Press Release

GIA Jewelry Career Fair and Open House Returns to Carlsbad Oct. 11

Dozens of recruiters connecting with potential candidates at a previous GIA Jewelry Career Fair.
Dozens of recruiters connecting with potential candidates at the 2017 GIA Jewelry Career Fair in Carlsbad.

Panel discussions, recruiters, career coaches, new museum exhibits and more

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Aug. 14, 2019 – Professionals and visitors looking to delve into the world of gems and jewelry are welcome to visit the GIA World Headquarters in Carlsbad, California on Friday, Oct. 11, for the GIA Jewelry Career Fair and Open House. This free event has something for everyone – lively panel discussions, career coaching and recruiting for people new to the industry and professionals looking for a career change; classroom demonstrations for aspiring gemologists, jewelers and jewelry designers; and unique museum exhibits for anyone captivated by the splendor and beauty of gems. GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair and Open House is the one time of year when the public can visit without a prior appointment from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Terry Chandler, president and CEO of Diamond Council of America, meeting one-on-one with people during coaching sessions.
Terry Chandler, president and CEO of Diamond Council of America, meeting one-on-one with people during coaching sessions.

The event kicks off with inspiring panel discussions featuring notable gem and jewelry leaders:

  • Job Success in Today’s Market 8:45-10:00 a.m.

Moderated by Susan M. Jacques, president and CEO of GIA. Panelists include Mitchell Binder, King Baby; Cathy Calhoun, Calhoun Jewelers; Douglas K. Hucker, American Gem Trade Association (AGTA); and Meghan Simmons, Omi Privé.
 

  • Creative Careers 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Moderated by Mark Smelzer, publisher of JCK magazine and JCKonline.com. The conversation will focus on unique careers by panelists Baba Blumkin, Luxe Jewelry and Loan; Wade Clar, Julez Bryant; Alexandra Hart, Alexandra Hart; and Jenny Luker, Platinum Guild International USA.
 
Job seekers can connect with recruiters from all over the country who represent local and global brands – including Brilliant Earth, The Real Real and Diamonds Direct – looking for top talent in all areas of the industry. Employers are encouraged to register for recruiting at this years event.
 

Part of GIA’s most recent museum exhibit, Jewels of Hollywood. Worn by Madonna at her wedding in 2000 to filmmaker Guy Ritchie, this tiara features 767 old cut diamonds approximately 80.50 total carat weight. Courtesy of the Kazanjian Foundation.
Part of GIA’s most recent museum exhibit, Jewels of Hollywood. Worn by Madonna at her wedding in 2000 to filmmaker Guy Ritchie, this tiara features 767 old cut diamonds approximately 80.50 total carat weight. Courtesy of the Kazanjian Foundation.

Open house guests are invited to explore the many beautiful museum exhibits featuring more than 1,000 pieces – the newest exhibit, Jewels of Hollywood, showcases pieces linked to Hollywood royalty of decades past – and to visit the Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center, the world’s largest for gem and jewelry, which includes the Cartier Rare Book Repository. There will also be classroom demonstrations of the many education courses offered on campus and the GemKids program that offers students ages 9 to 12 an engaging introduction into gemology.
 
GIA hosted its first Jewelry Career Fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, California, U.S. Since then, the event has expanded, linking gem and jewelry companies with future employees at more than 68 events in California, India, Las Vegas, London and New York. Follow @GIANews #JewelryJobs on Twitter for updates.

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 and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.
 
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.