2%, ‘ Looking for Career Longevity? Jewelry Is Forever (NAPSA)—Wanta career with staying power? Consider this: A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report cited many occupations expected to decline severely between now and 2014 as advances in technology further eliminate the need for human interaction in the production process. Jewelry is one occupa- tional sector where BLS projects excellent employment. Why? Jewelry is big. Today’s worldwide jewelry industry is conservatively estimated to be a $120-plus billion business. It employs people in science, manufacturing, distributing, designing, marketing and manyother functions. Jewelry is human. Jewelry is inexorably part of what makes us human, something inherited from our Cro-Magnon ancestors, like art, music or speech. Expression through personal adornment is hardwired into the humanpsyche. Jewelry is made by people. In other industries, technological advances can eliminate jobs, but much of jewelry making can’t be automated. Jewelry, like art and music, begins as an idea and requires the skills of designers and craftsmen to bringit to reality. Jewelry will always be acquired by someone from someone.Theretail environment is changing with the Internet, dis- Copyright Richard Krementz Gemstones @ Jobs in jewelry sparkle. count stores and shopping networks working with a relatively small sales force. But these same distribution channels also increase demand for jewelry, offering new opportunities for skilled jewelers and gemologists. Many consumers prefer to purchase high-ticket, luxury goods from jewelry professionals they know andtrust. A changing population creates demand for jewelry and jewelers. According to the BLS, the increasing numbersofaffluent individuals, working women, double-income households, an upcoming “bling” generation and fashionconscious men will keep jewelry sales strong. And as more jewelers retire, the need for trained and skilled jewelers will continue. Jewelry is accessible. Nearly everyone can owna piece ofpersonal jewelry at an affordable price. Everyone is a potential jewelry customer. Jobs in jewelry are accessible, too. If you’d like to work surrounded by beautiful gems and precious metals and help people celebrate their happiest moments, check out the jewelry industry. To learn more about your options in the gem and jewelry industry, you can attend the GIA Jewelry Career Fair, the industry’s annual career day, where you can meet potential employers and other industry professionals, as well as attend workshops and seminars on jewelry careers. The event is free and open to the public. Visit www.careerfair.gia.edu for more information. You can check out www.gia.edu to learn more about the education and training you need for a career in the jewelry industry. Or go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn more about jewelry as an occupation at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos 222. htm. About GIA: An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world’s foremost authority on gemology. Since 1931, the Institute has worked to ensure the public’s trust in gems and jewelry through its nonprofit research, education, instrument development and gemological laboratory services. Visit GIA at www.gia.edu.
