Greetings! I’m writing this letter on the flight back to New York City from sunny, hot, dry Southern California. One of the best parts of my annual travel cycle is the wonderful opportunity to combine GIA’s Career Fair, the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California’s annual dinner dance, visits with California clients, and time with my Los Angeles family. It’s always a fantastic trip, and this year was no exception. A highlight was moderating the “Creative Careers” panel once again at the GIA Career Fair. The panel brings together four or five folks from our industry who have jewelry industry careers outside the typical manufacturer/retailer paradigm, and who’ve often traveled extremely interesting paths along the way.  The panel is a great opportunity to teach students to keep their minds and options open, to take advantage of opportunities as they arise, an