By Jaime Kautsky

The Aaron Group, a jewelry manufacturing firm, holds education in very high esteem. The numerous Graduate Gemologists (G.G.) and Accredited Jewelry Professionals (A.J.P.) employed throughout its international offices are evidence of it.

So when company executives decided to make an in-kind gift to the Institute, they knew they wanted it to benefit GIA Education. To ensure their wish, they called on Bill Herberts, director of Education Operations, to visit the company's New York headquarters and help select several thousand loose gemstones to be donated.

"Bill is well-known for his extensive gemstone knowledge," said Robert Kempler, Aaron Group president and CEO. "We wanted to make sure he was involved in the donation process to ensure the students have the most needed tools to aid in their education."

Herberts brought back natural emeralds, topaz, garnets and tanzanites, and synthetic opals, rubies and sapphires, which were immediately put to use in the Institute's Distance Education program.

"Students are already benefiting from being able to work with exactly the types of gems they will encounter every day in the trade," Herberts said. "We're extremely grateful to The Aaron Group for their generous donation and willingness to provide so many stones that our students will learn from today and well into the future."

An education from GIA has helped advance the careers of many Aaron Group employees, many of whom are graduates working in the company's sales, merchandising and procurement departments, Kempler said.

"We feel that an education from GIA gives them a well-rounded understanding of all corners of the industry and distinguishes them within it," he said. "As a G.G. or A.J.P., you're instantly recognized as a professional within the jewelry world."

The Aaron Group was founded 55 years ago when it was incorporated in New York City as Samuel Aaron International. It is the parent company of five specialty firms, including Samuel Aaron International, Diamond Dimensions, Robert Baum, SAI India and Thailink. They are known for their moderately priced diamond, gemstone and men's jewelry.

"Our company is based on integrity and honesty, which is backed up by education," Kempler said. "It is important to support the industry and spread knowledge. Without GIA's standards, the public would lose its trust and our industry would lose integrity. It seemed only fitting to donate to an institute that has given so much to so many."