Sampat Poddar, Canadian ambassador to the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), has announced a new education initiative in Canada, where sales training seminars are being offered free of charge to retailers, jewelry trade members, and employees.

As part of the ICA mandate to advance the promotion and marketing of colored gemstones, Poddar has enlisted the help of Helmut Koenig, senior gemologist on staff at Byrex Gems Inc. Koenig will prepare a series of presentations designed to help sales associates understand colored gemstones, educate consumers, and thus promote the sale of colored gemstones.

For information or to schedule a training session, call Helmut Koenig at (416) 317-2480.