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
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
