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.
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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,…
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Jan- 2025 -16 JanuaryTrade Organisations
Susan Jacques to retire as GIA president and CEO
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the planned retirement of its president and CEO, Susan Jacques, at the end of 2025. Jacques became GIA’s president and CEO on 1 January 2014 after serving as interim CEO for six months. Before that, she was a member of the GIA…
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Dec- 2024 -4 DecemberTrade Organisations
NAJ appoints new vice chair
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced the appointment of Mehdi Saadian, director of the GIA London campus, as the new vice chair of the NAJ. Saadian is an active member of the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) and the Academy of Experts. He has played a significant role…
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Nov- 2024 -27 NovemberDesigners
Ernest Jones launches lab-grown diamond collection
Ernest Jones has announced the launch of its new lab-grown diamond collection Bloom. There are seven different fashion-inspired collections named after European cities. Six of the pieces are distinguished by the shape of the fancy cut stones and one for the seamless, smooth stone setting. The Florence piece has a…
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22 NovemberTrade Organisations
GIA board of governors welcomes two new members
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the addition of two new members – Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweller and Dr. Wendy Bohrson, professor of geology at the Colorado School of Mines at its recent meeting. As president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweller, a…
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Oct- 2024 -14 OctoberRetailers
Astrea London to open new boutique in Fairmont Windsor Park
Luxury jewellery brand Astrea London is set to open a stand-alone boutique within the entrance lobby of the Fairmont Windsor Park. The boutique will be the first store in the world located within a luxury hotel dedicated to sustainable and lab-grown diamonds. Set to open in mid-October 2024, the boutique…
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Aug- 2024 -28 AugustE-Commerce
Ebay UK expands Authenticity Guarantee to pearl jewellery
Ebay UK has expanded its Authenticity Guarantee service to pearl jewellery in collaboration with GIA, the Gemological Institute of America. The news comes as the marketplace saw a 30% increase in gemstone sales in the first six months of 2024. New and pre-loved pearl pieces sold for £500 and over…
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May- 2024 -13 MayRetailers
Lightbox lowers lab-grown diamond retail prices by up to 40%
De Beers Group’s lab-grown diamond brand Lightbox has announced it has lowered the retail price of its lab-grown diamonds by up to 40%. The brand’s colourless DEF stones, featuring an excellent cut and VS clarity, are now $900 (£716.7) a carat, down 40% from $1,500 (£1194.6). The price of lab-grown…
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Apr- 2024 -15 AprilDesigners
BAJ hosts Graff for collaborative exhibition
The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) community and representatives from luxury jewellery house Graff, came together to host the BAJ X Graff Fine Jewellery Project. According to BAJ, the exhibition and awards evening marked an important collaboration between industry and education, highlighting the shared commitment to “nurturing aspiring creatives on…
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Mar- 2024 -7 MarchTrade Organisations
GIA appoints Brandon H. Pace as general counsel
Brandon H. Pace, an attorney with over two decades of legal experience in the financial and technology sectors, has been appointed by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) as the Institute’s general counsel. In his new role, he will report to president and CEO Susan Jacques and is a member of…
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