Press Release

GIA’s Annual Jewelry Career Fair and Open House is Oct. 13 in Carlsbad

five presenters sitting on stage during the opening panel, "Job Success in Today
The opening panel at last years Jewelry Career Fair, “Job Success in Today’s Market.” L to R: Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO; Martin Katz, founder and CEO of Martin Katz, Ltd.; Mark Smelzer, publisher of JCK magazine and JCKonline.com; Melanie Goldfiner of Rahaminov Diamonds Inc.; and Mary Todd-McGinnis, vice president of sales for Ben Bridge Jeweler. Photo by Kevin Schumacher/GIA

Recruiters, career coaching, new museum exhibit and much more

CARLSBAD, Calif. – September 21, 2017 – GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) annual Jewelry Career Fair and Open House will take place Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Institute’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. This free event connects aspiring gem and jewelry professionals with nearly 40 recruiters, ranging from global brands to local companies – including Tiffany & Co., Stuller, JTV, Leo Hamel and GIA – looking to hire for a variety of positions. Job seekers will have the opportunity for face-to-face career coaching and will hear from prominent industry leaders at the must-see panel presentations. GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair and Open House is the one time of the year when the public can visit without a prior appointment.

All are welcome to attend the two inspiring panel presentations featuring notable gem and jewelry industry leaders:

  • 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: “Job Success in Today’s Market”
    Moderated by Susan M. Jacques, president and CEO of GIA.Panelists Ashwin Bhindi, manager of Bhindi Jewelers; Douglas K. Hucker, chief executive officer of AGTA; Jennifer Susan Pusenkoff, designer/president/CEO of Jennifer Pusenkoff Design Inc.; and Jordan Tabach-Bank, CEO and owner of The Loan Companies will share their stories and discuss what it takes to succeed in today’s gem and jewelry market.

  • 10:30 a.m. – Noon: “Creative Careers”
    Moderated by Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK magazine & JCKonline.com. This always lively discussion of out-of-the-box careers will feature Arun Bohra, designer & CEO of Arunashi; Maryanna Nagle, valuation manager at The RealReal; Lindsay Jane, jewelry designer/owner of Lindsay Jane Designs; Katey Brunini, owner and designer of K. Brunini Jewels; Anil Maloo, president of Baggins Inc.; and Shelly Sergent, curator at Somewhere In The Rainbow Collection.

GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair will be held in conjunction with the opening of GIA’s newest museum exhibit, “Centuries of Opulence: Jewels of India.” Guests will be among the first to experience a breathtaking display of 50 lavish historical jewelry pieces and objects from 17th to 20th century India. Additional gem and jewelry exhibits will be on view throughout the Institute. 

The Royal Manga Mala necklace exhibits mango shaped elements consisting of diamonds and rubies.
An incredible piece, the Royal Manga Mala necklace, from the “Centuries of Opulence: Jewels of India” exhibit that will be opening in conjunction with the Carlsbad Jewelry Career Fair and Open House on October 13. Courtesy of a Private Collection. Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA


Open house guests are invited to visit the Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center, the world’s largest for gem and jewelry, which houses the Cartier Rare Book Repository. There will also be classroom demonstrations of the many education courses offered on campus.

GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair and Open House will take place from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the Institute’s Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad (5345 Armada Drive). Industry recruiters will be available from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Anyone interested in attending is urged to register prior to the event.

two women sitting at a table, one is giving career advice while the other is listening closely
One-on-one career coaching is available at GIA's Jewelry Career Fair. Photo by Kevin Schumacher/GIA


GIA hosted its first Jewelry Career Fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, Calif. Since then, the event has grown, connecting hundreds of gem and jewelry companies with thousands of prospective employees at more than 60 events in India, Las Vegas, New York and the GIA World Headquarters in Carlsbad.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.     
      
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.