The Gemological Institute of America is teaching its Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma program in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Oct. 25–29.

The program, being offered for the first time in the U.S. Virgin Islands, will be conducted in conjunction with the University of the Virgin Islands Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (UVICELL) Center, and those who enroll will receive a free one-year membership in the GIA Alumni Association’s newly formed Caribbean Islands Chapter.

The A.J.P. diploma program focuses on product knowledge and proven sales techniques in its three short courses: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, and Diamond Essentials. Each course provides clear and concise information that can be easily understood and put into practice immediately on the sales floor.

Students in the St. Thomas A.J.P. program can also connect with other top gem and jewelry professionals worldwide through their free membership to the GIA Alumni Association’s Caribbean Islands Chapter.

For more information about GIA, visit www.gia.edu. To take advantage of this opportunity in St. Thomas, call UVICELL at 340-693-1100, e-mail cell@uvi.edu, or visit http://cell.uvi.edu.

JCK