One of my all-time favorite movie lines comes from “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Costner. As his character struggles in the face of financial ruin, he hears a soft, guiding whisper that changes his family’s life forever: “Build it, and they will come.”  

I often think of that line when I contemplate the many life-changing opportunities GIA and the growing Alumni Association offers to all of us. There are many paths we can take in our careers, but some of the smartest choices we make are the ones that help us build our knowledge to stay on the cutting edge of the gem world.

GIA and the Alumni Association help with great social activities, guest speakers at Alumni meetings and informative trade show seminars. We also have access to the most up-to-date research findings published in Gems & Gemology.

One of the most highly anticipated events for the entire gem and jewelry industry is GIA’s International Gemological Symposium, which will be held for the fourth time Aug. 27-29, 2006 in Carlsbad and San Diego, California.

It’s going to be the event to network and discuss the latest issues that affect the gem and jewelry industry. Be sure to mark your calendars for this exciting and educational industry event.

The Alumni Association has also finalized plans for its 2005 Travel Program. This year’s 14-day excursion, which will focus on the diamond industry in London, Antwerp and Amsterdam, will also make a stop in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, to see some gem cutting. There will also be VIP visits along the way, like a special tour and luncheon at De Beers.

I take at least 10 hours of gemological education every two years so I can continue to teach at a jewelry academy. I don’t see this as an obligation, but as my responsibility to refresh the information that can sometimes get hazy from lack of use. I encourage you, too, to seek a path that’s right for you to brush up on your gemology.

The opportunities for continued education are there for you to make the most of. We’ve built it, will you come?

Starla Turner, G.G.
We Are the Alumni!