GradingAug 07, 2023
IGI CEO Roland Lorie to Step Down This Fall GradingSep 06, 2023
GIA to Lay Off About 20% of Workforce at Carlsbad HQ
The Gemological Institute of America is letting go of 151 people, 100 of whom work in the lab in some capacity.
The Gemological Institute of America is laying off 151 employees at its worldwide headquarters in Carlsbad, California. According to the company’s WARN filing, it notified affected employees of the pending layoffs, which will begin later this month, on July 24.
Carlsbad, California—The Gemological Institute of America is laying off about 20 percent of the workforce at its global headquarters in Carlsbad, California, citing the economic downturn.
According to GIA’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) filing, the company plans to lay off 151 of its approximately 751 employees in Carlsbad beginning Sept. 22.
Of the 151 employees GIA is letting go, 100 work in the lab in some capacity, including 43 lab associates who specialize in weights and measures, 18 diamond graders, six specialist diamond graders, and four associate diamond graders, the filing shows.
GIA is also laying off one senior staff gemologist, three supervisors of pre- and post-grading processes, and one grading supervisor.
On Tuesday, GIA Director of Corporate Communications Stephen Morisseau said the company made the “difficult” decision to reduce staffing due to the “general downturn in economic conditions affecting the global gem and jewelry industry.”
He said the layoffs are not related to the lab’s increased use of artificial intelligence to automate the grading process.
The San Diego Union-Tribune was first to report the story of layoffs at GIA, breaking the news over the holiday weekend.
The report follows less-than-stellar results from the industry’s largest retailer, Signet Jewelers, which saw second-quarter same-store sales fall 12 percent. Signet attributed the decline in part to the ongoing economic pressures its customers face, like inflation and high interest rates, and the decrease in the number of engagements post-COVID.
It also follows news of layoffs at Hodinkee.
Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the watch retailer and content creation company cut about two dozen positions, or approximately 20 percent of its staff, amid the drop in prices for pre-owned watches.
According to the story, Hodinkee CEO Jeffery Fowler told Bloomberg via email that the jobs that were cut were considered to be “duplicative, redundant or inefficient” in wake of the company’s 2021 acquisition of pre-owned watch retailer Crown & Caliber.
Hodinkee could not be reached for further comment on the report.
More on Grading
The Latest
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryThe book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
