By Amy Toosley

GIA will teach its Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma program for the first time in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Oct. 25-29. The program, conducted in conjunction with the University of the Virgin Islands Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (UVICELL) Center, focuses on product knowledge and proven sales techniques in three short courses: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials and Diamond Essentials. Each provides clear and concise information that can be immediately put into practice, said Brook Ellis, vice president of Education for GIA.

“In less than one week, students find out the secrets to selling gems and jewelry that might otherwise take them many years to discover,” he said. “They also gain the credibility and prestige of the GIA diploma.”

Sara Mamoor, A.J.P. and a sales associate at Neiman Marcus, said the program taught her to intelligently discuss and differentiate one product from another with her clients. “GIA’s A.J.P. gave me the product knowledge and ‘real world’ selling techniques I needed to build my confidence. When I speak, customers listen. I command attention and respect. And I owe it all to GIA.”

Students who enroll will receive a free one-year membership in the GIA Alumni Associ-ation’s newly formed Caribbean Islands Chapter.

“UVICELL is pleased to partner with GIA to offer this program for the first time in the Virgin Islands. It will greatly benefit one of our major industry sectors,” said UVICELL Center Director Ilene Garner.

To enroll in the class, call UVICELL at (340) 693-1100, e-mail cell@uvi.edu, or visit http://cell.uvi.edu. For more information about GIA, visit www.gia.edu.