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
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sA private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With DisabilitiesAround 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s SaleThe one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past DecadeAs a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
