GIA and JA join hands

If consolidation is the route to achieving a more harmonious trade environment, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Jewelers of America are working at reaping the advantages of this. Both trade organisations have announced joining hands, from beginning 2009, to achieve better results of their initiatives.

The two organisations will support each other’s intent of knowledge sharing and communication. GIA proposes to allow special access to Jewelers of America members for its professional education in gemology, business management, sales professionalism, and bench jeweler training, which is delivered on-site as well as online. GIA will also continue its practice of developing consumer education literature on diamond grading, the Four Cs of diamond quality, colored stones, pearls, and such other information, which can be useful for the 11,000 JA member stores to build consumer confidence. JA will contribute in the certification of bench jewellers, working with GIA’s Jewelry Arts Program to help promote the Jewelers of America Bench Professional Certification programme likely to be revamped in 2009. Also, JA will assist GIA in public and national government affairs, by maintaining communication and background materials at the time when such issues arise in the jewellery supply chain or the public sector. Another common goal which the two trade bodies share is the promotion of fresh talent through career development scholarship programmes, career information projects, and such others.

GIA has been renowned for its focus on maintaining a level of trust through research, gemological grading systems and reports. JA has been a forerunner in establishing and promoting ethical, social and environmental standards and professionalism in the gem and jewellery industry.