Events & AwardsJun 16, 2023
JCK Attendance Up 8% in 2023Events & AwardsJul 03, 2023
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference to Highlight Sustainability
In its 13th year, the event will focus on luxury in the age of responsible practices.
Pictured is the gold and diamond “Nomoli Totem Mansa” pendant necklace by Matturi Fine Jewelry. Designer Satta Matturi will give a presentation and receive an award at Initiatives in Art and Culture’s upcoming conference in New York. (Photo courtesy of Matturi © 2023)
New York— Initiatives in Art and Culture’s (IAC) 13th annual international conference on gold and diamonds, “Maintaining Purpose,” will explore luxury in an age of responsible practices.
The conference will be held July 17-19 at the Bohemian National Hall in New York City, beginning with a welcome reception on Monday evening at Heritage Auctions New York with remarks by Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Heritage, Roberta Kramer.
IAC said the focus of the event is “maintaining purpose, while exploring varied declarations of principle on responsible practices and cultural preservation, and how to harmonize and operationalize them.”
Industry leaders, jewelers, and innovators will come together to discuss new technologies for extraction and sourcing, new mine-to-market models, new approaches to training, and a discussion on the evolution of environmental and climate challenges.
“2030 and 2050: when these target dates for achieving transformational goals were set, they seemed far off. But that future is now,” said President of Initiatives in Art and Culture Lisa Koenigsberg.
“IAC's conference, ‘Maintaining Purpose,’ will feature robust discussion of the measures, methods, practices, social values, and commitments required to successfully achieve the vision set forth in the declarations of principle which intentionally differ from roadmaps.”
Tuesday’s sessions include “Global expectations and sustainability: Language, legislation, regulation, and transformation” and “Action vs. aspiration: Beyond pledges and commitments,” followed by a presentation by Sarine on its work with technology and verifiable data in “Origins: Achieving transparency in a transformational age.”
The day will also include a presentation by jewelry designer Satta Matturi, as well as afternoon sessions on the mainstream gold market, touching on topics like determining value, premiums, recycled gold, and gold produced by artisanal and small-scale miners.
IAC will hold a collaborative closing panel on intellectual property with conference partner, CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation.
“Initiatives in Art and Culture's annual Gold and Diamond Conference has firmly established its credentials as a critically important vantage point from which to examine jewelry and the jewelry industry as a business, cultural and artistic endeavor, within the context of contemporary society,” said CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri.
“What draws it apart is that it considers each of those elements with equal fervor, enabling us as professionals to look ahead to what will challenge us in the month and years ahead.”
Related stories will be right here …
The conference will be held July 17-19 at the Bohemian National Hall in New York City, beginning with a welcome reception on Monday evening at Heritage Auctions New York with remarks by Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Heritage, Roberta Kramer.
IAC said the focus of the event is “maintaining purpose, while exploring varied declarations of principle on responsible practices and cultural preservation, and how to harmonize and operationalize them.”
Industry leaders, jewelers, and innovators will come together to discuss new technologies for extraction and sourcing, new mine-to-market models, new approaches to training, and a discussion on the evolution of environmental and climate challenges.
“2030 and 2050: when these target dates for achieving transformational goals were set, they seemed far off. But that future is now,” said President of Initiatives in Art and Culture Lisa Koenigsberg.
“IAC's conference, ‘Maintaining Purpose,’ will feature robust discussion of the measures, methods, practices, social values, and commitments required to successfully achieve the vision set forth in the declarations of principle which intentionally differ from roadmaps.”
Tuesday’s sessions include “Global expectations and sustainability: Language, legislation, regulation, and transformation” and “Action vs. aspiration: Beyond pledges and commitments,” followed by a presentation by Sarine on its work with technology and verifiable data in “Origins: Achieving transparency in a transformational age.”
The day will also include a presentation by jewelry designer Satta Matturi, as well as afternoon sessions on the mainstream gold market, touching on topics like determining value, premiums, recycled gold, and gold produced by artisanal and small-scale miners.
IAC will hold a collaborative closing panel on intellectual property with conference partner, CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation.
“Initiatives in Art and Culture's annual Gold and Diamond Conference has firmly established its credentials as a critically important vantage point from which to examine jewelry and the jewelry industry as a business, cultural and artistic endeavor, within the context of contemporary society,” said CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri.
“What draws it apart is that it considers each of those elements with equal fervor, enabling us as professionals to look ahead to what will challenge us in the month and years ahead.”
On Tuesday evening, IAC will recognize the honorees of its sixth annual award for "Leadership in Responsible Practice" and third annual award for "Outstanding Contributions to the Diamond and Jewelry Industries."
Pippa Small (left) is the recipient of IAC’s sixth annual Leadership in Responsible Practice Award and Satta Matturi (right) is the recipient of the organization’s third annual Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Diamond and Jewelry Industries.
Pippa Small will be honored with the Leadership in Responsible Practice Award, which is presented to a member of the jewelry industry who has made a transformational contribution to ethical sourcing and responsible practices in the worldwide gem and jewelry trade.
“Since first launching in 2007, Pippa Small has prioritized ethical practices and cultural collaboration, while working to generate secure livelihoods in areas of conflict and to create opportunities for women to learn valuable skills,” said Koenigsberg.
“Her signature styles serve to link diverse collections, materials, communities and global artisanry. Her resplendent jewelry embodies the social responsibility mirrored by her global commitments.”
Designer Satta Matturi will be honored with the Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Diamond and Jewelry Industries.
“Satta Matturi’s commitment to African design motifs and her reverence for exceptional material and craftsmanship are matched by her belief in the social impact of diamonds in Africa,” said Koenigsberg.
“Her work as a designer of culturally powerful and resonant elegant diamond jewelry since 2015, her support for responsible practice throughout the diamond supply chain, and her service as a board member of the RJC uniquely qualify her for this award.”
Wednesday follows with more sessions, beginning with climate change conversations in “Transitioning to low- or zero-carbon methods without subjecting at-risk communities to the new socioeconomic injustices.”
It will be followed by “Reducing the environmental impact of gold extraction: Defining best practices” — a discussion of the overlap between climate and biodiversity, approaches to mercury reduction, and Planet Gold’s training program for mercury reduction.
Other talks include panel discussion, “Reconceptualizing mine to market: the Cruzeiro approach,” and a conversation with Brazilian jewelry designer Silvia Furmanovich on her work, involvement with world cultures and natural materials, and her commitment to artisanry and detail.
Closing remarks, “Defining luxury in an age of responsible practice,” explores the relationship of businesses “doing good” versus what consumers genuinely care about, as well as the highly valued elements of a concept of luxury framed by responsible practices.
For the full program agenda and list of speakers, and to register for “Maintaining Purpose,” visit IAC’s website.
To learn more about Initiatives in Art and Culture, call 646-485-1952 or email info@artinitatives.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
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.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 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.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
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.
