5 Things to Consider Before Entering the Gems & Jewellery Industry

I have a large collection of gems. Now what?

As an adult educator specialised in gemology, there is a large percentage of learners who are from the general public coming to learn about gemstones, jade or diamonds because they had been buying and collecting these precious materials for a while. More often than not, at one point in time, the thought of switching careers or starting a gem business crossed their minds. 

I have attempted to provide career coaching sessions (after I have gone through some professional career coaching courses) to those who are keen to enter into this industry. While there is a wide variety of career development theories that a career coach can apply to help their coachees, I found that these applies better to those who are rather unsure or even fearful about their future. 

Watch this video to learn more about my journey entering into this industry.

So what are the 5 things to consider before entering the gems & jewellery industry?

1. Passion is Important, But So is Patience

Falling in love with gems is often the easy part. But sustaining that love through long hours, steep learning curves, and sometimes slow-moving markets—that’s where the real challenge begins. This is an industry built on relationships and reputation, not overnight success. You may spend months (or years) studying stones, visiting suppliers, and building trust before you see major breakthroughs.

If you’re someone who expects instant results, the initial phase can be discouraging. But if you’re in it for the long haul, the rewards are deeply fulfilling—personally, professionally, and even spiritually.

2. Learn the Language of Gemstones

The beauty of a gemstone is more than skin-deep. Each stone has a unique story, structure, and science behind it. If you want to be taken seriously in this field, you must learn to speak the language—from refractive indices to crystal systems, from inclusions to treatments and origins.

Courses from institutions like GIA, Gem-A, or HRD can equip you with foundational knowledge, but beyond certifications, it’s about developing an eye for detail and a hunger to keep learning. It’s also about translating technical terms into stories your customers can understand—making the complex feel personal. This learning process also involves humility - there's always someone who knows better than you.

3. Ethics and Transparency Matter More Than Ever

This industry has been under scrutiny for decades—think blood diamonds, underpaid miners, environmental degradation. But things are changing, and consumers are paying attention. They want to know:

Where did this gem come from? Who mined it? Was it done ethically?

As a professional, you need to be informed about supply chain issues, responsible sourcing, and new technologies that support transparency (like blockchain traceability or mine-to-market certification). It’s not enough to sell beautiful things—you must be willing to stand for something, too.

4. It’s Not Just a Product — It’s a Story

Jewellery is rarely just bought; it’s chosen. It marks a moment, carries memory, and expresses identity. This makes storytelling one of the most powerful tools you can have in this trade. Who made the piece? Where did the stone come from? What does this design symbolize?

Whether you’re selling online, at exhibitions, or face-to-face with a client, your story can elevate the value of your product far beyond its carat weight. People may forget specs—but they remember how your story made them feel. Storytelling is an important element of communication. This takes time to learn too!

5. Know Your Niche — and Be Ready to Pivot

The gems and jewellery industry is incredibly diverse. You might find your calling in bridal jewellery, custom design, vintage pieces, coloured gemstones, gemstone investing, or even lab-grown artificial gem materials. But whatever niche you choose, be prepared for change.

Trends evolve. Geopolitics affect gemstone availability. Technology disrupts. (Think lab-grown diamonds, AI-powered grading, 3D printing, or virtual try-ons.) The most successful players are not only experts in their field—they’re also adaptable.

Final Thoughts

Entering the gems and jewellery industry is not just about selling beautiful objects (or clearing up the collection that you do not like anymore). It’s about understanding the earth, respecting craftsmanship, telling stories, building trust, and holding yourself to a standard that transcends mere profit.

If you feel a genuine pull toward this world—don’t be afraid to start. But come with open eyes, a teachable heart, and a deep respect for both the tradition and transformation within the industry. After all, even the most precious gem begins as a buried rough stone—waiting to be uncovered, studied, cut, and finally, revealed.

Many of my students are successful today, but they started at least 10 years ago. Often, they start with a curiosity of learning more about gems. And then they start to make networks and build relationships. Some of them start off as consumers, and then they made partnerships with their sellers. Whichever way it may be, this industry is definitely fun and full of opportunities. 

If you like to speak to someone about switching careers, feel free to fill in the contact form in my website! 

Ms. Loke graduated with a BSc. (Pharm) and Dip. in Gemmology (UK). She had been teaching gemmology since 2010 and had co-founded The Gem Museum, Singapore. The Gem Museum is the first and most comprehensive gems and minerals museum in Singapore open to the public. 

In 2021, she was licensed as a financial planner (RNF LHY300589568). Her vision is to be the go-to person for families and businesses that believe in building and leaving a legacy for generations. To contact Sarah for a chit-chat session, email her at huiying@gem.com.sg or WhatsApp +65 97324091.