Jewelry Enthusiast Finds New Career, Family in Industry

By Stephanie Asher

I can honestly say the day I stumbled onto the GIA Web site was the day that launched my future. It was the first step of a journey that led me to my career and friends. My journey truly began, however, in November 2000 while I was vacationing in the Caribbean. I discovered a fascination for jewelry that only intensified over the next few months. I delved into the consumer’s jewelry world of books, Web sites, television programs and jewelry stores.

I remember wondering how to get started in the jewelry industry, which is how I found GIA’s Web site. My family encouraged me to gather more information, but something my father suggested will echo forever in my memory: “Why don’t you find some people who have gone to that school?” he said.

I e-mailed and sent letters to local GIA graduates listed in the Alumni database in early 2001. Two Texas Lone Star Alumni Chapter members responded: Stephen Wyrick and Marty Morgan. Stephen called me frequently with industry tips and suggestions and spent hours answering my questions. 

Marty invited me to a chapter meeting and put me in contact with the President of the Lone Star Chapter, Pam Welborn.  It was so exhilarating to be surrounded by people who understood my newfound passion for gemstones! Ted Resnick made an impression on me that night and became an integral part of my “panel of advisers.”

I sent in my application to GIA and Pam encouraged me to apply for the Lone Star Chapter GIA scholarship. I began the On Campus Graduate Gemologist program at the Carlsbad campus in October 2001. My Lone Star Chapter advisory team continued to answer my questions, applaud my successes and encourage me when I felt overwhelmed at school. I was awarded the Lone Star Chapter scholarship, and in May 2002, became the first Lone Star Chapter scholarship program graduate.

I spent the summer after graduation working in a jewelry store in Skagway, Alaska, a small town catering to the cruise ship industry. Thousands of shoppers passed through the stores daily.

It was a fantastic introduction to retail sales.

When I returned home to San Antonio, I was employed by Reznikov’s Fine Jewelry, and began to train as an appraiser with Ted. Working with an active board member has presented me unusual access to the operations of our chapter, which subsequently inspired me to become an involved member in the Alumni Association.

I share the GIA Alumni Association’s belief in the importance of continuing education, and last year applied for a GIA scholarship for Distance Education classes. I was awarded the 2004 Morris Hanauer scholarship in January, and look forward to continuing my education at GIA.

It seems appropriate that my first official committee contribution to the GIA Alumni Lone Star Chapter is to act as the Silent Auction Chair for this year’s MIDAS show in Dallas – a program that raises money for our chapter scholarships. I encourage all Alumni members to create scholarship opportunities within their chapters, and to get involved in the Mentor Program.

I am proud to be a part of this industry and am eager to give back by providing the same guidance and sense of family I received from the GIA Alumni Association.