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
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
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.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
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.
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.
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.
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.
