Jewelry Television and Gem-A Partner to Educate Consumers on the World of Gemstones
Retailer collaborates with the world’s longest established gemological institution to offer exclusive gemstone courses
Jewelry Television® (JTV), the nation’s leading broadcast retailer of jewelry and loose gemstones, has entered into an agreement with The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) to develop a proprietary course for the shopping retailer called ‘Gem Basics’. The online course will introduce consumers to a wide variety of gems and explain the basics of gemology and gem identification. The course also covers gem origins and lore, and will include a basic kit of gem identification tools and a selection of gems.
JTV’s ‘Gem Basics’ provides an entry-level course for beginners and hobbyists, but also provides a stepping stone for more-advanced studies through The Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
“Gemstones play an important role in our culture,” said Jerry Sisk, graduate gemologist and co-founder of JTV. “As the largest retailer of loose gemstones in the world, we felt a strong obligation to take a leadership role in the education of our viewers as well as the general consumer. To that end, we developed an extensive Learning Library and made the decision to partner with one of the world’s most respected gemological institutions. It is our express belief that a better-educated consumer will make more well-informed decisions, and will purchase with greater confidence. JTV’s ‘Gem Basics’ provides an entry-level course for beginners and hobbyists, but also provides a stepping stone for more-advanced studies through The Gemmological Association of Great Britain. This is a win-win opportunity for the consumer and JTV.”
Gem-A currently offers a range of courses that result in internationally recognized gem qualifications. The development of the Gem Basics Course has been overseen by Dr Jack Ogden, Gem-A CEO and a well-known authority in the gem and jewelry field.
“As the first retailer in the world to sell loose gemstones on television, JTV’s extensive reach has increased the appetite for loose gemstones and colored gemstone jewelry among consumers,” said Ogden. “Gem-A is pleased to help further JTV’s mission of opening the world of gem knowledge to a wider audience.”
Gemology is the science of gems. It encompasses the methods of formation as well as the study of properties and characteristics necessary for classification and identification. Intended for gem collectors, enthusiasts and industry professionals, the Gem Basics course encourages continued learning and a deeper understanding of the beauty and precision of nature.
Sisk went on to say, “As the longest established gemological institution in the world, Gem-A has an international reputation for excellence and we are honored to be associated with them.”
To learn more about Jewelry Television® and the Gem-A courses, please visit http://www.jtv.com.
About Jewelry Television®
Jewelry Television® (JTV) is the only broadcast shopping network that focuses exclusively on the sale of jewelry and gemstones. The privately-held company was founded in 1993 and broadcasts high definition programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to more than 80 million households in the U.S. Jewelry Television® was recently ranked the 14th largest retailer of jewelry in the U.S. by National Jeweler. JTV.com is the fifth largest jewelry destination on the internet according to Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide for 2010. For more information, visit JTV.com.
Jewelry Television® (JTV) is the only broadcast shopping network that focuses exclusively on the sale of jewelry and gemstones. The privately-held company was founded in 1993 and broadcasts high definition programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to more than 80 million households in the U.S. Jewelry Television® was recently ranked the 14th largest retailer of jewelry in the U.S. by National Jeweler. JTV.com is the fifth largest jewelry destination on the internet according to Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide for 2010. For more information, visit JTV.com.
About The Gemmological Association of Great Britain
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain or Gem-A, a London-based non-profit organization is the world’s longest established provider of gem education. A membership organization that forms an international community of gem professionals and enthusiasts, Gem-A seeks to serve the best interests of the gem and jewelry industries worldwide through its commitment to supporting gemological research and the highest educational and trade standards. For more information, visit http://www.gem-a.com.
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain or Gem-A, a London-based non-profit organization is the world’s longest established provider of gem education. A membership organization that forms an international community of gem professionals and enthusiasts, Gem-A seeks to serve the best interests of the gem and jewelry industries worldwide through its commitment to supporting gemological research and the highest educational and trade standards. For more information, visit http://www.gem-a.com.
