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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
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.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
