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
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
