By Elizabeth Sandner

I believe there are very few people in this world who know for certain what they want to be when they grow up. I feel very fortunate that at 15, I already knew I wanted to be in the jewelry industry and that today, at 26, I’ve started my own private jewelry and appraisal business after receiving my Graduate Gemologist diploma.

I was sold on the jewelry industry after working part time for an independent retail jeweler in Birmingham, Alabama. When I graduated from college with a degree in art history, I accepted a full-time job at the store. I started as a sales associate and I loved my customers! And my boss was very accommodating. He let me put my hands in every aspect of the business, from advertising and special event planning, to inven-tory control and buying. 

Early into my full-time employment, I was still hungry. I needed more. That’s when I enrolled in GIA’s Distance Education courses. Honestly, I really didn’t know what I was getting into. I was pleasantly surprised to find it interesting – almost entertaining. After I completed my home study course work, I began my “Extension Class Vacations.” It seemed that way anyway: I traveled to Atlanta, Washington D.C. and New York in a four month period. It was nice to get out and meet other people with common goals, interests and vendors. 

Nearly four years after having my living room covered with crimson and navy blue gigantic binders, I was awarded the designation of Graduate Gemologist. It was well worth the effort, but time to move on. By then, I had eight years of retail, consulting and appraisal experience and a wonderful customer base. I had also tapped out my seniority at the retail store.

I gave notice in May this year and in June opened Elizabeth Sandner Private Jeweler and Appraiser, where I accommodate unending requests for jewelry appraisals. I also do consulting, providing purchasing information on diamonds. I give a great deal of credit to the Gemological Institute of America for my success. I know how valuable my education is and I realize that GIA has indeed set an industry standard.

Distance Education classes required a lot of discipline, more than was ever necessary in college, but I finished and I did it on my own. I look forward to explaining my “G.G.” designation after my name a million times over and I look forward to the benefits I am sure are to come from being a member of the GIA Alumni Association.