Colored Stones

Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints

GIA remains closed due to California wildfires

October 24, 2007

Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) Carlsbad headquarters remains closed today due to the wildfires in Southern California, which have forced nearly 1 million people from their homes, according to CNN.

According to the GIA Web site, GIA.edu, the organization said its Carlsbad location remains free from risk and asks all laboratory personnel who are not subject to evacuation to report to work through the GIA South Gate if they can do so safely. Laboratory staff members who are able to work will be compensated with an extra vacation day next year.

The GIA said it hopes to open all operations for business and classes this Thursday, depending on further developments.

The GIA is not the only operation to close because of the fires. Malls, stores and other businesses across Southern California have also closed as a precautionary method. Some have even made their properties available for firefighters and law-enforcement agencies. Westfield Group, which operates seven malls around San Diego, closed its North County mall to make it a staging area for emergency personnel, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Although some jewelry retailers have temporarily closed their stores because of the proximity of the fires, no damages or injuries have been reported so far to the California Jewelers Association (CJA).

Rosanna Aguilar, executive director of the CJA, said they are trying to reach all of their members by phone to stay abreast of everyone's situation. Closed stores and possible power outages have prevented the CJA from reaching everyone yet, but the association continues to try.

Larry Baker, owner of Baker Jeweler Inc. in San Diego, said his store is 15 to 20 miles from the fire and is doing the best it can, aside from being impacted by the deteriorating air quality. Baker said some of his suppliers are in the fire zones, which is causing schedule interruptions, but that no one is sticking to schedules now.

Baker also said some jewelers have to bring items from their homes to their office because of possible endangerment.

"This is real-life stuff," Baker said. "There's lots of apprehension. We are sitting by the TV to see if we are next [to evacuate] or not."

Baker said the jewelry industry in San Diego is looking out for their families and neighborhoods to do what's best for them, but is still servicing those who need jewelry services.

Editor's note: For earlier developments in this story, see GIA Carlsbad closes for fire-safety concerns.
Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints
Post a Comment
* Required field
* Author:
* Comment:
 

More Colored Stones

Richard Hughes
Ruby, sapphire expert Hughes wins Bonanno award

Richard W. Hughes, known for his adventure-laden travelogues, his writings on undisclosed gemstone treatments and as the author of Ruby and Sapphire, has won the 2010 Antonio C. Bonanno Award For Excellence in Gemology, the Accredited Gemologists Association has announced. Read More

'Vivid Pink' up for sale at Christie's
Price is right for pearls this holiday
More Colored Stones

More Like This

Design Portfolio

advertisement

Video

Small multi video player located on right rail of NJN site

advertisement

Sponsored by:

Retailer Toolbar

America's Best Jewelers
Join the ONLY Social Network for Jewelry Retailers. Get access to expert content, peer best practices, and more.
Start networking today.
Newsletters
Newsletters
Topic-specific newsletters that deliver the latest news on jewelry, diamonds, wholesale operations and high-volume buying directly to your in-box.
Reader Connect
ReaderConnect
Supplier information presented with every article, bringing you related, actionable content on every topic.
Jewelry Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages
A comprehensive listing of associations, organizations, suppliers and services for the jewelry industry.
Classifieds
Classifieds
A comprehensive listing of job postings, product offerings and other materials for sale for the jewelry industry.
NJN Customer Connect
CustomerConnect
The most sophisticated suite of marketing services available for jewelry retailers, from Internet tools to data marketing.

advertisement