CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
MajorsMay 05, 2021
Jean Claude Michelou, Colored Stone Expert and Mentor to Many, Dies
The longtime editor of ICA’s InColor magazine succumbed to COVID-19 on Monday.
Jean Claude Michelou was known as a leader in the colored stone sector, sharing his knowledge through his writing and his work at ICA’s InColor magazine. (Image courtesy Vincent Pardieu)
Bangkok—Jean Claude Michelou, a longtime veteran of the colored stone world who mentored many, died May 3 of COVID-19.
He was 72 years old.
Michelou had been active in the gemstone industry since 1977, working in gemstone trading, mining, and cutting, as well as serving as a sourcing strategist dealing with various countries.
The list of his positions and projects throughout his more than four decades in the industry is expansive.
He founded the International Colored Gemstone Association’s InColor magazine in 2004, serving as editor-in-chief up until recently, when he announced his retirement after 17 years of “incessant dedication” to the publication, ICA President Clement Sabbagh said on a post on ICA’s LinkedIn page.
He also served on ICA’s board of directors for 18 years, including 10 as its vice president, according to LinkedIn.
In 2017, Jean Claude and his daughter Zoe co-founded Imperial Colors Ltd., a business dedicated to rough buying, grading, and cutting of emeralds from Pakistan’s Swat Valley, tourmalines and beryls from Africa, and Sapphires from Sri Lanka.
He also served as a consultant for USAID, the World Bank, and various government agencies to help with the development of mine-to-market infrastructure and policies for the gemstone industry, and has worked on the development of trade and mining standards and social responsibility initiatives for artisanal and small-scale mining communities.
This included acting as a senior technical advisor for United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) on the gem and jewelry supply chain for its “Illicit Trafficking of Precious Metals and Traceability and Ethical Origins of Colored Gemstones” project and serving as a contributor to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forums on precious metal and gemstones.
He also served on the advisory board for the University of Delaware’s Gemstones and Sustainable Development Knowledge Hub and helped organize the World Emerald Symposium events.
In addition to his vast knowledge of, and passion for, colored stones, Jean Claude was also known for the time and attention he gave to other members of the trade.
Field gemologist Vincent Pardieu said he was not only a mentor to him but to many in the industry, noting the latter had a fondness for helping young people.
Many who shared their memories and condolences about his death on social media talked about him being a cheerleader for their work, guiding them in the right direction, pushing them to keep going, and offering honest opinions.
“JC, as he was known in our community, worked passionately and tirelessly throughout his life to support the colored gemstone industry,” ICA’s Sabbagh said on LinkedIn.
“JC will be lovingly remembered by relatives and the many friends he had around the globe. He will be sadly missed by all of us at the ICA.”
He was 72 years old.
Michelou had been active in the gemstone industry since 1977, working in gemstone trading, mining, and cutting, as well as serving as a sourcing strategist dealing with various countries.
The list of his positions and projects throughout his more than four decades in the industry is expansive.
He founded the International Colored Gemstone Association’s InColor magazine in 2004, serving as editor-in-chief up until recently, when he announced his retirement after 17 years of “incessant dedication” to the publication, ICA President Clement Sabbagh said on a post on ICA’s LinkedIn page.
He also served on ICA’s board of directors for 18 years, including 10 as its vice president, according to LinkedIn.
In 2017, Jean Claude and his daughter Zoe co-founded Imperial Colors Ltd., a business dedicated to rough buying, grading, and cutting of emeralds from Pakistan’s Swat Valley, tourmalines and beryls from Africa, and Sapphires from Sri Lanka.
He also served as a consultant for USAID, the World Bank, and various government agencies to help with the development of mine-to-market infrastructure and policies for the gemstone industry, and has worked on the development of trade and mining standards and social responsibility initiatives for artisanal and small-scale mining communities.
This included acting as a senior technical advisor for United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) on the gem and jewelry supply chain for its “Illicit Trafficking of Precious Metals and Traceability and Ethical Origins of Colored Gemstones” project and serving as a contributor to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forums on precious metal and gemstones.
He also served on the advisory board for the University of Delaware’s Gemstones and Sustainable Development Knowledge Hub and helped organize the World Emerald Symposium events.
In addition to his vast knowledge of, and passion for, colored stones, Jean Claude was also known for the time and attention he gave to other members of the trade.
Field gemologist Vincent Pardieu said he was not only a mentor to him but to many in the industry, noting the latter had a fondness for helping young people.
Many who shared their memories and condolences about his death on social media talked about him being a cheerleader for their work, guiding them in the right direction, pushing them to keep going, and offering honest opinions.
“JC, as he was known in our community, worked passionately and tirelessly throughout his life to support the colored gemstone industry,” ICA’s Sabbagh said on LinkedIn.
“JC will be lovingly remembered by relatives and the many friends he had around the globe. He will be sadly missed by all of us at the ICA.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
