Gemological Institute of America
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the world’s most respected authorities on gem grading, research, and education. Its certifications and standards shape consumer trust and influence pricing across the UK jewellery trade, making it essential for retailers, designers, and wholesalers to stay informed on GIA developments.
Jewellery Focus provides expert coverage on GIA’s work, including updates to grading systems, research findings, training programmes, and their impact on the UK market. Our reporting helps professionals understand how GIA initiatives affect supply chains, certification practices, and business strategies.
-
Jun- 2025 -23 JuneTrade Organisations
GIA appoints Pritesh Patel as president and CEO
Pritesh Patel has been appointed president and chief executive of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), effective 4 August 2025. Patel, who currently serves as chief operating officer, will succeed Susan Jacques, who has led the institute since 2014. Jacques will stay on as a strategic advisor until her retirement…
Read More » -
10 JuneAppointments
Bonhams appoints ex-De Beers London CEO as new CCO
Bonhams has appointed former De Beers London CEO Celine Assimon as its new chief commercial officer. With a career in luxury and fine jewellery, Assimon brings more than 20 years of experience leading commercial strategy, client engagement, and brand development across global markets. As CEO of De Beers London, she…
Read More » -
4 JuneManufacturers
GIA to use new descriptive terminology for laboratory-grown diamonds
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced that it will start using descriptive terms to characterise the quality of laboratory-grown diamonds and will no longer use the colour and clarity nomenclature that GIA developed for natural diamonds. The institute will also continue to accept laboratory-grown diamonds for evaluation and…
Read More » -
May- 2025 -29 MayE-Commerce
Dialog and Kunming Diamonds to launch collaboration at JCK 2025
Dialog Solutions and Kunming Diamonds have announced a new collaboration to have Kunming Diamonds’ natural yellow diamonds on the Dialog platform. The program will launch with a curated selection of natural yellow diamonds ranging from 0.70 to 5.00 carats, featuring the most attractive sizes, shapes, and qualities, each GIA-certified and…
Read More » -
20 MayTrade Organisations
GIA introduces expanded Nacre Scale to all pearl classification reports
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has expanded its approach to evaluating nacre on all pearl classification reports, providing an important update to the institute’s comprehensive pearl classification system, the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors. The nacre will now fall into one of GIA’s five classification ranges (Excellent, Very good, Good,…
Read More » -
Apr- 2025 -11 AprilDesigners
Exclusive: Astrea London CEO takes full control in strategic buyout
Nathalie Morrison, CEO of Astrea London, has revealed that she has taken full control of the company after buying out her co-founder’s 50% shareholding. With full ownership now secured, Morrison is accelerating Astrea’s international expansion, building on its current boutiques at the 5-star Fairmont Hotel in Windsor Park and Villa…
Read More » -
7 AprilTrade Organisations
Natural Diamond Council launches The Diamond Learning Centre
The Natural Diamond Council has announced the launch of the not-for-profit, free Diamond Learning Center, a website aiming to engage jewellery salespeople at scale. The new offering aims to allow salespeople to be better informed and able to confidently and clearly distinguish the value propositions across natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds,…
Read More » -
Mar- 2025 -19 MarchRetailers
Hancocks unveils bespoke ‘Design Your Own Engagement Ring’ service
Manchester-based independent jeweller Hancocks Jewellers has announced the launch of its exclusive ‘Design Your Own Engagement Ring’ service. The new offering allows customers to create a unique and personal ring, tailored to their vision, whether online or in-store with expert guidance from the Hancocks team. Customers can also explore a…
Read More » -
10 MarchAppointments
British Hallmarking Council appoints three new members
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has appointed Kerry Gregory, Sally Leonard and Frederick Toye as the three new members to the British Hallmarking Council from January 2025 for a period of three years. They will work with the chair Noel Hunter, OBE and existing members of council…
Read More » -
Feb- 2025 -19 FebruaryManufacturers
Céline Assimon steps down as De Beers CEO
De Beers CEO Céline Assimon has stepped down from her role after nearly five years. Assimon joined De Beers in September 2020 and succeeded former CEO François Delage. A year later,she was appointed as the head of both De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark. Prior to joining De Beers,…
Read More »
