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Diamond Grading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our office in Diamond Bar, CA is seeking a Geotechnical/Soils Technician to perform field duties ... The main focus of this position is providing grading observation and field fill placement and ...

Soils Technician

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Our office in Diamond Bar, CA is seeking a Geotechnical/Soils Technician to perform field duties ... The main focus of this position is providing grading observation and field fill placement and ...

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Diamond Grading information

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$9

$17

$31

How much do diamond grading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for diamond grading in the United States is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do diamond graders get paid?

Diamond graders typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced graders with GIA certification can earn higher salaries, often working in jewelry stores, laboratories, or appraisal firms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a diamond grader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Diamond Grader, you need a solid understanding of gemology, attention to detail, and often a certification such as the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma. Familiarity with grading tools like microscopes, loupes, and spectrometers, as well as diamond grading systems (e.g., the 4Cs), is typically required. Strong observational skills, integrity, and effective communication help in accurately assessing stones and conveying findings clearly. These competencies are crucial to ensure precise grading, uphold industry standards, and support consumer trust in diamond quality.

What are some common challenges faced by diamond graders and how can they overcome them?

Diamond graders often encounter challenges such as identifying very subtle differences in color, clarity, and cut, which requires intense concentration and a keen eye for detail. Additionally, working under tight deadlines to meet industry demands can be stressful. To overcome these challenges, graders benefit from ongoing training, utilizing standardized grading tools, and collaborating with experienced colleagues for second opinions when uncertain. Maintaining a consistent and methodical approach helps ensure accuracy and reliability in their assessments.

How do you become a diamond grader?

To become a diamond grader, individuals typically complete specialized training or certification through industry organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). They learn to evaluate diamonds based on the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—and often gain experience working in jewelry or gemology labs. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of gemological tools are essential for this role.

What is diamond grading?

Diamond grading is the process of evaluating the quality and characteristics of a diamond based on specific criteria, often referred to as the 4Cs: Carat weight, Cut, Color, and Clarity. Professional diamond graders use standardized tools and methods to assess these attributes and assign grades that help determine a diamond's value and authenticity. These grades are typically documented on a diamond grading report or certificate, which is essential for buyers, sellers, and appraisers. Accredited organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) set the industry standards for diamond grading.

What is the difference between Diamond Grading vs Gemologist?

AspectDiamond GradingGemologist
CredentialsGIA Diamond Grading CertificationGIA Gemologist Certification
Work EnvironmentJewelry labs, grading institutionsJewelry stores, appraisal labs, labs, or independent
Industry UsageSpecifically evaluates diamondsEvaluates various gemstones including diamonds
FocusAssessing diamond quality based on 4CsIdentifying, grading, and appraising multiple gemstones

Diamond grading specialists focus specifically on evaluating diamonds using the 4Cs, often holding GIA Diamond Grading Certifications. Gemologists have broader expertise, assessing various gemstones and often holding GIA Gemologist Certifications. While diamond graders specialize in diamond quality, gemologists provide comprehensive gemstone evaluations, making their roles complementary but distinct within the jewelry industry.

What are diamond grading jobs?

Training as a diamond grader opens up several possible career paths. Positions include a bench jeweler who repairs gems, a designer who creates pieces, and an appraiser who assesses a monetary value. Experience in appraisals, particularly, help individuals seeking work in wholesale trade or with an auction house, allowing better judgments regarding purchases. Research professionals examine current practices and find ways to improve the processing of gems and manufacturing methods. Responsibilities vary according to position and employer. Most opportunities are in a laboratory or office setting with travel more likely in sales-oriented positions.

What cities are hiring for Diamond Grading jobs?

Cities with the most Diamond Grading job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Diamond Grading jobs?

The most popular types of Diamond Grading jobs are:

What states have the most Diamond Grading jobs?

States with the most job openings for Diamond Grading jobs include:

Infographic showing various Diamond Grading job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,348 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Project Engineer - STEVE HANSON LANDSCAPING

Diamond Landscaping

Santa Barbara, CA

$77K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

For decades, SHL has been a trusted partner to estate residential clients, designers, and general contractors—creating exceptional outdoor environments through craftsmanship, precision, and reliability. As we continue to grow our business, we have an increased need for Project Management skills to meet the needs of our clients.
 
Overview
We are currently searching for a Residential Landscape Construction Project Engineer to support our customer facing operations and ensuring that we deliver a distinctive product that meets our customer’s needs in a timely and seamless fashion.  This relationship intensive position serves as a link between our customers, designers, production team and general contractors to ensure that the evolving needs of the project get met in a timely, high-quality fashion.
In a nutshell, we need a leader with great communication skills to understand what the customer wants, how the project should proceed, can evaluate on site where the project is against the plan and initiate the actions and communications necessary to ensure a totally satisfied customer and a great looking project.
Responsibilities
  • Project Design Knowledge:
  • Can lead upfront discussions with clients to frame the opportunity for our designers
  • Develop a full understanding of the project design and the customer’s vision for their property
  • Develop a clear view of all the overall schedule, key contractors and the critical path to meet the deadline
  • Stay current with evolving client vision for their project and the obstacles to achieving that vision

  • Relationship Leadership
  • Establishes a trust-based relationship with the client and the client representatives
  • Works effectively with SHL’s Designers and Production Leadership (superintendent or project foreman) to ensure seamless and timely communication
  • Develops strong, bi-lateral relationships with other trades who are critical to a successful project

  • Project Oversight & Leadership
  • Proactivity, proactivity, proactivity
  • Monitor projects onsite on a daily to weekly basis depending on project size, scope and complexity
  • Review project quality to ensure SHL work is meeting the specification and make sure changes get made promptly
  • Observe the status of all key trades and have a full understanding of our interfaces with them
  • Tracks project progress and costs, including reviewing receipts
  • Ensure proper and timely invoicing
  • Ensure collections are made in a timely manner
  • Document Everything

  • Customer and Vendor Communications
  • Relentless communicator with a passion for keeping all parties fully informed
  • Strong client relationships built on a deep understanding of the landscape needs and an ability to connect with them more broadly
  • Ensure enough contact with the customer and their representatives to know what they are thinking and how it is changing
  • Prepare, communicate and negotiate change orders, get proper approval, get info to production and accounting and ensure that these records are complete and up to date
  • Ensure all relevant production and design personnel are fully up to speed
  • Can motivate interested parties to take needed actions with a sense of urgency

  • Support Project Superintendent in key areas when needed
  • Schedule subcontractors, consultants, and vendors in critical path to ensure timely completion
  • Order materials
  • Coordinate plant sourcing with client/designer and our internal plant purchaser
  • Coordinate inspections with local jurisdictions
  • Identify subcontractor non-compliance with safety, health, and environmental quality standards.
  • Ensure subcontractors have corrected all deficiencies identified by project team
  • Identify conflicts in construction progress and communicate for resolution

  • Quality Control
  • Perform quality control duties and responsibilities regarding the work being performed with enough regularity to stay on top of the job
  • Ensure that projects are meeting highest industry standards for excellence
  • Instill a culture that celebrates a high level of precision and craftsmanship
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 10-15 years of project management experience in high-end residential home building or landscape construction industry in Southern California
  • Knowledge of landscape construction including grading, drainage, irrigation, hardscapes, planting, and lighting
  • Ability to read and interpret plans and details
  • A legacy of highly satisfied customers
  • Strong verbal communications across a range of communication styles
  • Portray a positive, “will do whatever it takes” attitude
  • Communicate effectively with staff, clients, subcontractors, and visitors
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Strong Character
  • Energetic, self-motivated, strong organizational skills, proactive planner, with strong work ethic
  • Poised/confident individual with an ability to respond effectively under pressure while being dedicated/committed to meeting deadlines and achieving results
  • Demonstrate initiative with an ability to effectively work within a team environment in a field services business
  • Excellent Work Habits
  • Punctual, reliable, and intelligent individual with the ability to take direction as well as guide others
  • Effective multi-tasker who is timely in completing tasks with accuracy
  • Must be able to drive to assigned job sites 
We offer a competitive package including a base salary range, plus bonus depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and certifications. We offer benefits; paid time off; and the opportunity to grow and learn in a stable work environment that values your contributions.
We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome all perspectives and are committed to ensuring an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage veterans and their spouses to apply.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.