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
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
