Brilliant Opportunities at GIA's Career Fair and Open House.

Business Editors

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2002

A lackluster economy has not dulled the lustrous employment opportunities in the glamorous world of gems and jewelry, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world's foremost authority in gemology.

In fact, there are hundreds of industry jobs available through the Institute's Career Services department. Many more positions will be offered at GIA's 12th annual Jewelry Career Fair and Open House Oct. 18 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at its world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. Recruiting will be conducted from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Open to all, Career Fair provides job seekers with an opportunity to meet prominent gem and jewelry employers, including Tiffany & Co., Ben Bridge Jeweler, Robbins Brothers and many more recruiting at the event. Career Fair also offers workshops, seminars and personalized career counseling sessions led by distinguished industry experts in areas such as jewelry sales, manufacturing and design. For example, job seekers will learn about hiring trends in the jewelry industry, elements for starting your own jewelry business, and survival tactics for new designers. In addition, GIA President William E. Boyajian will present an inspiring and motivating seminar on effective tools for creating a successful career in the jewelry industry.

John Cordova, vice president of organizational development for Robbins Brothers, of Los Angeles, said he has been hiring at GIA's Jewelry Career Fair for 10 years, and is looking to fill up to 18 positions this year.

"The quality of the job seekers who attend Career Fair is absolutely fantastic. GIA has done a phenomenal job of bringing superior candidates to the job market," said Cordova.

Contacts and interviews at Career Fair can lead to copious opportunities. The New York Jewelry Career Fair, held July 26, offered more than 250 jobs. "I was astounded that before the end of the day at Career Fair in New York, two companies had interviewed me, and by the following week I had a job at Lux, Bond & Green," said Brook Hughes, a recent GIA graduate. Hughes said her GIA education was essential in securing her position with the company.

Malcolm Koll, owner of Charles Koll Jewelers in San Diego, said that Career Fair is an excellent occasion for job seekers to gain knowledge of a wide variety of perspectives and to expand their understanding of the industry.

"It's also a great way for a retailer to be exposed to a wide cross section of people in the industry," he added.

Koll is seeking two representatives from Career Fair this year to work in his San Diego retail outlets.

Kathryn Kimmel, GIA's vice-president of marketing and public relations, and creator of GIA's Jewelry Career Fair, said the event can help to initiate a rewarding new career. "Career Fair has become the industry's largest, most successful recruitment and career opportunity event. It has been remarkable to watch literally hundreds of job seekers launch their careers over the years, and to see many of them return to Career Fair as recruiters and speakers is an especially rewarding element."

The event, founded by GIA and the 24 Karat Club of Southern California, will also be an open door opportunity for those who are curious about GIA or simply interested in gems and jewelry to tour the Institute's campus and museum exhibits, attend classroom demonstrations, and learn about GIA's industry acclaimed educational services.

GIA's Jewelry Career Fair is sponsored by The VNU Jewelry Group. Employers interested in participating should contact GIA's Career Services office at 800/421-7250, ext. 4255. If you are a job seeker wishing to attend, call GIA's Jewelry Career Fair hotline at 800/421-7250, ext. 4100; visit http://www.careerfair.gia.edu; or email [e-mail]. Admission is free to job seekers.