GradingNov 14, 2022
GIA Kicks Off Complimentary Next-Day Services PromotionGradingNov 17, 2022
Professor of Artificial Intelligence Among Additions to GIA Board of Governors
Lake Dai, who teaches at Carnegie Mellon University, joins the board alongside Rosy Blue Managing Director Russell Mehta.
GIA’s Board of Governors met in November at GIA headquarters in Carlsbad, California. They are, pictured from left, seated: Barbara A. Sawrey, Tammy Storino, Stephen F. Kahler, Lisa A. Locklear, Dione D. Kenyon, Thomas H. Insley, Barbara Lee Dutrow, and Elliot Tannenbaum. Standing in the back, from left, are: Susan M. Jacques, Dave Bindra, Lawrence Ma, Lake Dai, Kiko Harvey, John W. Valley, Jeffery E. Post, Samantha F. Ravich, Robert Andrew “Andy” Johnson, Tom Moses, and Marcus ter Haar. New board member Russell Mehta is not pictured.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America has added two new members to its board of governors and named a new chair and vice chair.
Technology expert Lake Dai, adjunct professor of applied artificial intelligence (AI) at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and Russell Mehta, managing director of Rosy Blue (India) Pvt. have joined the board.
Dai is a seasoned technology venture investor and senior executive with 20 years’ experience at companies including Alibaba and Yahoo!, as well as a number of tech startups.
Mehta has been in the diamond business for nearly four decades, helping to grow Rosy Blue from a family business to a company now represented in more than 14 countries.
Lisa Locklear, senior vice president and chief financial officer at Avanir Pharmaceuticals and a governor since 2012, became board chair at the conclusion of the board’s November meeting.
Serving alongside her as vice chair is Stephen Kahler, senior advisor of strategic planning and business development for Everidge and a governor since 2016.
Commenting on the addition of Dai and Mehta, Locklear said: “Lake and Russell bring a wealth of experience that will complement and diversify the board’s strengths.”
In addition, four governors retired from the board: previous Chair Dione Kenyon, former president and CEO Of the Jewelers Board of Trade who retired from JBT in 2016; previous Vice Chair Thomas Insley, CFO at Dermata Therapeutics; Barbara Sawrey, dean emerita and distinguished professor emerita at the University of California San Diego; and Elliot Tannenbaum, senior principal of Leo Schachter Diamond Group.
GIA’s board of governors is designed to provide strategic direction to the institute.
There are 16 individuals on the board, a mix of leaders from the jewelry industry, academics in relevant scientific fields, and experts in technology, business, finance, consumer brands, retail, and risk management.
More on Grading
The Latest
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 DaysAn across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day CampaignBrigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This SummerThe retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.
EditorsApr 09, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in BrazilThe new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet JewelsThe pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong KongBonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is SentencedIn March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6MThe 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.
MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New AcquisitionThe company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.
Events & AwardsApr 07, 2025
Converge Taps Neuroscientist as Opening Keynote SpeakerBeau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.
AuctionsApr 04, 2025
25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101KA pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.
SourcingApr 04, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade to Hold Inaugural International Jade SummitThe event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.
CollectionsApr 04, 2025
Piece of the Week: Heather B. Moore’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ CharmThe charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
