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.
GradingNov 14, 2017
GIA Announces New Board Members
Three members join as three finish their decade-long terms.
The Board of Governors met in November at the GIA headquarters in Carlsbad. Pictured from left, seated: Barbara A. Sawrey, Lawrence Ma, Barbara Lee Dutrow, Robert Andrew ‘Andy’ Johnson, Thomas T. Yang and Karen Evans; standing: Elliot Tannenbaum, Thomas H. Insley, Lisa A. Locklear, Thomas M. Moses, Board Chair Dione D. Kenyon, Susan M. Jacques, Amit Dhamani, John W. Valley and Stephen F. Kahler. Not pictured: Glenn R. Nord. Photo by Kevin Schumacher/GIA.
Carlsbad Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America announced new and departing board members at its recent board of governors meeting.
The three new board members are Karen Evans, Lawrence Ma and Robert Andrew “Andy” Johnson.
Evans comes from a background in IT implementation and cyber security and worked for the U.S. government for more than 25 years. She currently is the national director of the U.S. Cyber Challenge and a partner at KE&T Partners.
Ma has more than 45 years of experience in the diamond industry and has served in several senior roles in trade organizations. He is the chief executive of Lee Heng Diamond Group and founding president of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong.
Johnson hails from a retail and commercial real estate background and is the CEO of Diamond Cellar Holdings.
As Evans, Ma and Johnson join the board, three members depart. They are John A. Green, president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green, who was executive chair of the board from 2014 to 2016 and chair of the laboratory and research committee from 2013 to 2017; James P. Shinehouse, managing partner of Atlantic Financial Advisory Partners, who served as executive vice chair from 2015 to 2017 and head of the audit committee from 2010 to 2017; and Ephraim Zion, managing director of Dehres Ltd., who served on the Laboratory and Research and Executive Committees.
Green, Shinehouse and Zion all joined the board in 2007.
GIA President and CEO Susan M. Jacques commented in a press release, “Karen Evans, Lawrence Ma and Andy Johnson bring expertise, insight and deep knowledge in areas that are vital to continued success in today’s dynamic global market. They will undoubtedly make a significant contribution as members of the GIA Board of Governors as we work to further GIA’s public benefit mission. We thank the departing governors for their many years of wise counsel and dedicated service.”
The week prior to the board meeting, the GIA’s global research team held their annual meeting at the Carlsbad headquarters.
Attendees, who included GIA researchers, consulting scientists, fellows from the Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Fellowship program and GIA governors and executives, discussed developments in instrumentation, methods of detecting diamond treatments and synthetics, how to determine the origin of colored gemstones and pearl structures over the three-day gathering.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
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.
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.
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.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
