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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
