Careers

Your career path in gems & jewelry

An IIG America qualification opens doors across retail, trading, labs, and design — at every scale from an independent jeweler to a global maison.

Opportunities

Career opportunities

Gemologist

Identify, grade, and appraise gemstones for retailers, wholesalers, and laboratories.

Recommended courses

Gemology Graduate
Masters in Gemology

Salary range (US)

$45,000 – $95,000

Diamond Grader

Evaluate diamonds using the 4Cs for labs, trading houses, and retail chains.

Recommended courses

Diamond Graduate Course
Advanced Diamond Grading

Salary range (US)

$50,000 – $110,000

Jewelry Designer

Create original collections, custom commissions, and manufacturing-ready CAD.

Recommended courses

Jewelry Design Graduate
Masters in Jewelry Design

Salary range (US)

$40,000 – $90,000

Jewelry Appraiser

Provide certified valuations for insurance, estate, and resale purposes.

Recommended courses

Gemology Graduate
Jewelry Grading & Certification

Salary range (US)

$55,000 – $120,000

Diamond Trader

Buy and sell diamonds in wholesale and retail markets across America and globally.

Recommended courses

Masters in Diamonds
Rough Diamond Assortment

Salary range (US)

$60,000 – $200,000+

Retail Jewelry Manager

Lead a jewelry retail team, manage inventory, and drive sales performance.

Recommended courses

Retail Sales Management
Merchandising Professional

Salary range (US)

$45,000 – $85,000

Salary ranges are indicative, based on public US labor data and industry reports. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.

Industry Network

Job placement partners

IIG graduates are actively recruited by leading companies in the gem and jewelry industry.

Tiffany & Co.CartierZalesSignet JewelersBlue NileBrilliant EarthGIADe Beers GroupLVMH Watches & JewelryRichline GroupFred Meyer JewelersIndependent jewelersChristie’sSotheby’s

98%

Placement rate

500+

Hiring partners

6 mo.

Avg. time to hire

Let’s map out your career

Our admissions team can recommend the right course and timeline for your career goals.

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