GIA Jewelry Career Fair draws large participation

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Jewelry Career Fair held on July 28, attracted a large audience both from aspiring professionals and recruiting companies. Over 800 professionals arrived to seek work opportunities in the gem and jewellery industry, interacting with 44 companies including David Yurman, Helzberg Diamonds, GIA, Jewelry Television, London Jewelers, Rent the Runway, and Zale Corporation. The companies were recruiting for hundreds of positions from retail sales and jewelry design to diamond grading and production. Job seekers had the opportunity to interact directly with hiring managers and learn first-hand what kind of skills each company sought.

The Fair also featured one-on-one career coaching with industry veterans and a panel discussion led by top names in the jewelry business.

“At this year’s event, we saw openings for traditional careers in manufacturing and retail sales, and also in a plethora of growing fields such as rental jewelry,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. She also said that ‘the success of this year’s GIA Jewelry Career Fair is a good indication that the jewelry industry not only continues to thrive, but is evolving tremendously.’

A panel discussion - “Job Success in Today’s Market,” moderated by Jacques opened the Fair. Speakers Mercedes Abramo, president and CEO of Cartier North America; Ashley Chan of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers; Andrea Hansen, partner of Luxe Intelligence and president of the Women’s Jewelry Association; Douglas K. Hucker, CEO of AGTA; and Steven Lagos, founder and chief creative director of LAGOS Jewelry; gave attendees exclusive insight into their personal journeys to success.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to hear from such illustrious professionals,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice-president, chief marketing officer and co-founder of the GIA Career Fair. “The next generation of gem and jewelry professionals has big shoes to fill, but with the mentorship and guidance of these pioneers, I can’t wait to see what they accomplish,” she added.