Top Names in Gems & Jewelry Speak at GIA New York Career Fair

Top Names in Gems & Jewelry to Speak with Aspiring Professionals

GIA New York Jewelry Career Fair is July 30

CARLSBAD, Calif. – May 14, 2012 – Renowned designer David Yurman, jewelry manufacturing executive Ann Arnold, retail jeweler Lex Graham and leading auction house executive Rahul Kadakia will be panelists at GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) Jewelry Career Fair on July 30 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. Aspiring jewelry professionals – including those in retail, design and manufacturing – will also be able to meet with job recruiters; attend an expert session on jewelry trends; and spend one-on-one time with volunteer career-coaches. This marks the return of the GIA Career Fair to New York for the first time since 2008.

The leading industry event is free and open to the public; anyone interested in attending is urged to RSVP prior to the event.

Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA, at the GIA Jewelry
Career Fair held Oct. 2011 in Carlsbad, CA. Baker will oderate
a panel of experts during the New York event in July.

Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA, will moderate a panel entitled “Job Success in Today’s Market.” Panelists David Yurman, founder of David Yurman Inc.; Ann Arnold, CEO of Lieberfarb; Lex Graham, a recent GIA graduate and retail jeweler at Betteridge; and Rahul Kadakia, jewelry department head of Christie’s New York will discuss the jewelry business today and their advice for newcomers. Later in the day Paola DeLuca, creative director of Trend Vision Jewellery + Forecasting, will present her fascinating findings on the socio-cultural phenomena of jewelry.

“Career Fair is a rare opportunity for people interested in a career in this dynamic industry to hear from seasoned leaders and new professionals – from David Yurman to a recent GIA grad paving his own way in retail,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president, chief marketing officer and co-founder of the GIA Career Fair. “There are many opportunities right now in gems and jewelry, which is why we are back in New York. We encourage anyone with an interest and passion - no matter their background - to explore their options at Career Fair.”

GIA’s New York Jewelry Career Fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 30 at the Javits Center. Recruiting will occur from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is sponsored by JA New York.

For more information, visit www.careerfair.gia.edu or call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4100, or email careerfair@gia.edu.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.