IndependentsJan 05, 2022
Boston Jewelers Club Elects New President
John Pollard is IGI’s new senior director of education.
Antwerp, Belgium—The International Gemological Institute has appointed John Pollard senior director of education.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Grading
The Latest
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
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.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
Lab-GrownAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
