GIA’s forthcoming annual Jewelry Career Fair is expected to see prominent personalities from the gem and jewelry industry attending. The event is slated at Jacob Javits Center in New York on July 25. Its opening panel will feature industry veterans and rising stars, each with a unique and inspiring path to success.

This is the industry’s leading event and is free for job seekers and open to the public.

Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO, will open the event with a panel presentation on “Job Success in Today’s Market.” Rahul Kadakia, international head of jewelry for Christie’s; Steven Lagos, founder and chief creative director for LAGOS; Martin Rapaport, chairman of the Rapaport Group; Natalie Tjaden, recent GIA graduate and merchandising assistant for Jewelry Television; and Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of Reed Jewelry Group, round out the line-up of speakers.

“We’re thrilled to have such a high caliber group of professionals serving as speakers at the GIA Jewelry Career Fair in New York,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA senior vice president and chief marketing officer, and co-founder of the GIA Jewelry Career Fair. “I encourage anyone with a passion for jewelry to come and hear about their incredible journeys in this dynamic industry.”

Aspiring gem and jewelry professionals – including those in retail, design, marketing, human resources and manufacturing – will be able to meet with nearly 50 job recruiters and spend one-on-one time with career-coaches during the event.