Ted Resnick, G.G., is the ex-officio member of the Texas-Lone Star Chapter. He helped organize GIA GemFest in Dallas, Texas, the first of its kind in the United States in several years, when he was chapter president in 2003. Resnick is president of Reznikov’s Fine Jewelry and Jewelry Appraisers of America in San Antonio, Texas, a business he started more than 25 years ago.

What was your first job?
My first job ever was as a photographer’s assistant at a racetrack in my former home state, New Jersey. After military service, I continued to work as a photographer and from there went into jewelry, starting as a clerk for an auction company.  

What drew you to the gem and jewelry industry?  
Working for the auction company – I had an affinity for jewelry and a natural selling ability. One of the owners was taking the GIA Distance Education Diamond course and I answered all the questions for her. I figured if I can do that for her, why not for me? So I enrolled in the Graduate Gemologist program in 1981.

What GIA diplomas/certificates have you earned? 
Graduate Gemologist (1983), Pearl Course (1987) and Counter Sketching (1994).

How did you become involved with the Alumni Association?  
GIA sent me information and I acted. Once I started to meet others in the Alumni Association, I knew this is where I needed to be.

What is your proudest accomplishment as a chapter officer?  
I helped launch the first GIA GemFest in the United States in many years. It was a huge success and enjoyable event.

What direction would you like to see the Texas-Lone Star Chapter grow?  
Our newest venture is the synthetic diamond (lab grown diamond) seminar that was held in September at the Midas Texan Fine Jewelry Show in Grapevine, Texas. I’d like to see our chapter grow in membership and get more support from existing members to build our scholarship fund so more may enjoy the education benefits offered by GIA.

Who are your role models?
In the jewelry industry: Marvin Zale (Zale Corporation), Alfredo Molina (Molina Fine Jewelers), David Federman (Modern Jeweler), Gary Roskin (JCK) and David Geller (JewelerProfit). These guys have it together, they’re successful and the best part is that they do not mind sharing their knowledge with others. It is what I want to do for others.

What annual industry events do you look forward to most? 
I always look forward to Tucson – the show of shows. You learn more about gemstones in five days in Tucson than the entire year in your store. Of course, Las Vegas – and my year of buying and learning would not be complete without the Midas Texan Fine Jewelry Show. You cannot beat the regional show for the small-to-medium independent store owner. With the international shows getting so big, it is very difficult to speak with your vendor, much less see new ones, and find time to learn more. I find it so much easier and more rewarding to work the regional show – and it is less tiring and less expensive.

What are your favorite gemstones?
Diamonds and emeralds. Just look at  them and you will see. They are rare, beautiful and exotic. Green is one of my favorite colors and colorless in diamond is unbelievably beautiful. Nothing on earth sparkles more than a well-cut and polished diamond and the cool, deep, pool-like green color of a fine emerald is breathtaking and as romantic as a gemstone can be. 

Is there a period or style of jewelry you are most fond of?  
Victorian. If that jewelry could talk, what tales it could tell. The styles, the size of pieces, the quality of workmanship make one envious of their jewelers’ talents. Plus, just looking at the jewelry of that era makes my imagination go wild. I want the jewelry to talk to me. Actually, sometimes it does.

Any words of wisdom to GIA students? 
Graduate! The GIA graduate certificate, along with the knowledge you gain, is immeasurable. It will launch you to success. Learn, learn and learn some more. Absorb all you can from all the successful people in our industry. If you want to be knowledgeable about gemology and use it in your everyday life, then go with an independent store. With the knowledge you learn from GIA, and the ability to work in a mom-and-pop jewelry store, you will go to the top.