With the aim of connecting industry professionals, job seekers and jewellery enthusiasts, GIA will hold a special recruiting event on Friday, October 11, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as part of its annual Jewelry Career Fair and Open House.

“The unique event helps job seekers turn their passion for gems and jewellery into a career by connecting them with recruiters and career coaches,” GIA said. “Jewellery enthusiasts will be able to experience incredible museum exhibits and educational classroom demonstrations while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean.”

The event will be attended by representatives of renowned global gem and jewellery brands such as Tiffany & Co., Signet Jewelers and family-owned businesses such as Bhindi Jewelers and Ricardo Basta Fine Jewelry. They are among the more than 30 companies looking to fill positions from entry level to senior management. There will also be 15-minute coaching sessions for job seekers to connect with industry veterans.

One of the key features of the Open House is that guests are invited to explore the many beautiful museum exhibits throughout the 17-acre campus.

Current attractions are the newest exhibits: Carved Diamond – a rare look into diamond carvings; and Jewels of Hollywood – showcasing pieces linked to Hollywood royalty of decades past.

“In addition, guests will have the chance to visit the Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center, the world’s largest for gems and jewelry,” GIA said. “There will also be education demos of the many courses offered at GIA and the GemKids programme that offers students ages 9 to 12 an engaging introduction into gemmology.

The event will also feature two panel discussions – Job Success in Today’s Market and Creative Careers – which will offer advice and insights from industry professionals.

The timings and other details of the panel discussions are as follows:

Job Success in Today’s Market – 8:30 to10:00 a.m.
Moderated by Jennifer Wilson, GIA Senior Vice President and General Counsel. 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.   Panelists include Baba Blumkin GIA GG, Luxe Jewelry and Loan; Wade Clar Jr., Julez Bryant; Alexandra Hart, Alexandra Hart; Jenny Luker, Platinum Guild International USA; and Tiffany Stevens, Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

GIA hosted its first Jewelry Career Fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, California, U.S. Since then, the event has expanded, linking gem and jewellery companies with future employees at more than 68 events in California, India, Las Vegas, London and New York.   

Pic cap: Attendees at a previous GIA Jewelry Career Fair. Photo by Kevin Schumacher/GIA.

Pic Courtesy: GIA