GIA Participates In Jewellex Africa 2013 For The Fifth Consecutive Year

GIA Exhibits at Jewellex Africa 2013

Institute attended fifth consecutive show, Aug. 31 - Sept. 2

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) continued its outreach to the South African gem and jewelry trade during Jewellex Africa 2013, which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2. This is the fifth consecutive year the Institute has exhibited at the show, establishing its presence at one of the premiere trade shows in the region. GIA alumnus and local jeweler Nqobile Nkosi proudly displayed his GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) diploma alongside his work at his booth during the show. 

Soweto jeweler Nqobile Nkosi proudly displays his
AJP  diploma  during Jewellex Africa 2013.

Nkosi, a jeweler from Soweto, completed his AJP program soon after receiving an education scholarship from GIA. He is currently the president of GIA’s Africa Alumni Chapter, and has motivated many as the first designer and jeweler from Soweto.

“Many students were deeply inspired by Mr. Nkosi, and came to our booth to find out more about GIA’s gem and jewelry education offerings,” said Elizabeth Bokaba, GIA’s manager of alumni and client relations in South Africa. 

GIA representatives meet with booth visitors during 

Jewellex Africa 2013.

“Not only is this event a way to let more people in the South African gem and jewelry industry know about our lab and education offerings, but it’s a great opportunity to meet and interact with aspiring professionals and industry veterans looking to enhance their knowledge.”

Institute representatives presented education catalogs, answered questions about services and provided branded handbags to booth visitors.

Since 2008, GIA has expanded its presence in Africa, opening two full-time laboratories and offering classes in Gaborone and Johannesburg; establishing partnerships with government agencies and universities throughout the continent; and maintaining a global network of active alumni. Today, there are more than 800 alumni and two GIA Alumni Chapters in Africa.  

  

For more information about GIA education in Africa, visit www.gia.edu, or email giaeducationafrica@gia.edu,cnel@gia.edu or ebokaba@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. 

Gail Brett Levine Recognized As International Leader

Gail Brett Levine, GIA Alumni Receives the International Leadership Award

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) held their annual GIA Alumni Association dinner, auction and dance party on Feb. 3rd, during the Tucson Gem Show.  Gail Brett Levine, GG, was the recipient of the 2012 International Leadership Award for all she does to support the Gem & Jewelry Industries.

The GIA Global Alumni Awards recognize members who exhibit leadership, demonstrate service to the gem and jewelry industry, and actively support the association’s growth through continuing education and innovative programs.

Levine, an independent personal property appraiser, has been in the jewelry trade for 40 years and an officer in the Manhattan Chapter since the inception of the GIA Alumni Association in 1982. 

“I am proud that the Manhattan Chapter is one of the gemstones in the GIA ‘Tiara of Chapters,’” she said. “I want to express my gratitude to my fellow officers and everyone I’ve worked with to make it a success.”

In 1994, Ms. Levine started a subscription based publication Auction Market Resource for Gems and Jewelry which is an in-depth report by qualified appraiser/gemologists of sales results of jewelry at auction which previews gem material that was published semi-annually.  Auction Market Resource is now solely a website.  It is currently recommended by most appraisal organizations. 

On March 2004, Ms. Levine became the Executive Director of The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers - the largest membership association specializing exclusively in gem and jewelry appraising and related appraisal issues.    

 “The Institute commends Gail for her continued dedication to the GIA Alumni Association,” said Kate Donovan, GIA alumni relations manager. “The awards program was created to foster and inspire the alumni network, which includes 60 chapters worldwide. We thank these individuals for their enthusiasm and support of the organization.”