It’s amazing: 2016 is drawing to a close. By the time you read this letter, the election will be over (thank goodness), and the holiday sales season will have begun. The past couple of months have been busy in my world. October took me both to sunny Southern California for the GIA Career Fair, and to sunny Miami for the JIS Miami show. My annual trip to Carlsbad to participate in the GIA Career Fair is always one of my favorite events, and this year was no exception. I was honored to be included on the opening panel, alongside Ben Bridge Jeweler’s Mary Todd-McGinnis, Rahaminov Diamonds’ Melanie Goldfiner, and jeweler Martin Katz. We were asked to speak to the graduating GIA students about the personal and professional rewards that come from building a career in this industry as well as the importance of passion, networking, and good relationships. Talk about a layup! Love for