Policies & IssuesJun 29, 2023
Tiffany & Co. Gets Approval for Net-Zero Emissions TargetPolicies & IssuesJul 24, 2023
IGI Partners with Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030
WJI 2030, founded in 2021 by Kering and Cartier, focuses on creating a more sustainable watch and jewelry industry.
The International Gemological Institute has joined the Watch & Jewellery Initiative (WJI) 2030 as a partner member.
New York—The International Gemological Institute is the newest partner member of Watch & Jewellery Initiative (WJI) 2030.
Founded in 2021 by Kering and Cartier, the group focuses on creating a more sustainable watch and jewelry industry.
WJI 2030 is co-chaired by Cartier CEO Cyrille Vigneron and Kering Chief Sustainability Officer Marie-Claire Daveu.
The group follows the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, which promotes a corporate value system that prioritizes human rights, labor fairness, the environment, and anti-corruption.
It also is guided by the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which include the elimination of poverty and hunger and the promotion of gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and sustainable cities and communities.
“IGI’s locations around the world are delighted to join this initiative,” said IGI CEO Roland Lorie.
“We believe it’s important for all companies to recognize and address their potential impact on issues pertaining to the environment, and to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
IGI was founded in Antwerp in 1975 by the Lorie family and was recently acquired by private equity giant Blackstone. The company operates 29 grading labs and 18 gemology schools across 10 countries.
IGI was one of the first gemological institutes to commit to carbon neutrality in 2021, the company said.
It launched a women’s empowerment program in India the same year, which helps women pursue careers in the gem and jewelry industries.
“At IGI we endeavor to establish a culture that emphasizes a harmonious blend of performance, well-being, and social consciousness,” said IGI Chief Operating Officer Deborah Pienica.
“By proactively contributing to the betterment of society, we hope to elevate the collective level of consciousness and positively impact our planet and its people.”
WJI 2023 Executive Director Iris Van Der Veken welcomed IGI to the group in a statement that noted WJI 2030 will reach the halfway point of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development this September, which she called a “critical milestone.”
“Now is the time for bold leadership,” said Ven Der Veken.
“We look forward to IGI driving positive impacts across our three strategic pillars: building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness. Now, more than ever, we must work together on our ambitions across the watch and jewelry industry with credibility and accountability to ensure we make real meaningful change.”
Members of WJI 2030 include GIA, Hari Krishna Exports, Pandora, Swarovski, IWC Schaffhausen, Boucheron, and the Black in Jewelry Coalition.
For more information about WJI 2030, visit the group’s website.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
