GIA (Gemological Institute of America) recently conducted its first Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma (AJP) programme for members of the Jewellery Exporters' Association (JTR) in Istanbul.

Conducted at the JTR premises by a qualified GIA instructor, the programme was delivered in Turkish. Participants understood operations of a jewellery retail store and gained insights on how to sell diamond and coloured stone jewellery effectively and ethically.“With the Turkish retail jewellery market expanding rapidly, latest information and relevant knowledge becomes important for entrepreneurs and young jewellery professionals,” said AyhanGüner, Chairman of JTR. “We would like to thank GIA for bringing its world renowned educational courses to Turkey and commend their efforts in providing skill development training to the sector.”Consumers in the Turkish retail market are well informed; demanding better customer service and knowledge about diamond quality and information on synthetics, simulants and gemstone treatments. In such an active consumer market, trained sales professionals become essential to expand retail sales.

“From İstinye Park to the shopping district of Nişantaşı, Turkey has seen several large and small jewellery retail stores emerge in the last decade,” said Ms.Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director, GIA India and Middle East. “This year, GIA plans to introduce its globally recognized diploma programmes and diamond grading lab classes to empower the Turkish jewellers to expand. We also look forward to sharing more on our learning initiatives with the industry at the Istanbul Jewelry Show, 2013. We would like to thank the JTR team led by its dynamic chairman Mr.AyhanGüner and their very capable support staff.”The AJP diploma programme underscores proven sales techniques that enable frontline personnel to communicate product quality and value confidently. Participants are familiarized with the International Diamond Grading system and understand various jewellery types and styles. GIA Middle East has been offering courses in major trade centres across Middle East - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon and now Turkey. To enroll in the GIA courses at JTR premises in Istanbul, or for more details on GIA’s education offerings in Turkey, contact mphadke@gia.edu or sduymaz@gia.edu. Visit www.giamideast.com for more information.