What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- Accredited gemological training: GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) or Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP) from the Gemological Institute of America, a FEEG diploma (Federation for European Education in Gemmology) or a qualification from the Spanish Gemmological Institute (IGE) (as a guide — the level required varies by concessionaire).
- No maritime certificate of its own is required: hiring is through the ship's retail concessionaire (e.g. Starboard Cruise Services or Harding+) or directly by the cruise line, signing on as crew.
Basic STCW
- STCW Basic Safety Training (A-VI/1) to sign on.
- Crowd Management (A-V/2) and passenger-ship safety training according to the muster list (Regulation V/2).
- Maritime security awareness (A-VI/6-1).
Specific courses
- Luxury sales and VIP service (concessionaire training).
- Diamond consultant certification such as DCA — Diamond Council of America (as a guide, common in North American market fleets).
- Product training from the watch and jewellery brands carried on board (brand courses).
- Detection of synthetic and treated gems (HPHT/CVD in diamond) and updates on verification instruments (as a guide).
Indicative experience
As a guide: 2-3 years selling in luxury jewellery/watch retail ashore with a demonstrable sales record, or a first onboard contract as Shop Assistant with strong performance. Concessionaires select on commercial track record and assess against targets every contract.
Observations
Typical route: Shop Assistant → Specialist (jewellery/watches) → Assistant Shop Manager → Shop Manager (own card in this explorer). The shop only trades while sailing: in port and territorial waters it closes and is sealed under the customs regime of the port State (as a guide). English C1 is practically mandatory; a substantial part of income is commission. Technical credibility is the asset: a badly explained certificate or a treated stone sold as natural means claims and dismissal.
What this role does
Combines technical gem and watch knowledge with luxury selling in an environment where transactions can reach very high figures: guests buy tax-free and the specialist provides the technical confidence (certificates, treatments, synthetics) that justifies the purchase. The role works for the ship's retail concessionaire, with sales targets and events tied to the itinerary, and as a crew member forms part of the ship's emergency organisation.
Typical watches
- Shop hours + VIP events and sea days
Key responsibilities
- Advise VIP guests on jewellery, watch purchases and gem investments.
- Deliver gemology seminars and workshops on board.
- Verify and explain gemological certificates (GIA, IGI, HRD) and the traceability of every piece sold.
- Safeguard high-value inventory: daily counts, safe custody and sealing display cases when the shop closes in port.
Operational scope
- Duty Free shops, VIP event spaces
- Watch and jewellery boutiques on the retail promenade
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.