GIA’s New York Jewelry Career Fair received an enthusiastic response from both participants and attendees. The event unfolded on July 27 with over 600 people attending and representatives from 48 companies interacting with job seekers.

A wide range of gem and jewelry companies – including Cartier, Christie’s, CIRCA Inc., Jewelry Television, Rent the Runway and Tiffany & Co. – turned up at the show seeking talent. The program also featured a panel discussion with industry veterans and one-on-one coaching with 23 successful gem and jewelry professionals. JA New York was a major sponsor of the event.

“To be successful, it takes enthusiasm, self-confidence, perseverance, loyalty and an optimistic attitude, thereby building a great reputation by your words and your actions,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. “GIA’s Jewelry Career Fairs present a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to demonstrate these qualities face-to-face with potential employers. The jewelry business is all about people, so it’s paramount to express your passion and integrity, which you can’t demonstrate through a resume.”

The event kicked off with “Job Success in Today’s Market,” a panel discussion moderated by Jacques and included as speakers - Jeremy Dunn, GIA graduate and founder of The Rephinery; Rhonda Edelman, group director of global education for Tiffany & Co; Myriam Gumuchian, co-owner, vice president and director of sales for Gumuchian; Michael O’Connor, TV host, celebrity stylist, and founder and president of Style & Substance, Inc.; and Lee Siegelson, president of SIEGELSON.

A common theme throughout the opening panel was the importance of networking.