Press Releases

GIA Jewelry Career Fair and Open House Returns to Carlsbad

It’s set for Oct. 11.

Published

6 years ago

August 19, 2019

INSTORE Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) CARLSBAD, CA – Professionals and visitors looking to delve into the world of gems and jewelry can visit the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) World Headquarters in Carlsbad, CA, on Friday, Oct. 11, for the GIA Jewelry Career Fair and Open House. This free event will have 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 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit GIA.edu/career-fair-carlsbad-day-at-a-glance.

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

Job Success in Today’s Market 8:45-10 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 noon.
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 interest in recruiting at this year’s event can sign up atGIAevents.eventsair.com/career-fair-carlsbad/recruiter-registration/Site/Register.

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, CA. 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 for updates.

Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success

After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone. Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently. The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.