JA 2023 scholarship enrollment open through August

from Southern Jewelry News Digital Magazine

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(NEW YORK) - Jewelers of America is accepting enrollments for its scholarship program, which is open to employees of JA Member companies, on renowned industry diploma, professional development, and certification programs. JA awards scholarships during the enrollment period which runs through August 31, 2023.

“One of the pathways to achieving consumer confidence is career development and to enhance the level of professionalism of staff. Education and certifications are an important aspect of career development and through this scholarship program, we strive to make that an affordable option for our JA members,” says JA President & CEO David Bonaparte.

Scholarships can be awarded for programs and certifications from the American Gem Society (AGS), American Society of Appraisers (ASA), Diamond Council of America (DCA), Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA).

Applicants must be an employee at a JA Member store and at least 18 years of age. They must have at least one year’s experience working in a JA Member store and are not already enrolled

ChuCk

Continued from page 8 in another home study course from any of the educational providers. were all day every day, I’d have to find a new line of work. I’d say that 99% of the repeat customers that come into my store are happy to see me, and I’m happy to see them. But whenever that 1% shows up, I become a different person. I’m going to do my best to try and make this our last professional encounter, just like I tried to do the last time they came in. Maybe they’ll get the message this time.

To make sure scholarship funds are widely distributed among members, scholarships will be awarded to only one person per store - a limit of three per membership - during the enrollment period which runs through August 31. Scholarships are awarded based on the availability of funds. For more information visit jewelers.org/ ja/careers-education/jewelryeducation#scholarship or contact JA’s Member Services by phone at 800-223-0673.

One of those ‘one percenters’ came in one day and showed me a blurry picture of an engagement ring on his old flip phone. He told me it was a ‘perfect’, 3 carat, blue/white diamond. I’m just staring at him wondering why he’s showing it to me. He then tells me because I ripped him off on a watch repair or something over a year ago, that he’s going to buy that from someone else. I looked him straight in the face and said, “I don’t care.” He then turns around and storms out.

Oddly enough, I’ve seen his wife at the grocery store a few times since then and she’s never had it on her finger. Me thinks he was lying to me. That’s why he’s a one percenter. My policy is if I have absolutely no shot at making someone happy, why even try. I’m pretty sure this type of customer will never go away.

But I only paid $20 for it

Another constant in this business is the perception that people have about the cost of a repair compared to the price that they paid for the piece. Surely, I must be mistaken about the $850 price I just quoted to repair their $20 trinket. In reality, there is a reason that TJ MAXX sold it for $19.95. It’s because it’s a $20 piece of costume jewelry that was never meant to be repaired, it was meant to be tossed when it finally broke. I only quoted $850 to make sure they didn’t leave it with me. When confronted with this situation, I just tell my customer that it’s possible to have a $4,000 transmission problem in a $2,000 car. I’m pretty sure this is just another one of those things that will never change. We just have to learn to tolerate it.

I never wear it

Seriously? Do you really expect anyone to believe that? How did it get so scratched up? How did it get bent right here? How did it get that brownish looking goo under all of the diamonds? And, why does it now have a foul odor? ‘Scuse me while I go throw up now.

I guess some things will never change!

Chuck is the owner of Anthony Jewelers in Nashville, TN. Chuck also owns CMK Co., a wholesale trade shop that specializes in custom jewelry and repair services to the jewelry industry nationwide. If you would like to contact Chuck or need a speaker or instructor for your next conference/event he can be reached at 615-354-6361, www.CMKcompany.com or send e-mail to info@ southernjewelrynews.com.