GIA Appoints First Vice President of Sustainability Programs
Johanna Levy will oversee the environmental, social, and governance programs.

The institute has announced Johanna Levy is the first vice president of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs.
Levy has spent more than a decade meeting and exceeding ESG goals for other companies, GIA said.
Previously, she worked at Firmenich, the largest privately-owned flavor and fragrance company. There, she was the senior director of global environmental excellence. Prior to that, she was the North America director of sustainability.
In these roles, she created company-wide programs, client-facing projects, and collaborations with non-government organizations and ESG risk-rating agencies all dealing with supply chain transparency and net positive impact.
Before that, she worked in either an in-house capacity or as a consultant for brands including Google, Nestle, and the World Gold Council.
Levy also has career experience in marketing and marketing communications.
She has a Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies with a concentration in environmental sciences from Harvard; a Master of Science in sustainability management from Columbia; and a Master’s degree in management from ESCP Europe.
At GIA, Levy will report to Pritesh Patel, senior vice president and chief operation officer. Levy will work with teams across GIA. She will be based in New York.
“Establishing a broad ESG program led by such a talented, experienced and passionate professional will connect our community and business goals, driving positive results for communities, the industry and GIA, and advancing our important consumer-protection mission,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques.
“Johanna’s work successfully managing award-winning ESG strategies and initiatives will move GIA and the industry further on the path to a more sustainable future.”
Levy said, “GIA is in a unique position to advance the development and implementation of programs and practices that will lead to greater transparency and a more sustainable future for the gem and jewelry industry.
“I look forward to helping the institute build on its strong foundation of integrity and trust.”
The Latest

Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.

The full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.

Model Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.


Three winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

The Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.