31 August 2007

Christine Webb to Lead Development of WJC Museum Experience

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The World Jewelry Center (WJC) has retained industry veteran Christine Webb to head the development of the museum experience that will be a featured part of the WJC's retail center.

Webb is a graduate of Penn State University, where she earned a B.S. degree in geology. She is also a Graduate Gemologist from GIA. She has more than 20 years experience in the gem and jewelry industry, including positions ranging from sales manager to gemologist/appraiser to gemologist/consultant, for firms such as Tiffany & Co., Nova International, and Nordstrom.

For many years Webb has been a curatorial assistant and contractor with the Smithsonian Institution. She served as project coordinator for the Smithsonian's popular Allure of Pearls exhibit in 2005, and also worked on other Smithsonian projects, such as the Gem Hall renovation and "The National Gem Collection" book.

"I'm thrilled to be involved with the WJC," she said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of something very special – an international gem and jewelry marketplace that is the first of its kind in the U.S., with a world-class retail center, featuring a museum and beautiful exhibit space."

Webb added, "It's exciting to be working with a talented group of professionals to develop the vision of the World Jewelry Center museum experience with exciting, innovative exhibits that highlight gems and jewelry and educate the public while promoting the jewelry industry."

WJC Managing Director Bill Boyajian said, "I am delighted to find someone who has such expertise in this field to direct the development of this important part of the World Jewelry Center. Chris' extensive experience and education in gemology and jewelry, along with her excellent work with the Smithsonian, make her uniquely qualified to lead this project."

Boyajian said the concept of the WJC's museum is to provide an independent attraction to help draw the public's attention to the retail center, and to be an educational tool and a link to the local community, as well as an experience that provides entertainment and excitement for Las Vegas visitors.