MajorsJan 25, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Hires Former Amazon Loss Prevention Exec GradingJan 31, 2024
Former De Beers Exec François Delage Joins GIA Board
He brings more than three decades of experience in global luxury, fashion, and jewelry retail.
The Gemological Institute of America recently welcomed former De Beers executive François Delage to its board of governors.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has added François Delage to its board of governors.
Delage has more than three decades of experience in global luxury, fashion and jewelry retail.
Most recently, he was the CEO of high-end real estate business Barnes International. Prior to that, he was the CEO of fine jewelry business Adorisa Group.
Before that, Delage was the CEO of De Beers’ Forevermark diamond brand. From 2009 until 2020, he was the CEO of De Beers Jewellers in London.
He got his start at Louis Vuitton in the finance division, serving as its finance director for EMEA in 1995. He was named general manager for LVMH fashion brands in 1999, when he was based in Guam. In 2001, he was named president of Louis Vuitton Asia Pacific and based in Hong Kong.
He holds a business degree in management and finance from the European Business School.
“To keep advancing our consumer protection mission, GIA works to understand what gem and jewelry consumers in global markets want and what they need to have confidence in their purchases,” said Lisa Locklear, chair of the GIA board of governors.
“With his broad international experience and deep understanding of luxury and jewelry markets and consumers, François Delage is an outstanding addition to the board.”
Related stories will be right here …
Delage has more than three decades of experience in global luxury, fashion and jewelry retail.
Most recently, he was the CEO of high-end real estate business Barnes International. Prior to that, he was the CEO of fine jewelry business Adorisa Group.
Before that, Delage was the CEO of De Beers’ Forevermark diamond brand. From 2009 until 2020, he was the CEO of De Beers Jewellers in London.
He got his start at Louis Vuitton in the finance division, serving as its finance director for EMEA in 1995. He was named general manager for LVMH fashion brands in 1999, when he was based in Guam. In 2001, he was named president of Louis Vuitton Asia Pacific and based in Hong Kong.
He holds a business degree in management and finance from the European Business School.
“To keep advancing our consumer protection mission, GIA works to understand what gem and jewelry consumers in global markets want and what they need to have confidence in their purchases,” said Lisa Locklear, chair of the GIA board of governors.
“With his broad international experience and deep understanding of luxury and jewelry markets and consumers, François Delage is an outstanding addition to the board.”
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques also welcomed Delage to the board.
“We rely on our governors for their insight, wisdom and strategic guidance as we work every day to protect consumers and support the industry,” she said.
The board’s role is to help direct GIA’s strategy and vision and ensure its financial obligations are met.
“I am pleased and honored to join the GIA board of governors, and I look forward to working with the other Governors and GIA management to advance the Institute’s important mission and help secure its continued success well into the future,” said Delage.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
