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
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
