.
After several years in property management, I had the exciting opportunity to attend the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). I fully immersed myself in the discipline by pursuing—and ultimately earning—my Graduate Gemologist diploma.
At the same time, I dove into metalsmithing courses, as I felt it was important to acquire both scientific knowledge and hands-on skills before venturing into designing high-quality jewelry. Once I completed these trainings, I knew my path was set: I would become a jewelry maker who understood every facet of the gems I used. I saw how valuable it was to combine education with creativity, and that duality became the foundation of Geralyn Sheridan Designs.
Becoming a gemologist involves an extensive, science-based curriculum, which covers gem identification, grading, and analysis. In short, what is a gemologist? A gemologist is someone who studies the optical and physical properties of gemstones and is trained to identify and evaluate them. Each gem has unique characteristics—like refractive index, clarity features, or chemical composition—that help confirm its authenticity and value. I found it incredibly empowering to gain this knowledge. Not only did it deepen my admiration for gemstones, but it also gave me the confidence and expertise to educate clients and ensure the best quality in each piece I design.
When it comes to a typical day in the life of a gemologist, the truth is, no two days look the same. As a small business owner, I wear many hats: gemologist, jewelry designer, goldsmith, and entrepreneur. My schedule is a mix of tasks that involve both the scientific side of gem analysis and the artistic side of jewelry making.
Some days, I’ll spend hours in my workspace examining diamonds or colored gemstones. This can include:
These analyses help me verify quality, plan designs, or provide gem identification and appraisal services for clients. It’s meticulous work, but I love the precision and the thrill of discovery. Every gem has its own story, and I’m the one responsible for telling it accurately.
Then there are days when I’m in full-on creative mode. I’ll wander around my studio, sketching out new concepts or experimenting with novel wax-carving techniques. Lately, I’ve been captivated by a Japanese wax called Mitsuro Hikime, which allows me to achieve unique curves and textures in gold. Sometimes inspiration comes from a simple walk in nature—a distinctive piece of bark or the subtle shape of sugar crystals in a lovely bowl might spark an idea for a new design. I cherish these moments of artistic spontaneity and let the gems guide me. After all, every gemstone deserves to be showcased in a way that honors its character.
Gemstones are as diverse as they are enchanting. From hard stones like diamonds, which rank at a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, to softer gemstones, every stone has a distinct set of properties that inform how I design around it. A diamond might be the best candidate for a ring you plan to wear daily, whereas a softer gem like opal would necessitate a more protective setting. My knowledge of gemology ensures I can engineer pieces that safeguard delicate stones while still showcasing them as the showstoppers they are.
Equally important is the color and cut of a gem. Certain stones exhibit unique phenomena like chatoyancy (the cat’s eye effect) or color-change properties, and these features can inform everything from the type of metal I choose to how I orient the gem in its setting.
One of the biggest challenges I face in my dual role is striking a balance between the right-brain creativity and left-brain technical and business tasks. I thrive on the science of gemology, but I also love the boundless creativity of design and the precision of goldsmithing. Add in the administrative responsibilities of running a business, and you have a lot to juggle.
I’ve found that compartmentalizing my schedule can help. I try to dedicate entire days (or blocks of time) to specific tasks—such as business strategy, gemstone analysis, or design work—so I can immerse myself fully without feeling pulled in multiple directions. Hiring help when I can is also key, whether it’s for bookkeeping or marketing, because it frees me to focus on the areas where my passion truly lies. Being part of a professional community is another great resource; we share leads, suppliers, subcontractors, and coaching, which is enormously helpful in overcoming the everyday challenges of running a jewelry business.
Ethical sourcing is a top priority for me. I’m a member of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), and I work with reputable dealers who uphold the highest ethical standards. I also attend gem shows where I can handpick gemstones, ensuring I trust the quality and traceability of each piece. Being a gemologist allows me to analyze and confidently grade the stones I acquire, so I feel secure in the value I’m passing on to my clients.
Additionally, I sometimes use lab-grown sapphires, which are a more eco-friendly and affordable choice for those seeking a high-quality yet sustainable gemstone. Whenever possible, I also incorporate American-sourced gems, as I find it rewarding to celebrate local resources.
If you’re aspiring to become a gemologist or jewelry designer, my biggest recommendation is to invest in a solid education. There are many paths in the jewelry industry, from costume jewelry to one-of-a-kind fine jewelry. Understanding the fundamentals—both scientifically and artistically—will set you apart and enable you to create pieces of true quality and value.
Take the time to explore different avenues, whether it’s bench work, stone cutting, or design. Participate in gem and mineral shows, workshops, and trade organizations where you can learn from experienced professionals. Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and master the craft. Every day you spend working hands-on with gems and metals is a day closer to finding your unique voice as a designer.
My journey has been anything but linear, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. What began as a teenage fascination blossomed into a fulfilling career that marries science, art, and business. I’m grateful to share my passion for gemology and jewelry design through Geralyn Sheridan Designs. As my creativity continues to evolve, I remain anchored by the knowledge and respect I have for the gemstones I use. Whether I’m meticulously grading a diamond or carving wax to achieve a perfect organic curve, each day gives me a chance to celebrate the wonder of gems.
I hope this answers the question “what is a gemologist” in an interesting way and gives you a glimpse into a day in the life of a gemologist. If you’re on your own path to becoming a jewelry designer—or simply curious about how these dazzling pieces come to life—remember that dedication, education, and passion are the driving forces behind every great design. My journey is a testament to the power of following your spark. If it glitters, it just might be gold—or, in my case, a new calling waiting to be embraced.
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