Grading

Former De Beers Exec François Delage Joins GIA Board 

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.

François Delage GIA board
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 … 

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. 

The Latest

Reese Witherspoon, Tyler James Williams, and Aja Naomi King at the 2024 Emmys
EditorsSep 17, 2024
8 Award-Winning Looks from the Emmys

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the best jewelry looks from the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsSep 17, 2024
The PR Adviser: The Case for Switching to Shopify

Lilian Raji offers advice to a reader frustrated with the current state of their company’s website.

Issa Rae Cast Jewelry collection
EditorsSep 17, 2024
Q&A: Issa Rae on Her New Jewelry Collection With Cast

The actress shared her inspiration for the collection, insight into her personal style, and which jewels President Barbie would wear.

How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024 2.0 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024

Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.

1094 rough diamond from Karowe Mine in Botswana
SourcingSep 16, 2024
1,094-Carat Diamond Recovered in Botswana Just Weeks After Historic Find

The giant gem originated from Karowe, the same mine that yielded a 2,492-carat rough diamond in late August.

Weekly QuizSep 12, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of a gavel
CrimeSep 16, 2024
New Jersey Jeweler Pleads Guilty To Evading Customs

Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah admitted to dodging customs duties on more than $13.5 million of jewelry imported into the U.S.

Boucheron’s Madison Avenue storefront and interior
MajorsSep 16, 2024
Boucheron Opens First US Store in New York City

The new boutique is located on Madison Avenue.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Natural Diamonds: A Great (but Often Untold) Geology Story

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.

JA Multifaceted Learning Workshop
Events & AwardsSep 16, 2024
JA Takes Its Learning Workshops to Washington D.C., New York

Its next event will take place in D.C. on Sept. 17 and in New York City on Oct. 29.

Taylor Swift VMAs 2024
EditorsSep 13, 2024
Taylor Swift Brings Diamonds, Edgy Jewels to her VMAs Looks

The artist opted for big yellow diamond earrings, a vintage chain, and white metals at the annual MTV awards show.

Breitling NFL watches for AFC North Conference
WatchesSep 13, 2024
Breitling Inks Licensing Deal with the NFL

The Swiss watchmaker has created limited-edition timepieces for all 32 National Football League teams.

Cartier Black Alley Cat Brooch
AuctionsSep 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cartier’s ‘Black Alley Cat’ Brooch

This carved jasper and yellow-diamond-eyed cat brooch from 1962 is the perfect accessory for Friday the 13th.

Zales 100th anniversary marketing campaign
FinancialsSep 12, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q2 Sales Fall 8%

The jewelry giant said it expects to see an uptick in engagements in the second half of the year.

gia-supplierbulletin 0824.png
Supplier BulletinSep 12, 2024
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Sponsored by Gemological Institute of America

Mignon Faget’s Legacy Collection Campaign
CollectionsSep 12, 2024
Mignon Faget Enters a New Era With Its ‘Legacy’ Collection

The brand is celebrating its upcoming 55th anniversary with modern designs that pay tribute to its history.

Bruce Bridges AGTA
SourcingSep 12, 2024
AGTA Elects Bruce Bridges as President

He, and other newly elected board members, will begin their terms in February.

JCK Industry Fund logo
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2025 Grant Applications

Those interested can apply online now through Nov. 15.

Cartier Panthère watch
WatchesSep 11, 2024
These Are the Watches Women Want, Says Chrono24

Its “Her-ology” report highlights trends in the women’s luxury watch market, from top brands to movement preferences.

Marrow Fine x Adalina Martini and Tennis Necklace
IndependentsSep 11, 2024
Take a Sip of Marrow Fine x Adalina’s $13K Martini

The smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini, only available at Adalina in Chicago, is served with a 9-carat diamond tennis necklace.

Lightbox loose lab-grown diamonds
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2024
Lab-Grown, Natural Diamonds to Be Focus of AGS Confluence

Scheduled for Sept. 25, the online-only event will be open to non-AGS members this year, for a fee.

Brilliant Earth Showroom Fairfax Virginia
MajorsSep 11, 2024
Brilliant Earth Expands International E-Commerce

Customers in more than 150 countries can now shop at the jewelry retailer’s online store.

Gems Keep Giving
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2024
Gems Keep Giving Reorganizes, Taps Hayley Henning as Board Chair

The organization, which was started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now a 501(c)(3).

 Jeffrey Lynn High
IndependentsSep 10, 2024
Industry Technology Visionary Jeff High Dies at 60

The Gemvision founder is remembered as a passionate mentor with a deep love for God.

Foundrae Golden Hour Campaign
CollectionsSep 10, 2024
Foundrae’s Latest Collection Harnesses the Glow of the Golden Hour

The “Golden Hour” collection was designed to “inspire and encourage reflection,” said the brand.

Movado When I Move You Move campaign
MajorsSep 10, 2024
Ludacris, Jessica Alba Star in New Movado Campaign

Movado has named five new brand ambassadors, featuring them in its new “When I Move You Move” campaign.

Carol Woolton
TrendsSep 10, 2024
Carol Woolton To Release New Book

The jewelry historian discusses the history and cultural significance of jewelry throughout time and across the globe.

US Senator Dianne Feinstein
AuctionsSep 09, 2024
US Senator Dianne Feinstein's Jewels Going to Auction

Bonhams will offer more than 70 pieces of the late dignitary’s jewelry next month.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy