The RealReal and University of Arizona Collaborate to Create an Endowed Chair in Gemology; First of its Kind in the World

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The RealReal, the leading authenticated luxury consignment company, today announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the University of Arizona to create a new degree program for gemology. The RealReal is funding an endowed chair in the UA College of Science with the intent of helping the University of Arizona develop new research and technology. An undergraduate program will be offered, along with a graduate program for master's and PhD students emphasizing gemological research and skills will be made possible through this endowment. Finally, Gem-A (Gemological Association of Great Britain) is also partnering with the UA and The RealReal to allow students in the program to obtain their individual gemology certification.

As a key leader and innovator in the industry, The RealReal is joining the University of Arizona and Gem-A to further their shared values of education, innovation, and expertise. Together, they will develop unique technologies to enhance the study of gemology. For The RealReal, these advancements will also provide its gemologists, buyers, collectors, and potential sellers with elevated knowledge and information.

The new degree program will be located in Tucson, Arizona, the mineral and colored stone capital of the world. Students will learn on campus and in state-of-the-art labs located in the University of Arizona's new Gem and Mineral Museum in downtown Tucson.

"As the market leader in the jewelry resale market, we have always invested heavily in gemologists, research, and technology," said The RealReal CEO Julie Wainwright. "Collaborating with University of Arizona on this new degree program will enhance our efforts and the entire industry. We have had great success working with University of Arizona gemologists in the past and are extremely impressed with their expertise. We are excited to share their knowledge with the world."

"The RealReal is clearly an innovator in the luxury space. The University of Arizona is a known innovator in many aspects of retail, forensic sciences, and development of novel programs.  I am thrilled that these two entities who are currently leading in their respective fields are now working together to build this gemology program. These partnerships are how transformative changes happen." - Joaquin Ruiz, Dean, UA College of Science; UA Vice President for Innovation; Executive Dean of the Colleges of Letters, Arts and Sciences

About The RealReal

The RealReal is the leader in authenticated luxury consignment. With an expert behind every item, we ensure everything we sell is 100% real. We have 60+ in-house gemologists, horologists and brand authenticators who inspect thousands of items available online each day. As a sustainable company, we give new life to pieces by brands from Chanel to Cartier, and hundreds more, supporting the circular economy. We make consigning effortless with free in-home pickup, drop-off service and direct shipping. At our store in SoHo NYC customers can shop and consign and meet with our experts to learn more about luxury authenticity and sustainability. In eight Luxury Consignment Offices across the country, our expert staff provides free jewelry, watch and handbag valuations.

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Press Contact:
Natalie Shalk
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650-823-5892

SOURCE The RealReal

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