GIA Graduate Gemologist Diploma Opens Door to Jobs in Jewelry Industry

    CARLSBAD, Calif., April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The right qualifications are
 vital when competing for a job and, according to some jewelers in the Los
 Angeles area, the top resumes for positions such as selling fine jewelry,
 identifying and grading gemstones, and preparing appraisals, show a Graduate
 Gemologist (G.G.) diploma.  Los Angeles-area residents interested in a career
 in the prestigious gem and jewelry industry can qualify for positions like
 these by earning a G.G. diploma from the Los Angeles branch of the Gemological
 Institute of America (GIA).  The next classes start May 7.
     "A Graduate Gemologist diploma is a definite plus when I'm looking at
 applications," said Linda Abell, G.G., vice president of Sarah Leonard Fine
 Jewelers in West Los Angeles, which currently has eight G.G.'s on its staff.
 "We prefer and actively seek out G.G.'s because they already have the
 expertise and don't require the basic training. For us, that's invaluable."
     Veronica Clark-Hudson, director of GIA's Los Angeles branch, said this
 training can open the door for networking opportunities and potential
 employment in such positions as staff gemologist, diamond or colored stone
 buyer, appraiser, auction house jewelry specialist, or sales professional.
     Consisting of a seven-week Diamonds course and a 19-week Colored Stones
 course, the G.G. diploma program offers students the opportunity to examine
 hundreds of diamonds and more than 1,500 gemstones, as well as learn the
 fundamentals of diamond grading, gem identification, and jewelry sales
 techniques.
     For further information on GIA Los Angeles and the Graduate Gemologist
 (G.G.) diploma program, call 213-833-0115, e-mail laedu@gia.edu, or visit
 www.gia.edu.
 
     About GIA
     An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of
 America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology.
 Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most
 respected gemological education available.  In 1953, the Institute created the
 International Diamond Grading System(TM) 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.  Media queries contact: Alexander Angelle 760-603-4112.
 
 

SOURCE  Gemological Institute of America