What I've Learned Since I got My GIA Diplomas

Elise Skalwold, a life sciences graduate of Cornell University who had worked in public education, laboratories and galleries, calls her 2005 decision to enroll in the Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) program at the Robert Mouawad Campus "one of the most important" of her life.

The risks and sacrifices were big: The New York State resident set off cross-country alone, leaving her family behind for six long months and taking out a substantial loan for tuition and living expenses. But Skalwold's belief in her dreams would soon be confirmed – she found out shortly after arriving in Carlsbad that she had been awarded the full-tuition James R. Lucey Scholarship. It was, she says, "an incredible affirmation of my goals that still stuns me."

Elise Skalwold, G.G. Gemologist, Jewelry Designer, Consultant Age: 49 Family: Husband, James, and son, Kyle Home: New York State's Finger Lakes region GIA diplomas and certifications: Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma, Graduate Pearls diploma Proudest accomplishment: Moving to Thailand to pursue gemological training and gain experience working in Thai gem markets Image courtesy of Elise Skalwold

Now that Skalwold is back in New York with her husband and son, who have offered "unconditional love and support" in her career change, she is entertaining offers to work as a staff gemologist in a major U.S. laboratory. Each day traveling down this "unexpected path," she says, is an adventure and a gift.

Appreciate Mentors. My colored stones mentor, who has been in the business for 30 years, has always been generous in his support, giving me access to instrumentation, study materials and his own expertise. He has extended continual, unflappable confidence in my abilities.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask. Several years ago I was lucky enough to strike up ongoing correspondence with several notable researchers and authors in the gem world who not only repeatedly and patiently responded to my missives regarding something they authored, but also encouraged me to pursue formal instruction. As a GIA student, I sought some of these people out, as well as others who were lecturing either at the campus or at various venues within a 100-mile radius of Carlsbad. This has led to a growing worldwide network of people in the industry whose friendship and support I value very highly.

Continue Your Education. Stay up to date in your skills and continue to be aware of new techniques and industry news. Some of the best ways to do this are to be active in the Alumni Association, subscribe to and study peer-reviewed scientific journals and trade publications, build a personal library, attend seminars and workshops given by schools and laboratories, and find a mentor or colleague with whom you can dialogue.

Expand Your Horizons. I traveled to the other side of the earth to live in Thailand and pursue my gemological training at the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand and to gain experience working in the Thai gem markets.

I studied under gemological researchers from major universities and had opportunities to experience firsthand some of the places and situations we learned about in the G.G. program. I met mine owners, cutters, brokers and wholesalers – people from all aspects of the gem trade (and ate a whole lot of the best noodles on the planet!).

Take Advantage of Your Resources. One of the greatest resources of the Carlsbad campus is the ongoing parade of people who come to speak to the students. They continually expanded my knowledge about not only gemological science, but also previously undreamt of opportunities in the larger gem and jewelry industry.

On top of this, take advantage of the hallway displays, the Museum exhibits and a Library collection that is unparalleled – I say this with awe, as a graduate of a university with an enormous, very famous library system.

Enjoy the People. I love being part of the global community of people involved in the colored stone industry. There are fascinating secrets to be discovered within the stones, and equally fascinating personalities involved in the stones' journey from mine to end customer.

Look for Positive Change. I've discovered along the way that there are many people and organizations in this industry generously using their assets in philanthropic endeavors. There are many examples of positive change, especially at the mine sites, and a growing movement towards Fair Trade policies. I like to think I can be part of that while doing something I love.

– Interview by Jaime Kautsky