The Business of Bling A Career in Jewelry Sales
Positions can range from working with gemstones to designing or manufacturing the latest jewelry, and from selling jewelry to managing a retail jewelry store. While each of these positions requires specialized education, a position in retail jewelry sales is one of the easiest and fastest ways to start a career in the gem and jewelry industry. GIA’s senior industry analyst, Russell Shor, estimates there are approximately 250,000 employed in retail jewelry sales in the U.S.
A retail jewelry sales position can also lead to a substantial income for top sales professionals, and commissions can add even more to the income. But jewelry sales associates say one of the most rewarding aspects of their work is the prospect of bringing symbols of love and happiness into someone’s life.
“The ability to answer questions about gems, jewelry design and the manufacturing process is critical to succeeding in jewelry sales,” said Larry Larson, GIA instructor. “While an aptitude for customer service is necessary, product knowledge cements the opportunity to close the sale. People buy from whom they trust… and they trust those who are educated.”
To gain this essential product knowledge, specialized courses are required. These courses can be taken through the convenience of distance education, such as GIA’s Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) diploma program. This program provides a strong foundation in product knowledge and sales through three short courses: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, and Diamond Essentials. GIA, an independent, nonprofit organization based in Carlsbad, Calif., is a top educational institution for the gem and jewelry industry and the world's foremost authority in gemology.
The AJP program was designed for people who want to start a career in the jewelry industry. The courses give the right amount of product knowledge and sales techniques to answer questions that can arise in a retail situation.
