What You Might Talk To The Coaches About:

Appraising - What appraisers do; how to get into the appraisal business; pay levels; advancement; what kind of training and experience you'll need. Back to top

Business Start-up & Entrepreneurship - How to get started and what business to choose; things you'll need, like a business plan, insurance, inventory, etc.; the pitfalls you need to look out for; recruiting and screening employees; security concerns; marketing and public relations. Back to top

Career Information - A good area if you're a novice to the industry and don't have a clear idea of the types of jobs that are available. Coaches provide info on education requirements, pay scales, how to get started in the industry, advancement possibilities, opportunities in various industry sectors. Back to top

Colored Stones - Sources; how to price, how to sell; career opportunities in the colored stone sector vs. the diamond sector, wholesale vs. retail, how to market and promote, suppliers. Back to top

Design - What kind of training you need; how to position, market and sell your designs; whether to work for yourself or someone else; the how-to of product placement; public relations; high-end jewelry vs. mass merchandising; fashion and jewelry trends. Back to top

Diamonds - State of the diamond industry; education and qualifications; sources of supply and manufacturing; security issues; sales; marketing; branding; key issues like treatments, trends and designs; road sales repping, wholesale vs. retail, consumer concerns, grading reports, travel and international aspects. Back to top

Estate Jewelry - Which trends toward estate are more popular; unique education and background; learn what role provenance plays; popularity at auctions; marketing and selling; fashion aspects; wholesaling vs. retailing. Back to top

Laboratories - What education is needed, duties and responsibilities, career path, skill level and development, what positions are available, small lab vs. large lab, pay scale, what's the best position for beginner, industry facts, advancement possibilities. Back to top

Manufacturing - Description of this industry sector, stones and metals, translating designs, getting started with a factory, how to train and recruit, identifying suppliers and customers, pay scales, safety issues, security, mass merchandising and mass wholesaling. Back to top

Marketing and P.R. - Product placement, branding, advertising, background, business courses, strategizing. Back to top

Networking - Advance your career by "networking" with your peers in the jewelry industry. Find out what organizations and associations to become involved with. Discover how to talk to people and what you need to succeed.   Learn critical elements that contribute to valuable exchange of information. Find out how to socialize, meet, and greet, while collecting valuable information for advancement. Back to top

Retail - This is the entry point and backbone of the industry for many. Get some insights into the difference between chain stores and independent jewelers; retail climate - what to expect, pay, advancement, education, hours, working with consumers. Back to top