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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The Latest
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
