The Gemological Institute of America will hold its 13th annual Jewelry Career Fair at its Carlsbad, Calif. world headquarters Oct. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free and open to the public, the event is the jewelry industry’s largest career day.

The career fair offers job seekers an opportunity to meet with recruiters from some of the most influential jewelry firms in the business, and to gain professional career counseling and information about the industry from business leaders and experts.

GIA’s Career Fair features panel discussions and career counseling with many of the jewelry industry’s top executives and well-known experts in areas such as retail jewelry, manufacturing, and design. Attendees can learn about the current business climate, industry trends and opportunities, and the special skills and experience employers are looking for. For those who’d like to start their own jewelry business, a special workshop on entrepreneurship is being offered.

GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair was founded by GIA and The 24 Karat Club of Southern California. The prime sponsor of the Carlsbad event is JCK International Publishing Group. Employers interested in participating should contact GIA’s Career Services office at 800-421-7250, ext. 4195. If you are a job seeker wishing to attend, call GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair hotline at 800-421-7250, ext. 4100, visit www.gia.edu (which also includes career advice) or e-mail careerfair@gia.edu. Admission is free and open to the public.

JCK