A record number of 38 jewelry companies will be recruiting employees at Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) annual Jewelry Career Fair on Oct. 19.

The event will be held at the GIA's headquarters in Carlsbad from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Representatives from prominent jewelry companies such as Ben Bridge Jeweler, De Beers, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, Tiffany and Co. and Zale Corp. will be on-hand to interview prospective employees for a variety of positions, including management, design, accounting, marketing, sales and merchandising.

The career fair will also include panel discussions, career coaches, seminars, workshops and an open house that includes a tour of the campus and a variety of jewelry exhibits. Visitors can also observe classroom demonstrations on the GIA's Gemology, Jewelry Manufacturing Arts and School of Business programs.

A special display of jeweled brooches from Beverly Hills, Calif.-based designer Ricardo Basta will also be featured. Basta's work has been worn on celebrities, featured on America's Next Top Model and mentioned in Harper's Bazaar, Robb Report and W.

Admission is free for job seekers and open house attendees.

For more information on the Jewelry Career Fair, call GIA's Jewelry Career Fair hotline at (800) 421-7250 ext. 4100. Employers who would like to recruit at the career fair can call (800) 421-7250 ext. 4195. For more information on the open house, call (760) 603-4222.