(PRESS RELEASE) CARLSBAD, CA – The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) gem identification and grading laboratory in New York City will reopen on Monday, June 29. The 11 global GIA laboratories are open, gradually adding hours and extra shifts to meet the increasing demand for services. GIA schools in Taipei and Hong Kong are open and all other GIA schools are preparing to welcome back on-campus students in the near future. The GIA Distance Education programs continue to offer convenient options for gemology education.
“As restrictions are lifted and the global gem and jewelry industry begins to recover, we are safely reopening GIA locations, returning staff to work and preparing to engage in our mission-driven activities,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “We are strictly following government regulations and guidelines, implementing new processes and adapting our facilities to keep everyone who comes to GIA – staff, clients, students and visitors – healthy and safe.”
The Institute will continue to monitor local government and health requirements in each location and adjust as needed.
Specific information about each GIA location including hours, services available and COVID-19 protocols is available at GIA.edu/coronavirus-update.
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
