Lighting of a Fire!

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire" - William Buttler Yeats

Repeating a quote I've used in a post in the past, but it couldn't be more appropriate than now. Another month has passed and what exactly do I have to show for it? Well one major thing, I have completed my first three GIA classes and now have an AJP, Accredited Jewelry Professional, degree. I have been really focusing on getting my classes finished early so I wouldn't be stressed about them during the busiest season for retail, the holidays! 

I didn't expect to finish my final course, Diamond Essentials, in only 2 weeks though. It was a hefty course in terms of information, but also incredibly fascinating. Did you know that the carat, the internationally standardized weight measurement for diamonds, originated in ancient times from a carob seed. In fact, the carob seed was considered to be fairly uniform in size and weight and was used as a counterbalance for scales when weighing diamonds. Today, a carat has been standardized to be 0.200g internationally. Furthermore, according to the course, less than 1% of individuals will ever own a diamond weighing 1 carat (ct) or greater. Most mass produced jewelry has a total carat weight (the weight of all the diamonds in the piece of jewelry) of less than 1ct. So it makes sense that most individuals who are buying mass produced jewelry, which the majority of Americans purchase, won't every own a diamond weighing 1ct or greater. 

All three GIA courses for my AJP were extremely informative, relatively thorough, and very applicable in my current position in the jewelry industry. They give you just enough information to adequately sell jewelry by feeling knowledgable and confident, without overdoing explanations and specifics. For many people in the industry, this is all the information they intend to need and use in their profession. For me, the 1st three courses were just wetting my palate and made me realize just how passionate I truly am about gemology and fine jewelry sales. 

"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you never cease to grow." - Anthony J D'Angelo


Until next time, wishing you all the best! 


Cheers!


xX,
Laura Christine

A Diamond is a Girl's Best Friend...and Graduate Program?

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

Yes! Finally, I am continuing my education in a field that deeply intrigues me and will allow me to advance in many new directions in the fine jewelry industry. I have started online classes through GIA, the Gemological Society of America, to work towards obtaining a Graduate Gemologist degree. It will take me approximately two years to complete and will mostly be done through online correspondence courses, but there are a few lab courses that will require me to go to the GIA NYC Campus or Carlsbad, CA Campus to complete. In the industry, this degree will allow me to do diamond grading, jewelry appraisals, stone buying, and so much more. The knowledge I obtain through the courses will undoubtably increase my ability and confidence when explaining jewelry to clients. I've been wanting to do this for years and have finally realized there is no better time than the present to further myself in the industry I have chosen. 

Also, for anyone who has an interest in the diamond industry, I have been reading a book that I would highly recommend. Precious Objects: A Story of Diamonds, Family, and a Way of Life by Alicia Oltuski is a relatively new non-fiction book. I am only two chapters into the book and am amazed by how much information I have already learned about the history of diamonds dating back to the DeBeers Family in South Africa and the Diamond District in New York. So far, it has been an extremely captivating read for me. 

Here are a few Editorial Reviews on the book:
From the Washington Post

…engaging and informative…There are other, vastly more encyclopedic histories of diamonds…but I am unaware of a book that so intimately captures the strange and strangely beguiling place in which they are bought and sold…Oltuski has paid fond, affecting and informative tribute to the world of her fathers.
From Monarch Book Reviews:
Precious Objects is an inside look at the diamond industry. Ms. Oltuski's family has long been involved in the diamond trade, both in NYC and Europe. From the mines in South Africa to Nazi Germany to the streets of New York, the author takes the reader on a decades-long and fascinating journey. Focused mainly on the 47th Street diamond district, the author details transactions ranging from original handshake deals right up to the age of the internet and its impact on the diamond trade.  We learn of the birth of the Rapaport Diamond Report and are introduced to a fascinating cast of characters, as well as the dangers of their chosen occupation. Nonfiction, Precious Objects reads like a novel and is a delight to read.  Ms. Oltuski deftly weaves her rich family history into the fabric of the diamond trade. 

I have so much more I would love to update you all about all the amazing things that have been going on in my life, but back to online course work I must go. Until the next time, happy Fall to you all! Cheers!

And just remember...absolutely everything happens for a reason! 

xX,

Laura Christine