Suzanna Kertesz - Gemmologist

My journey with gemstones began 14 years ago when I enrolled in a ten week course called 'Introduction to Gemmology' at the Gemmological Association in New South Wales. At that stage I was twenty-one years old without much direction and desperately trying to find a career path. I had enrolled and dropped out of two separate degree courses at university, nothing seemed to interest me and I felt really lost.

I enrolled in the introductory Gemmology course very casually. I didnt know much about it, but I liked jewellery and I thought it would be something fun to do on Monday nights whilst I tried to find a 'career'. I had no idea that it was to become my lifelong passion. Fourteen years later I am still as excited about Gemmology and jewellery as the first day I discovered it when I was just twenty-one.

After completing the short introductory course, I continued my studies the following year attaining a Diploma in Gemmology and graduating with a distinction. The more I learnt about the industry through both written and practical exams, the more I realised I was on my way to a career. I then gained further qualifications in Diamond Grading, Jewellery and Gemstone Valuing as well as completing a detailed drawing and jewellery Design Course.

Today I have a jewellery and gemstone valuation business, am a Board Member of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (one of only two women on the board in NSW), I also teach at the Gemmological Association. The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) is Australias historic trade-accepted non-profit educational authority for gemmology. Since the GAA was formed in Sydney, on the 29th October 1945, the Association has been responsible for producing Australias gemmologists by educating and updating members of the gem and jewellery industry, and the general public, about all aspects of gemstones and their substitutes. As well as working as a television presenter/jewellery expert at TVSN - Television Shopping Network - Cable Television.

I also source diamonds and unique gemstones for clients and create original custom made pieces. I work with the best jewellers in Sydney. These jewellers specialise in trade work and are often commissioned to make jewellery for the most prestigious jewellery houses in Australia. It is really satisfying to source diamonds and unique gemstones for my clients and create unique custom made pieces.

Working at TVSN - Television Shopping Network - Cable Television - is another career highlight. I co-present some of the jewellery shows as their jewellery expert and appraise all the jewellery that will be featured before each show. On air I discuss the jewellery and gemstones from the perspective of a gemmologist and jewellery valuer. It gives the viewers additional interesting information as well as solidifying the merit to each piece. I also speak about any historical aspects relating to the jewellery and gemstones, for example the designs may be inspired from different periods such as the Art Deco and Art Noveau periods.

The Jewellery industry is an ever evolving and incredibly exciting profession, and there are so many different facets to the industry.

If you are artistic and good with your hands becoming a jeweller or jewellery designer would be a very satisfying profession. If you have an inquisitive scientific mind and enjoy being a detective (FIGURING IT ALL OUT) Gemmology and Jewellery Valuing would be a great profession for you.

If selling is your forte there is a huge range of retail outlets ranging from the most exclusive to the fun and funky, as well as auction houses, antique shops and wholesalers. There is literally something for everyone.

Ive really enjoyed the different areas that I have explored within the same industry and even though it has taken me fourteen years of hard work to get to where I am now " its definitely been worth it " and I appreciate it.
v As soon as I graduated I began teaching at the Gemmological Association (10 years ago) which was a big buzz, but apart from that its really only been in the last three years that Ive made substantial progress in my profession. I encourage anyone that has a passion for jewellery and gemstones to pursue their passion; it will be well worth it.

However I think its important to be aware that it does take time in my industry to gain genuine respect and trust and to build up your contacts.

Once trust is earned - you are halfway there with persistence and dedication and a true love of Gemmology - success can be yours!

FOR ENQUIRIES REGARDING:
Diamond and Gemstone Sourcing, Custom Made Jewellery, Gemstone and Jewellery Valuations as well as Educational options and Trade Associations please call Suzanna Kertesz from Sydney Valuation Centre on 1300 557 056.

SOME FACTS ABOUT SUZANNA KERTESZ
Qualified Gemmologist
Registered Jeweller Valuer (NO:551)
Teacher & Board Member of the Gemmological Association of Australia
Board Member of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers
Television Presenter on TVSN - The Cable Shopping Network
Suzanna is one of two females on the Gemmological Association of Australia
Board of NSW and the youngest at that - she is 35! Suzanna is also a weekly presenter on The Shopping Network!