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Gemstone Cutters/ Polishers

Descriptions & Duties

  • Gemstone Cutters/Polishers use electric and manual tools and machinery to perform precise cutting, grinding, engraving, and polishing of raw gemstones, turning them into high‑quality, lustrous products. They also ensure that the processed gemstones meet customer requirements in terms of shape and brilliance and comply with the company’s overall quality standards.

Generic Competencies

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

  • Physical strength
  • Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Technology Skills

Technology skills

  • Computer literacy
  • Application of technology

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

  • Creativity
  • Visualisation
  • Logical thinking

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Oral / written expression

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Social Skills

Social skills

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Judgement
  • Decision making

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

  • Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Management Skills

Management skills

  • Leadership
  • Management of finance / time / people / other resources

 

Importance:2 (Max:5) 

Skill is occasionally required

 

Trade Specific Competencies

Fundamantal knowledge of Gemology

Gemstone Cutters/Polishers should be familiar with the properties of raw gemstones (such as Rubies and Sapphires), their structural characteristics, color/grain patterns and imperfections. They are also expected to have a certain level of knowledge of the quality grading standards for various raw gemstones.

Principles of Optics in Gemstones

Gemstone Cutters/Polishers need to understand the optical features of different gemstones, and be able to analyse and determine the ideal cutting facet position to optimise the refractive effects.

Cutting and Polishing skills for gemstones with different shapes

Gemstone Cutters/Polishers should have a thorough understanding on the cutting and polishing steps and techniques for different shapes of gemstones (e.g. Faceted and Cabochon styles), as well as the skills required to repair gemstones that have been incorrectly cut/polished.

Patience, Attention to details and Communication skills

Gemstone Cutters/Polishers should be able to handle the grinding and polishing of gemstone facets with great care and patience. They are also required to have good communication skills to engage effectively with customers, with a view to producing products that comply with the specifications and meet customer expectations.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

  • Form 5 or above

Professional qualification

  • Possession of AGIL or FGA certificate is preferred

Experience

  • 1 to 3 years of work experience in gemstone cutting/polishing

Other specific requirements

  • Other Specific Requirements:
    - Training in jewellery craftsmanship (e.g. gemstones cutting, polishing and engraving) is a definite advantage
    - Knowledge of different gemstones’ composition and structure is preferred
    - Knowledge in the application of common computer software (MS Word & Excel) and Chinese word processing
     

Career Path & Salary

Private Sector

Monthly Salary $15,000 - $25,000

Related Education & Training

Work Environment

  • Gemstone Cutters/Polishers typically work indoors in jewellery and gemstone workshops. Subject to operational needs, overtime or irregular working hours may be required.

Tools

  • Magnifying glasses, Microscope, Gemstone Cutting Machine, Grinders, Polishers, Pincers, Engraving tools, Thickness measuring devices

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