With the U.S. economy still unsettled, the jewelry industry remains a solid profession for career opportunities, according to GIA, the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA, with world headquarters in Carlsbad, has hundreds of positions available through the Institute’s job referral service. And, many prominent gem and jewelry companies recruit at GIA’s annual Career Fair.

Positions in this glamorous industry range from working with gemstones to designing or manufacturing the latest jewelry, and from selling jewelry to managing a retail jewelry store. According to GIA, considered the jewelry industry’s leading educator, these careers require specialized education.

A position in retail jewelry sales happens to be one of the easiest and fastest ways to start a career in this exciting industry. The best way to gain a strong foundation in product knowledge and sales is with GIA’s Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma program. Becoming an A.J.P. will help you to not only answer the questions you will face in a retail situation, but also give you the tools for effectively closing sales.

If the science and technical side of gems sounds appealing to you, then consider becoming a GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.). This internationally acclaimed diploma can open the door to such positions as buyer, appraiser, or even lab and research professional. Gemological laboratories are continually seeking new talent to accommodate the rising amount of gemstones submitted for identification and grading. And jewelers are hiring more individuals who possess gemological training.

If you have a knack for being creative and would prefer to use your imagination, then consider an art-and-design-related career in gems and jewelry. Technical training in the art of manufacturing jewelry, such as a GIA Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) diploma, can open a world of career opportunities. Some of the positions this training can lead to include jewelry designer, professional bench jeweler, and jewelry production manager.

For those who are interested in the management side, or who’d like to start their own jewelry business, the GIA School of Business is ideal. Students learn the latest marketing and business theories, which are then combined with real-world case studies and relevant issues from the jewelry trade.

One of the best ways to get a foot in the door of this glamorous industry is to attend GIA's Career Fair, the largest in the gem and jewelry industry. During the event, students and job candidates can interview and network with some of the jewelry industry’s top firms. Various career opportunity seminars led by industry leaders will give job candidates a chance to learn about the industry and how to get in it. Attendees can also receive personalized career advice. Admission to Career Fair is free and open to the public.

For more information about GIA, its courses and programs, and GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair, visit www.gia.edu or call 800-421-7250, ext. 4001.

Aug. 25, 2003