The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the establishment of its new GIA School of Business—the first of its kind to teach management skills as they apply specifically to the jewelry industry. According to Brook Ellis, vice president of education for GIA, the school will provide a solid business foundation for jewelry business owners, executives, and aspiring leaders working in the jewelry industry.

Developed in response to a growing need for students and trade professionals to learn how to succeed in the business of jewelry, the GIA School of Business offers four diploma programs with more than a half-dozen others planned. In addition to Jewelry Business Principles (formerly the Graduate Retail Management program), diploma programs will include Jewelry Finance, Merchandising, and Business Law. Enrollment is now being held for Jewelry Business Principles and Jewelry Finance; the other two courses are slated to begin in 2003.

For more information, call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4001, or visit www.gia.edu/education.