GIA recognizes industry icon Getz with scholarship

July 25, 2008

Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the creation of the Irving Getz Scholarship, a fund specially created by the Getz family to honor Getz's memory and the contributions he made to the jewelry industry.

A notable figure in the industry, Getz passed away on May 27, 2008, in Miami at the age of 84.

Getz began working at his father's jewelry store in Miami, Mayor's Jewelers, and expanded it into a fine-jewelry retail chain. He was considered by many to be a leader, teacher, mentor and brilliant businessman with an uncanny taste for merchandising.

Over the years, he served as president of Jewelers of America, board member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, member of the New York Diamond Dealers Club and the first-ever inductee into the National Jeweler Hall of Fame.

The scholarship in Getz's honor has been set up for any course or program offered by the GIA, including on-campus education, distance education or lab classes.

"Irving lived and breathed jewelry, and I know that through this scholarship, he would be very proud that his legacy and spirit would help students foster and strengthen their education and knowledge," Getz's wife, Joan Getz, said in a media release.

For more information about the Irving Getz Scholarship or to make a donation by phone, call Bev Berthoty, manager of institute relations, at (760) 603-4120.