GEMOLOGICAL SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL PROVIDES TRAINING COURSE FOR FRED MEYER JEWELERS
Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, conducted the Diamond Essentials Course for retailer Fred Meyer Jewelers, a division of Kroger Co. (KR: NYSE). The two-day Diamond Essentials Course was held at the GSI training facilities in New York City, and offered Fred Meyer Jewelers executives and associates valuable insight on new developments in diamond treatments, lab-grown diamonds, and simulants. The training program included a refresher course on the basics of diamonds, such as grading and identification. The Fred Meyer Jewelers’ executives and associates had an opportunity to examine color and clarity treated stones, HTHP and CVD lab grown diamonds, simulants, and more. Two sections of the Diamond Essentials Course were devoted to lab-grown diamonds, where the Fred Meyer Jewelers team learned about disclosed and certified lab-grown as well as the detection of undisclosed lab-grown diamonds in jewelry.
GSI offers the Diamond Essentials Course to provide busy executives and their teams an opportunity to learn
new information and interact with gemological experts in the field. The Diamond Essentials Course is offered
to top management of retail chains worldwide.
“Gemological Science International understands our retail needs and created a course tailored to our team, providing a helpful review of the basics of diamonds, industry changes, and the latest technological developments that impact us as a retailer.” said Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers.
GSI’s course leaders and experts led the Fred Meyer Jewelers team in hands-on training, where the retail team experienced the procedures to evaluate both earth-mined and laboratory-grown diamonds and diamond jewelry. The Fred Meyer Jewelers team also had a chance to evaluate color treated and clarity- enhanced diamonds and were given an explanation of the different process, equipment, and procedures GSI’s experts use to identify and detect treatments, simulants and laboratory-grown diamonds.
“Our training programs are designed to help our retail partners stay updated on new processes and to help them navigate the changes that the industry faces so they may better serve their customers.” As a global leader and one of the largest gemological entities with labs spanning four continents, GSI’s courses are attended by retailers from around the world. GSI is a trusted partner for gemstone identification, grading, origin testing, light analysis, and appraisal services for the fine jewelry industry, and quickly becoming a go-to resource by retailers for training.
About Gemological Science International (GSI)
Gemological Science International (GSI) is the only major gemological organization established in the 21st century. Founded in 2005 in New York City, it has grown to become one of the largest gemological entities in the world with 13 lab facilities spanning four continents. Utilizing leading-edge processes and proprietary technologies, GSI provides manufacturers and retailers globally with a wide range of gemstone identification and grading services. The company is committed to advancing gemological research through its Research Center, and it offers gemological educational programs for trade professionals and the general public at all levels.
Debbie Azar is an experienced executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries. Her entrepreneurial skills and clarity of vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide.
She began her industry career by starting her own successful costume jewelry business. She then expanded her knowledge of the industry with sales, marketing and business development roles at several companies. In 2005, she joined Mark Gershburg to establish GSI. Ms. Azar is an active member of myriad industry organizations and charities; she currently serves as a Board Member of Jewelers for Children. She is also a Forbes Business Council member.
Her strengths include working directly with retail chains and stores to help build their business and brands. She is widely known in the industry for her commitment to meeting customer needs.
