Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently organised its annual London Jewellery Career Fair, which had the participation of nearly 200 gem and jewellery enthusiasts from across Europe.

The event, which was held at the historic Goldsmiths' Hall in the City of London, provided a unique platform to job seekers to network with international and local companies looking to fill more than 60 positions in all areas of the industry. What is more, the aspirants wanting to join the gem and jewellery industry also got the opportunity to witness a discussion amongst a brilliant panel of experienced industry professionals; and were able to spend quality time in one-on-one meetings for career coaching.

Mehdi Saadian, GIA London School Director opened the career fair with a welcome address. This was followed by a panel discussion on “Job Success in Today’s Market,” moderated by GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. Peter Buckie, director of Jem Services; Harriet Kelsall, founder and chair of Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery; Faris Saif, associate at Sotheby’s; and Henry Deakin, director of sales at Deakin & Francis all shared insights gleaned from their extensive experience. The discussion was wide-ranging covering a gamut of points.

Buckie began the discussion saying, “I’ve been in [the industry] for 55 years and I’m still learning…knowledge to me is power, and it starts right here now!”

Kelsall shared advice for starting and growing one’s own business: “What you need is a bigger idea, a way of combining what you love and do with something a bit fresh…or just putting two concepts together that haven’t been put together.”

Speaking  about the impact   GIA had on his career, Saif said: “GIA is a fantastic family more than anything else…one of the key things on my journey was the people I met at GIA and also in passing through the various [events] like today’s Career Fair.”

 At its conclusion, Deakin discussed the importance of passion. “You need to consider your own heritage. What are your personal values and what matters to you? You’re going to be at work for a long time so you may as well do something that you love,” he said.

“The success of GIA’s London Jewellery Career Fair is due to the gracious participation of the recruiters and volunteer career coaches, the expertise of the panellists and the collaboration of the Goldsmiths' Hall,” GIA said in appreciation.

The next GIA Jewellery Career Fair will be in Carlsbad, CA on October 11, 2019.  

Pic Cap: The opening panel, “Job Success in Today’s Market.” From left: Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO; Henry Deakin, director of sales at Deakin & Francis; Faris Saif, associate at Sotheby’s; Peter Buckie, director of Jem Services; and Harriet Kelsall, founder and chair of Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery.

Pic Courtesy: GIA