Press Releases

Industry Notables Join Panel at GIA’s New York Jewelry Career Fair

Published

9 years ago

July 5, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO, will moderate the opening panel “Job Success in Today’s Market” during the GIA New York Jewelry Career Fair on Monday, July 25 at the Javits Center.

(Press Release)

NEW YORK – Prominent personalities from the gem and jewelry industry will join GIA at the Jacob Javits Center in New York for the Institute’s annual Jewelry Career Fair on July 25. The opening panel will feature both industry veterans and rising stars, each with a unique and inspiring path to success. The industry event is free for job seekers and open to the public; anyone interested in attending is urged to register prior to the event.

Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO, will open the event with a panel presentation on “Job Success in Today’s Market.” Rahul Kadakia, international head of jewelry for Christie’s; Steven Lagos, founder and chief creative director for LAGOS; Martin Rapaport, chairman of the Rapaport Group; Natalie Tjaden, recent GIA graduate and merchandising assistant for Jewelry Television; and Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of Reed Jewelry Group, round out the lineup of speakers.

“We’re thrilled to have such a high caliber group of professionals serving as speakers at the GIA Jewelry Career Fair in New York,” says Kathryn Kimmel, GIA senior vice president and chief marketing officer, and co-founder of the GIA Jewelry Career Fair. “I encourage anyone with a passion for jewelry to come and hear about their incredible journeys in this dynamic industry. This event isn’t your average career fair; it’s an opportunity to meet and network with professionals at the top of their game.”

Aspiring gem and jewelry professionals – including those in retail, design, marketing, human resources and manufacturing – will be able to meet with nearly 50 job recruiters and spend one-on-one time with career-coaches during the event.

GIA’s New York Jewelry Career Fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 25 at the Javits Center during the JA New York show. Recruiting will occur from 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is sponsored by JA New York. For more details, visit gia.edu/career-fair or email careerfair@gia.edu.

GIA hosted its first Jewelry Career Fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, CA. Since then, the event has grown, connecting gem and jewelry companies with future employees at more than 60 events in India, Las Vegas, New York and the GIA world headquarters in Carlsbad, CA. Following the New York event, the next GIA Carlsbad Jewelry Career Fair will take place on Friday, Oct. 7.

After 139 Years, A Family Legacy Finds Its Perfect Exit With Wilkerson.

When third-generation jeweler Sam Sipe and his wife Laura decided to close Indianapolis’ historic J.C. Sipe Jewelers, they turned to Wilkerson to handle their retirement sale. “The conditions were right,” Sam explains of their decision to close the 139-year-old business. Wilkerson managed the entire going-out-of-business sale process, from marketing strategy to sales floor operations. “Our goal was to convert our paid inventory into retirement funds,” notes Sam. “The results exceeded expectations.” The Sipes’ advice for jewelers considering retirement? “Contact Wilkerson,” Laura says. “They’ll help you transition into retirement with confidence and financial security.”