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
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
