Recorded WebinarsOct 02, 2020
Watch: The ‘Microteers’ Talk About Photographing Gem InclusionsGradingApr 21, 2021
A Day in the Life: Zhanna Beissekova, Head Gemologist at IGR London
Beissekova has been dreaming of gemstones since she was a sandbox excavator.
Zhanna Beissekova is the head gemologist at IGR London.
London—Zhanna Beissekova starts her day with a gemstone in one hand and a strong cup of coffee in the other.
As the head gemologist at IGR London, a women-run gemological lab founded by designer Thelma West, Beissekova is tasked with overseeing every aspect of the gemstone grading process.
When she heads to the lab in the morning, one of her first stops is the station where the parcels arrive.
“I come in and take a peek to see what we’re getting today. It’s always exciting. It’s almost like a kid when you open your Christmas presents,” she said. “It’s like ‘Oh my God!’”
Every morning is Christmas morning for Beissekova, who revels in all the different gems and jewels that pass through the lab.
“In gemology, it’s very important how many gemstones and [pieces of] jewelry you see because you may know a lot, in theory, but it’s important to see the items,” she said.
Gemologists swap stories and inclusion pictures all the time, she said, all to the benefit of the field at large.
Beissekova, who earned her diamond and colored gems diploma from The Gemmological Association of Great Britain in 2016, is especially animated when talking about inclusions.
“You look at one inclusion, then there is another one. Then you figure out what actually happened to this stone, what story it’s telling you, where it’s from. That’s the most exciting thing.”
Grading is her favorite part of the job, she said, and she’s fascinated by how every stone, even within the same species, is different from the other.
As the head gemologist at IGR London, a women-run gemological lab founded by designer Thelma West, Beissekova is tasked with overseeing every aspect of the gemstone grading process.
When she heads to the lab in the morning, one of her first stops is the station where the parcels arrive.
“I come in and take a peek to see what we’re getting today. It’s always exciting. It’s almost like a kid when you open your Christmas presents,” she said. “It’s like ‘Oh my God!’”
Every morning is Christmas morning for Beissekova, who revels in all the different gems and jewels that pass through the lab.
“In gemology, it’s very important how many gemstones and [pieces of] jewelry you see because you may know a lot, in theory, but it’s important to see the items,” she said.
Gemologists swap stories and inclusion pictures all the time, she said, all to the benefit of the field at large.
Beissekova, who earned her diamond and colored gems diploma from The Gemmological Association of Great Britain in 2016, is especially animated when talking about inclusions.
“You look at one inclusion, then there is another one. Then you figure out what actually happened to this stone, what story it’s telling you, where it’s from. That’s the most exciting thing.”
Grading is her favorite part of the job, she said, and she’s fascinated by how every stone, even within the same species, is different from the other.
“I love when you put it under the microscope,” she said. “You look and there’s a whole other world.”
A handful of colorful gemstones graded at IGR London
There’s always a new specimen to see, which is partly why, Beissekova said, it’s helpful for gemologists to share their findings.
Sometimes, when looking through the microscope, she’ll see something especially interesting and have to call over some colleagues to show off her findings.
Just like some people find shapes in the clouds, Beissekova finds her own in gemstone inclusions and can’t keep the fun to herself.
“The imagination goes wild. Some may look like a flower or the Northern Lights.”
Lighting the Spark
Before she spent her days peering through a microscope, Beissekova studied business management and did administrative work for an oil and gas company in her native Kazakhstan.
But it wasn’t for her.
Her grandparents worked in Kazakhstan’s mining and gas industries, sharing stories that planted a seed of interest in geology early in life that, later, evolved into an interest in gemology.
“One day, I decided to have an expedition of my own. I went to the playground and I dug up a hole, but I didn’t find anything. Just some pebbles, but I said, ‘Oh OK, that must be it.’”
Her grandfather explained that mining was slightly more involved than that, telling her that you can also find gemstones deep in the earth.
And that’s how the spark was lit.
Finding a career in gemology, however, is not easy to do in Kazakhstan, Beissekova said, because the jewelry trade is small and hard to join. So, she packed her things and headed to London to study.
After learning a bit more about gemology, she knew it was the only choice for her and set out to build a career.
‘Who You Know Is Very Important’
Beissekova’s days as a gemologist can be hectic, juggling ringing phones and report requests.
Though she normally works 9-to-5, her days can run longer if it’s busy or she’s participating in a talk or webinar.
She doesn’t seem to mind at all.
“When you do something that you love, I would say that it’s not enough.”
Throughout her busy days, she has the support of her team behind her. They usually meet up in the morning to talk over coffee and see how everyone is doing.
The team at IGR London is small, so they are always checking on each other. It’s a team effort at the lab, for sure, with every stone examined by more than two people to compare notes and confirm the grading.
When Beissekova isn’t grading gemstones, she’s helping to photograph them, leaning into her creative side.
She’s been snapping pictures since college and even took a course in jewelry illustration.
Despite her interest in photography, Beissekova is adamant that she won’t be changing careers anytime soon.
If she wasn’t a gemologist, she would be a jeweler, she said, but definitely isn’t considering a line of work outside of gems and jewelry.
“No, no, no, no,” she said. “I would never leave the industry.”
For those looking to join the industry, Beissekova shared some words of wisdom and harsh realities.
“Because it’s quite a niche occupation and industry, who you know is very important. It’s very hard to get into the industry and find a job.”
To land her job at IGR London, Beissekova, a newcomer to the industry and to London, had to get her face out there.
She recommends looking for internships and workshops, and participating in talks, seminars, and webinars. Show up where you can and ask questions.
And don’t forget to practice, she said, even if you’re just looking at your friends’ jewelry.
“Apart from having your education, your base and foundation that the university gave you, you always learn on the job,” Beissekova said.
“The industry is constantly changing, so you basically have to adapt and change yourself with it.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship StoreLocated in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsThe deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff ConcernsWhat’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and FocusNow called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian EmeraldsIt includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue BookThe “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
