
The position has been newly created.
Pollard will oversee IGI’s educational offerings and diploma programs that comprise 14 gemology schools around the world, as well as online learning.
IGI education encompasses gemstone grading, jewelry design, and instructional seminars and webinars.
“I am pleased that John is taking on this important role. At IGI, we have always felt a responsibility to provide proper gemological education to all who choose to enter this field. Only then can we have a strong industry, trusted by consumers,” said Roland Lorie, IGI CEO.
“For over 40 years, we have educated tens of thousands of people and we intend to continue reaching more people in more places, increasing knowledge and confidence among professionals and consumers alike.”
Pollard and IGI have worked together on different projects for more than a decade. Since 2020, he has been designing curriculum and training for many of IGI’s clients, including top luxury brands, IGI said.
Pollard has also been a consultant for diamond producers, diamond sellers, and other labs, around the globe.
He has hosted educational seminars at JCK Las Vegas, AGS Conclave, the GIA Alumni Association, and IGI trade conferences.
He was recently the director of education at PriceScope.com. He has also held management roles in different industry-related companies since 2005, working across traditional retail and ecommerce.
Pollard got his start in a different kind of education than gemstones when he worked as a Texas public school educator. He was twice awarded his district’s Education Foundation Award of Excellence.
With degrees in education, gemology, and music, Pollard remains involved in youth education advocacy and serves on the board of directors of Music for All.
The Latest

From a slowdown in sales growth to rising costs, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.

Once a part of Julius Klein Group, the diamond company combines its direct supply and cutting expertise with a keen eye to the future.

One analyst cited rising diamond prices and the sanctions on Alrosa as contributing factors.

When it comes to knowing the identity and quality of your pearls, count on GIA as your independent pearl experts.

The two have partnered on a capsule collection.

John A. Green of retailer Lux Bond & Green and Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé have joined the board of directors as of May 18.

The retailer also said demand for Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet watches continues to exceed its supply.

Advanced technology levels the playing field, helping jewelers give customers what they want.

The auction house’s upcoming sale also includes collections from American heiresses.

The Connecticut jeweler reflected on five decades in the industry and what the future holds for the family business.

The chapter has organized a day trip to the Sterling Hill Mine and Museum in Ogdensburg on Saturday, May 21.

The stones come from a deposit close to Mahenge and have been on the market for several months.

The jewelry designer is partnering with popcorn brand Angie’s Boomchickapop on a whimsical diamond cut.

In the latest article from The Smart Lab, Emmanuel Raheb outlines the website changes jewelers can expect with this new software.

The new app allows salespeople to quickly and easily access a lot of inventory.

Following its Paris debut, “Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity” has landed at the Dallas Museum of Art.

The fine jewelry brand expects to open 17 new locations, mostly in North America.

The Kansas retailer is aiming for a fall 2023 opening.

It will be located in Vietnam’s Binh Duong Province, and construction is slated to start early next year.

It’s full of hundreds of contacts for jewelry-making supplies and services.

The company is feeling the impact of the uncertain geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, said CEO Beth Gerstein.

It became the most valuable vintage Audemars Piguet watch ever sold at auction, according to Sotheby’s.

It’s a sneak peek of the newness that will be on display at the Couture Show next month.

Moshe Salem was re-elected as president, but there is a new treasurer, secretary, and board members.

The 228-carat stone came in at the low end of its estimated range while “The Red Cross Diamond” exceeded expectations at $14.3 million.

The New York City native was honored at the annual Fashion Group International awards ceremony, held Tuesday night.

The Independent Jewelers Organization, the Company of Master Jewellers, and Nationwide Jewellers have formed the Global Jewellers Network.