JIC to Recognize People ‘Who Make Our World A Better Place’

The Jewelry Information Center (JIC), the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America (JA), is launching a nationwide essay contest to recognize individuals that make the world a better place.

JIC’s Gems Among Us Contest will launch on September 13, 2010, on its website.

JA retail members are asked to sign up to become participating retailers of JIC’s Gems Among Us Contest. JIC will provide them with a comprehensive, turn-key marketing program, allowing them to benefit from JIC’s nationwide promotion of the contest.

“Like JIC’s Ultimate Proposal Contest, which ran from February 15-April 30, the Gems Among Us Contest provides Jewelers of America Retail Members with a complete marketing program designed to effectively market their business, while building customer relationships,” said JA COO Rob Headley.

The contest will run from September 13 through November 22. On November 1, ten essays will be selected as finalists. From November 1-22, the public will be able to vote online for their favorite essay to determine the grand-prize winner.

The top 10 essay entrants will receive gemstone jewelry by Parlé; their Gems Among Us nominees will receive jewelry courtesy of Stuller Inc., and a Pocket Heart by The Loving Heart Collection by Jean Schnaak.

The grand-prize essay entrant will win a $5,000 shopping spree at a JA participating retailer courtesy of GE Money.

The grand-prize essay’s nominee – the “Gem Among Us” – will win a trip for two to Aventura Spa Palace Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, courtesy of Cosmopolitan magazine.