MajorsJan 25, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Hires Former Amazon Loss Prevention Exec GradingJan 31, 2024
Former De Beers Exec François Delage Joins GIA Board
He brings more than three decades of experience in global luxury, fashion, and jewelry retail.
The Gemological Institute of America recently welcomed former De Beers executive François Delage to its board of governors.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has added François Delage to its board of governors.
Delage has more than three decades of experience in global luxury, fashion and jewelry retail.
Most recently, he was the CEO of high-end real estate business Barnes International. Prior to that, he was the CEO of fine jewelry business Adorisa Group.
Before that, Delage was the CEO of De Beers’ Forevermark diamond brand. From 2009 until 2020, he was the CEO of De Beers Jewellers in London.
He got his start at Louis Vuitton in the finance division, serving as its finance director for EMEA in 1995. He was named general manager for LVMH fashion brands in 1999, when he was based in Guam. In 2001, he was named president of Louis Vuitton Asia Pacific and based in Hong Kong.
He holds a business degree in management and finance from the European Business School.
“To keep advancing our consumer protection mission, GIA works to understand what gem and jewelry consumers in global markets want and what they need to have confidence in their purchases,” said Lisa Locklear, chair of the GIA board of governors.
“With his broad international experience and deep understanding of luxury and jewelry markets and consumers, François Delage is an outstanding addition to the board.”
Related stories will be right here …
Delage has more than three decades of experience in global luxury, fashion and jewelry retail.
Most recently, he was the CEO of high-end real estate business Barnes International. Prior to that, he was the CEO of fine jewelry business Adorisa Group.
Before that, Delage was the CEO of De Beers’ Forevermark diamond brand. From 2009 until 2020, he was the CEO of De Beers Jewellers in London.
He got his start at Louis Vuitton in the finance division, serving as its finance director for EMEA in 1995. He was named general manager for LVMH fashion brands in 1999, when he was based in Guam. In 2001, he was named president of Louis Vuitton Asia Pacific and based in Hong Kong.
He holds a business degree in management and finance from the European Business School.
“To keep advancing our consumer protection mission, GIA works to understand what gem and jewelry consumers in global markets want and what they need to have confidence in their purchases,” said Lisa Locklear, chair of the GIA board of governors.
“With his broad international experience and deep understanding of luxury and jewelry markets and consumers, François Delage is an outstanding addition to the board.”
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques also welcomed Delage to the board.
“We rely on our governors for their insight, wisdom and strategic guidance as we work every day to protect consumers and support the industry,” she said.
The board’s role is to help direct GIA’s strategy and vision and ensure its financial obligations are met.
“I am pleased and honored to join the GIA board of governors, and I look forward to working with the other Governors and GIA management to advance the Institute’s important mission and help secure its continued success well into the future,” said Delage.
More on Grading
The Latest
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
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.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
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.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
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.
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.
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.
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.
