The Business of Bling Draws Hundreds of Job Seekers to Carlsbad, CA

GIA's Jewelry Career Fair & Open House Connects Talent with Opportunity

CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The seaside city of Carlsbad hosted more than 250 job seekers today during the annual GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Jewelry Career Fair & Open House.  Professionals at every career stage packed GIA's 30-acre Carlsbad world headquarters, where 27 companies were on-hand and looking to fill hundreds of positions – an  indicator that the business of bling has a bright future.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121005/DC87841)

GIA's Jewelry Career Fair – the industry's preeminent recruiting experience – drew crowds not only for hiring opportunities but for one-on-one career coaching, and an array of panel discussions with industry executives, entrepreneurs, and celebrity stylists and designers.

"A vibrant industry like ours can grow and thrive, even in challenging times," said Donna Baker, GIA president and CEO.  "In light of the job numbers released today, it's wonderful to see how many diverse opportunities the gem and jewelry business provides for talented, passionate professionals."

Panelists including celebrity stylist George Blodwell, jewelry designers Erica Courtney and Martin Katz, Discovery Channel personality Jordan Tabach-Bank and Luxury Brand Group CEO Frank Proctor inspired students with discussions on "Job Success in Today's Market," "From Design to Finish" and "Creative Careers."  Meanwhile, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, Montblanc, Tiffany & Co. and Zale Corporation were among 27 companies recruiting for hundreds of positions from retail sales and jewelry design to diamond grading and production.

GIA's Jewelry Career Fair was founded in 1991 in Southern California and has taken place in Carlsbad, Bangalore, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mumbai and New York. For more details, visit www.careerfair.gia.edu.  For photos or press inquiries, please contact Jen Roche at [email protected] or 760-603-4197.

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. 

SOURCE Gemological Institute of America