GIA conducts Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma in Istanbul

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) recently conducted its first Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma (AJP) programme for members of the Jewellery Exporters' Association (JTR) in Istanbul, at the JTR premises. The course was customized to be delivered in Turkish, by a GIA instructor, who spoke on operations of a jewellery retail store and on how to sell diamond and coloured stone jewellery effectively and ethically.

The Turkish consumer is well informed and as such seek better customer service and knowledge on diamond quality, synthetics, simulants and gemstone treatments. This makes is imperative for sales professionals to be trained to become essential to expand retail sales.

“From İstinye Park to the shopping district of Nişantaşı, Turkey has seen several large and small jewellery retail stores emerge in the last decade,” said Ms. Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director, GIA India and Middle East. “This year, GIA plans to introduce its globally recognized diploma programmes and diamond grading lab classes to empower the Turkish jewellers to expand. We also look forward to sharing more on our learning initiatives with the industry at the Istanbul Jewelry Show, 2013.”

“With the Turkish retail jewellery market expanding rapidly, latest information and relevant knowledge becomes important for entrepreneurs and young jewellery professionals,” said Ayhan Güner, Chairman of JTR.

The AJP diploma programme underscores proven sales techniques that enable frontline personnel to communicate product quality and value confidently. Participants are familiarized with the International Diamond Grading system and understand various jewellery types and styles.

The Jewellery Exporters’ Association (JTR) is a fundamental organization that fosters precious metals and jewellery exports, prompts exporters to reach more markets abroad and to secure a greater share in these markets and it is affiliated to the Ministry of Economy, Republic of Turkey.