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How Michelle McCormick became a Gemmology lecturer

We spoke to Michelle McCormick about how she became a Gemmology and Jewellery Studies lecturer



    Michelle McCormick at Birmingham School of Jewellery

    What I do

    I am a Lecturer at Birmingham City University. I teach BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies. This is a unique degree that teaches the theory and practice of identifying and understanding gemstones. It is a 3-year degree programme. There is also a Foundation pathway and a Masters in Gemmology too.

    Jobs in gemmology

    There are many jobs within our industry and they are varied. Our graduates pursue careers that interest them most within the Gemmology and Jewellery Industry. Careers include; Laboratory Diamond grader, Laboratory Gemmologist, Research Gemmologist, Jewellery and Gemstone Auctioneer cataloguer/valuer, Jewellery appraiser/valuer, Retail jewellery sales, Coloured gemstone dealer, Diamond dealer, Field Gemmologist, Mining and exploration, Education – teaching future Gemmologists.


    • Michelle's photomicrograph. Oil in quartz from Pakistan

    Why craft?

    I started working in a Jewellery shop and soon developed an interest in jewellery designs, how jewellery is made and above all the beautiful gemstones they are set with. My employer supported me to study with The National Association of Goldsmiths (Now known as The National Association of Jewellers) and I discovered that there was so much to learn and that this subject is so fascinating. I then continued with my studies with the N.A.G, Gem-A and Birmingham City University.

    What I studied at school

    GCSE’s Maths, English, Art, French, Biology, Home Economics and Geography.

    At school age I chose the subjects that I enjoyed the most. It was after leaving school when I realised my passion for Jewellery and Gemstones. The students who join our degree have a variety of A level subjects. The subjects that are more closely connected are Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Geography and Photography. However, we do not specify which A-levels our students have providing they demonstrate an interest in our subject and meet the entry requirements.

    What I studied after school

    Personally, the courses that helped me within my profession included a Jewellery diploma, Jewellery appraisal and valuation, two gemstone diplomas, a Diamond grading diploma and a BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies degree.

    I worked within the Jewellery retail industry and then teaching my subject for other trade organisations before becoming a lecturer at Birmingham City University. I have trained for over twenty years however this was due to combining work with studies.


    • Michelle using the FTIR (Advanced spectrometer)

    My career path

    What at first was a job soon developed into a career in the Jewellery industry. I had the opportunity of studying for a Diploma in Jewellery. I progressed within that company to Assistant Manager. A couple more employers and several related qualifications 4 later I became a manager of Jewellery boutique where I had the opportunity to set up a business with the owners. This was a fantastic experience where I helped choose fixtures, fittings, stock and operating systems. I managed this business for 7 years before focussing my career to teaching jewellery and gemmology courses.

    Important decisions

    I have met many excellent gemmology teachers who have inspired me. I enjoyed my first career pathway in Retail Management and now love my career teaching this fascinating subject.


    • Michelle's photomicrograph. Goethrite in quartzjpg

    Challenges

    Working and studying at the same time has been challenging it has required great commitment and hard work. However, all very enjoyable!

    My advice to you

    The jewellery industry is very varied and includes the craft of jewellery & objects, gemmology, horology and business. Go to Open Day’s at Universities and other teaching centres and talk to staff and students to learn more about the career you are thinking about. I would also recommend to the younger generation to study/train/gain qualifications first and work later. It is great to gain a little work experience but put your studies first. Our Gemmology Department at Birmingham City University is part of The School of Jewellery. Many students who are jewellery makers wishing to use gemstones in their designs take short gemmology courses with us. Our degree is very hands on with gem testing, handing and valuing jewellery. Students enjoy taking photos of gemstone inclusions under the microscope too. The students who join our degree usually have 3 A levels or equivalent. We expect our students to also have GCSE maths and English.

    Download resource
    • How Michelle McCormick became a Gemmology and Jewellery Studies lecturer.pdf (727kb)Download

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