GradingNov 16, 2023
GIA to Offer Next-Day Services for the HolidaysGradingNov 27, 2023
Dr. John W. Valley Retires from GIA Board of Governors
To honor his legacy, GIA has set up a scholarship in his name.
From left: Governor Dr. Barbara Dutrow, Williams Alumni Distinguished Professor of Geology at Louisiana State University; Governor Susan Jacques, GIA President and CEO; and Dr. John W. Valley, who is retiring from GIA’s board of governors.
Carlsbad, Calif.—A longtime member of the Gemological Institute of America’s board of governors is stepping down.
Dr. John W. Valley, who has served on the board since 2014, retired following the board’s annual meeting earlier this month.
Valley is a geoscientist, a Charles R. Van Hise Distinguished Professor, and the former chair of the Department of Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
He is known for his research in mineralogy, geochemistry, petrology, and other Earth sciences.
Valley also led “pioneering studies” of zircon, the oldest gem, said GIA, and his work showed that habitable conditions and oceans existed on Earth earlier than scientists had previously thought.
Related stories will be right here …
Dr. John W. Valley, who has served on the board since 2014, retired following the board’s annual meeting earlier this month.
Valley is a geoscientist, a Charles R. Van Hise Distinguished Professor, and the former chair of the Department of Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
He is known for his research in mineralogy, geochemistry, petrology, and other Earth sciences.
Valley also led “pioneering studies” of zircon, the oldest gem, said GIA, and his work showed that habitable conditions and oceans existed on Earth earlier than scientists had previously thought.
He is a fellow of seven prestigious professional societies, a past-president of the Mineralogical Society of America, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
Valley has penned more than 400 articles and held editorial positions for several scientific journals.
In 2017, fellow scientists honored Valley’s work by naming a newly discovered mineral species, valleyite, after him.
GIA has established a scholarship in Valley’s name to honor him.
The merit-based scholarship offers full tuition for one student to enroll in the GIA Graduate Gemologist program at the Carlsbad campus in 2024.
It is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Similar scholarships have been set up to recognize past governors Thomas Insley, Dione Kenyon, Elliot Tannenbaum and Dr. Barbara Sawrey, all of whom retired from the board in 2022.
“Just as John’s extensive research and teaching left an indelible mark on the scientific community, his wise counsel and keen scientific insight leave a lasting legacy at GIA,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president, CEO and governor.
“With his remarkable academic background, he helped advance the institute’s research programs to the point where, today, GIA's diamond research ranks with those of the top institutions in the world.”
GradingNov 16, 2023
Anna Martin Is Retiring From GIA 
GradingNov 15, 2023
GIA Examines Ruby Filled With Zinc GlassMore on Grading
The Latest
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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
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.
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.
