GIA Alumni Collective
Discover the GIA Alumni Collective, a networking and knowledge hub for GIA graduates. The online community at collective.gia.edu is a diverse group who all share a passion for the gem and jewelry industry. Users can access both live and self-paced Continuing Education seminars, join virtual chapters, connect with global alumni, and more. The site also highlights some of the GIA alums who uphold GIA’s highest standards (see above).
Akshay Poddar earned his Graduate Gemologist diploma at GIA’s Mumbai campus. A third-generation diamantaire, Poddar was driven to start his own business, dealing in both wholesale trade and retail. The diamond jewelry designer believes that while nature creates the diamond, his job is to add beauty to it.
Jennifer Tanpoco launched Jaune Pearls in 2002, later enlisting her daughter Melizza as CEO. The Tanpocos, both GIA Pearls Graduates, focus on sustainability and long-term environmental impact in their business, educating clients on how the pearls are sourced.
Julia Hackman Chafé used her marketing background and her Colored Stone Essentials Certificate from GIA to create a strong digital presence after taking over social media for her family’s wholesale colored stone business. Now a successful influencer under the name JewelsWithJules, Chafé shares photos and videos of gems, jewelry, and international travel, providing her followers with a unique look at the colored stone trade.
Visit https://collective.gia.edu/meet-the-collective.html to read stories from these alumni and more.
