(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.
Honoring a Legacy: How Smith & Son Jewelers Exceeded Every Goal With Wilkerson
When Andrew Smith decided to close the Springfield, Massachusetts location of Smith & Son Jewelers, the decision came down to family. His father was retiring after 72 years in the business, and Andrew wanted to spend more time with his children and soon-to-arrive grandchildren.
For this fourth-generation jeweler whose great-grandfather founded the company in 1918, closing the 107-year-old Springfield location required the right partner. Smith chose Wilkerson, and the experience exceeded expectations from start to finish.
"Everything they told me was 100% true," Smith says. "The ease and use of all their tools was wonderful."
The consultants' knowledge and expertise proved invaluable. Smith and his father set their own financial goal, but Wilkerson proposed three more ambitious targets. "We thought we would never make it," Smith explains. "We were dead wrong. We hit our first goal, second goal and third goal. It was amazing."
Smith's recommendation is emphatic: "I would never be able to do what they did by myself."
