GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair Draws 600 Job Seekers to Carlsbad
Recruiters from 26 companies pursue talent at Institute’s annual event, Oct. 10
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Oct. 10, 2014 – More than 600 motivated aspiring professionals connected with 26 companies at GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) annual Jewelry Career Fair & Open House on Friday, Oct. 10. Recruiters and hiring managers from globally recognized gem and jewelry companies including Ben Bridge, Helzberg Diamonds, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, Tiffany & Co. and Zale Corporation sought talent to fill hundreds of open positions ranging from retail sales and marketing to jewelry design and manufacturing.Attendees at the free event also had the opportunity to view acclaimed gem and jewelry exhibits, hear from notable personalities during three panel presentations, visit the world’s largest gemological library, and take part in gem and jewelry education demonstrations.
“The global gem and jewelry industry today is dynamic and progressive, yet remains rooted in traditions of craftsmanship, design, service and passion,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. “At GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair, job seekers eager to launch or enhance a wonderful career have a singular opportunity to meet with an expansive range of companies. The event offers a unique insight into just how amazing this industry is.”
The event kicked off with “Job Success in Today’s Market,” a panel presentation moderated by Jacques. Panelists Alan Bell, president of Rio Grande, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company; Martin Katz, founder and CEO of Martin Katz, Ltd.; Tanya Parikh, director of jewelry manufacturing and sales of K.R. Gems & Diamonds Int’l and Eighternity; and Cathryn Ramirez, group director of Tiffany & Co. in San Diego, gave insight into their personal journeys to success.
“The world will get flatter; jewelers can sell to anywhere and consumers can buy from anywhere. The world is now your neighborhood,” said Bell. “But skill, talent and determination are not going out of style and will never be obsolete.”
During the afternoon panel “From Design to Finish,” industry veterans explored the world of design and manufacturing. Erica Courtney, designer and president of Erica Courtney, Inc.; Lisa Nikfarjam, president of Lisa Nik, Inc.; Jim Tuttle, founder and CEO of Green Lake Jewelry Works; and JJ Williams, president and designer of JJ NUMBER 8, joined moderator Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK magazine, for the rousing discussion.
“We’re honored to host such vibrant and captivating professionals at Career Fair,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA senior vice president, CMO and co-founder of the GIA Jewelry Career Fair. “Their drive, creativity and commitment to ethics resonate with attendees, impacting the next generation of gem and jewelry professionals.”
Closing out the day’s events was a charismatic panel on “Creative Careers” moderated by Mark Smelzer, publisher of JCK Magazine and JCK Online. Panelists George Blodwell, celebrity stylist; Au-Co Mai, president and CEO of Emitations.com; Steven Mindel, managing partner of Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein, LLP; and Sonny Sethi, CEO of Tara Pearls, highlighted some of the imaginative and resourceful ways to succeed in the world of gems and jewelry.
GIA hosted its first Jewelry Career Fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, Calif. Since then, the event has expanded and linked gem and jewelry companies with future employees at more than 50 events in India, and in Las Vegas, New York and the GIA world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. The free jewelry event marks the only time each year that GIA’s coastal 30-acre campus is open to the public without appointment.
For more details, visit www.careerfair.gia.edu or contact us. Follow @GIANews #JewelryJobs for updates.
