Carlsbad, Calif. – Imagine a job where you're surrounded by diamonds, rubies, cultured pearls, and sapphires. If this sounds like a dream come true, then perhaps a career in the glamorous and alluring world of gems and jewelry is for you.

Positions can range from working with gemstones to designing or manufacturing the latest jewelry, and from selling jewelry to managing a retail jewelry store. While each of these positions requires specialized education, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) says a position in retail jewelry sales is one of the easiest and fastest ways to start a career in the gem and jewelry industry. Industry experts estimate there are approximately 250,000 employed in retail jewelry sales in the U.S.

A retail jewelry sales position can also lead to a substantial income for top sales professionals, and commissions can add even more to the income, according to GIA. But jewelry sales associates say one of the most rewarding aspects of their work is the prospect of bringing symbols of love and happiness into someone’s life.

“Seeing that twinkle in a customer’s eye when you show them a diamond or other precious gem is what makes retail jewelry sales so exciting,” said Sara Mamoor, a sales associate with Bailey Banks & Biddle in Rockaway, N.J. “I look forward going to work each day knowing that I’ll be surrounded by utter brilliance and rare beauty.” Mamoor has worked in retail jewelry sales since 1998.

Experts in this field say the ability to answer questions about gems, jewelry design and the manufacturing process is critical to succeeding in jewelry sales. This product knowledge is considered more important than previous sales experience.

To gain this essential product knowledge, specialized courses are required. These courses can be taken through the convenience of distance education, such as GIA’s Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma program. This program provides a strong foundation in product knowledge and sales through three short courses: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, and Diamond Essentials. GIA, an independent, nonprofit organization based in Carlsbad, Calif., is recognized as a top educational institution for the gem and jewelry industry and the world's foremost authority in gemology.

"We designed the A.J.P. program for people who want to start a career in the jewelry industry," said GIA’s Vice President of Education Brook Ellis. "The courses give you exactly the amount of product knowledge and sales techniques to answer the questions you will face in a retail situation. You will also learn how to close sales."

“My A.J.P. gave me the product knowledge and ‘real world’ selling techniques I needed to build my confidence,” added Mamoor.
For more information on being trained in retail jewelry sales, call GIA at 800-421-7250, ext. 4001, or go to www.gia.edu.

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