By Larne Boyles

Honesty and hard work are at the top of the list for success, Charles Carmona, G.G., president of Guild Laboratories, Inc., recently told students at GIA’s World Headquarters.

The independent gemologist and appraiser had just returned from the Tucson Gem and Mineral shows and said he was “still tingling with excitement.” In fact, attending industry shows was another one of the recommendations he made to students during his Feb. 19 lecture titled "Success in the Gem and Jewelry Industry."

“Shows are a great place to familiarize yourself with the industry because that’s where all it all happens,” he said. “Be it large scale shows such as Tucson or JCK Las Vegas, or the ‘local rock hound’ shows, you’ll get the opportunity to see incredible gemstones and jewelry, and meet some interesting people.”

The importance of honesty, however, was at the top of his list. News travels fast in the industry, he stressed, so it is necessary to remain trustworthy and honest from the very beginning of your career.

Networking is also a necessity for students who hope to establish a lasting career. He provided several examples of organizations to get started with, including the GIA Alumni Association, the American Gem Society and the American Society of Appraisers.

Carmona also encouraged students to take advantage of the vast opportunities offered to them at the Institute, such as Career Fair, Open House and the student field trips to the Stewart Lithia Mine in Pala, California.

“You’re not going to get many opportunities to see a working mine, so don’t miss this trip,” he said.

He also suggested reading trade publications, which not only help you stay abreast of industry developments, but also lend themselves to continued education.

“No matter which career path you choose in the industry, you need to know what products are out there,” he said.

Carmona credited his Graduate Gemologist diploma as an essential tool that helped him start his business, but said his dedication to ethics and hard work led to his professional success. 

“Your GIA diploma is an invitation to the industry, but you must take the steps yourself,” Carmona said. “You have control over how hard you work, but not on how lucky you get.

(Thomas) Jefferson said, ‘The harder I work, the luckier I get.’ It’s a long road to success and few people make it – work harder and be luckier.”