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RAPAPORT... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) held a jewelry career fair in New York on July 30, attracting 800 job seekers and 44 companies to the Javits Center. It was the first time since 2008 that GIA held a career fair in New York. “I’m happy to report that our industry is wide and diverse – valued at over $160 billion last year; growing even through difficult times,” said Donna Baker, GIA’s president, during her opening remarks to attendees. “And the U.S. is only one market. China, India and the Middle East are expanding rapidly, and so are opportunities.” The event kicked off with “Job Success in Today’s Market,” a special panel discussion moderated by Baker. Panelists David Yurman, founder of David Yurman Inc., Ann Arnold, of Lieberfarb, Lex Graham, a recent GIA graduate and retail jeweler at Betteridge and Rahul Kadakia, jewelry department head at Christie’s New York, shared their experiences in the gem and jewelry business and offered advice for newcomers. GIA noted that companies recruiting at this event included Harry Winston, Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, Montblanc, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co. and Zale Corporation. The Jewelers for Veterans Foundation was also present to meet with and assist U.S. military veterans in their job search. GIA hosted its first jewelry career fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, California. Since that time, the event has expanded and linked recruiters with future employees at more than 40 events worldwide in Bangalore, Las Vegas, Mumbai, New York and the current GIA world headquarters in Carlsbad, where the next career fair will take place on October 5.
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