Events & Awards

IAC’s Gold and Diamond Conference to Focus on ‘Expanding Horizons’

Events & AwardsJul 10, 2024

IAC’s Gold and Diamond Conference to Focus on ‘Expanding Horizons’

The 14th annual conference will host panels on cross-sector collaboration, industry sanctions, and more.

Matturi Fine Jewelry totem jewel
A jewel from Matturi Fine Jewelry. Creative Director Satta Matturi will be one of several speakers at IAC’s upcoming Gold and Diamond Conference.
New York—Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) will host its 14th annual Gold and Diamond Conference in New York City next week.

IAC will hold the event at the Bohemian National Hall from July 16-17.

There will be a welcome reception on July 15 by Heritage Auctions at 445 Park Ave with remarks by Roberta Kramer, vice president of strategy and business development at Heritage Auctions.

The theme of the conference is “Expanding Horizons,” with a focus on sharing perspectives and encouraging collaborative efforts within the gold, diamond, and jewelry sectors.

The conference will tackle the practicalities of making positive changes in the mining and jewelry sectors, said IAC, and address global challenges, including climate change, gender inequality, and the socioeconomic realities of mining communities.

The sessions begin on July 16, following opening remarks by Lisa Koenigsberg, the president and founder of IAC.

“Through fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and driving progress in ways that benefit both our industry and the world, we broaden our horizons, understanding countries and hemispheres to be interconnected in ways that we have not previously,” said Koenigsberg.

“We also recognize cultural heritage as a key natural resource to be protected and as an active element in shaping the future. I am filled with anticipation about the progress to be made this year, exciting in and of itself and as a foundation for IAC’s ongoing exploration."

Koenigsberg will also moderate the opening panel, titled “Cross-Industry Convergence and Collaboration,” about the challenges of collaborating across sectors in the jewelry industry.

The panelists are:
Gaetano Cavalieri, president of CIBJO;
Satta Matturi, creative director of Matturi Fine Jewellery;
John Mulligan, director and climate lead of the World Gold Council, and the president of the
Sustainable Development Commission at CIBJO; and
Iris Van der Veken, executive director of the Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030.

“We welcome the opportunities this offers to engage and exchange ideas with jewelry sector leaders to explore how, together, we might address key industry challenges and ensure we make positive contributions to our shared sustainability goals,” said Mulligan.

Mmetla Masire, CEO of Okavango Diamond Company, will then present “Diamonds in Botswana,” focusing on the uniqueness of Botswana’s diamond industry.

Topics of discussion will include retaining value in producer countries, government policies and regulations, and value chain participation.

Next, Brecken Branstrator, editor-in-chief of Gemworld, will moderate “Comparative Approaches to Retaining Greater Value in Producing Countries,” which will dive into the different strategies countries have used to retain more value from their natural resources.

The panelists include:
Avi Levy, former president of IGI North America;
Douglas Neves, CEO of Cruzeiro Mine;
Marcelo Ribeiro, CEO of Belmont Emerald Mines; and
Mmetla Masire.

After lunch, attendees can sit in on “Gold: Single Mine, Single Source – A Closer Look,” which will discuss the complexities and benefits of sourcing gold from a single mine.

Topics of discussion include traceability and sustainability advantages of single-source gold, ethical implications, and how these practices can enhance transparency and consumer trust in the jewelry industry.

The panelists include:
Charlie Betts, group managing director of The Betts Group;
Emefa Cole, goldsmith and curator of the Jewellery of the Diaspora in the Victoria & Albert Museum;
Tony Maietta, product engineering and relationship development at C & J Fine Jewelry Matters; and
Satta Matturi.

Rob Bates, news editor at JCK, will moderate a panel on sourcing, titled “Origin, Source, and Provenance,” discussing the significance of the origin and provenance of materials in the jewelry industry.

The panelists include:

David Block, CEO of Sarine;
Sara Yood, CEO and general counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee;
Mark Hanna, CMO of Richline Group;
Adriano Mol, Head of the Center for Gemstone and Jewelry Design at the University of Minas Gerais State; and
Ruby Stocklin-Weinberg, program manager of GemFair at De Beers.

Brad Brooks-Rubin, senior advisor in the Office of the Sanctions Coordinator at the U.S. Department of State, will host “The State and Sanctions” to provide an update on the U.S.’s current stance on “problematic” sources and materials, including diamonds and gold.

Brooks-Rubin will also discuss the implications of sanctions on the jewelry industry and the measures taken to ensure compliance with international standards.

Bates will moderate an additional session titled “Current State of the Diamond Market.”

Panelists include:
Olivia Landau, founder and CEO of The Clear Cut;
Matt Schamroth, partner at M. Schamroth & Sons;
Ronnie VanderLinden, president of Diamex Inc. and vice president of the World Diamond Council); and
Amish Shah, founder and CEO of Altr.

The first day of the conference will end with an awards presentation and reception.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Koenigsberg will kick off day two with additional opening remarks.

The first session will be “Looking Beyond Net Zero – Climate Change Actions and the Just Transition,” moderated by Mulligan.

The panelists include:
Stewart Bailey, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at AngloGold Ashanti;
Shari Gittleman, senior director of external relations at Newmont Mining Corporation;
Mark Hanna; and
Iris Van der Veken.

Panelists will discuss the challenges and opportunities of climate action from the perspectives of developing economies and emerging markets.

Next up is “Cultural Heritage and Artistic Practice, Provenance and Repatriation,” moderated by Andrew Russeth of ArtNet, discussing the intersection of cultural heritage, artistic practice, provenance, and repatriation.

The panelists include:
Emefa Cole;
Cristina Echevarria; artisanal mining specialist and co-founder of the Alliance for Responsible Mining;
Satta Matturi; and
Lucian Simmons, head of provenance research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Edward Bickham, senior adviser at the World Gold Council, will lead a session titled “Responsible Sourcing and Supply Chain Due Diligence.”

The panel will discuss what good practices are in supply chains that bring jewelry materials to market, current regulations and guidance, and what is shaping due diligence in current supply chains.

The panelists include:
Louis Marechal, senior advisor of minerals and extractives at the Centre for Responsible Business Conduct and the directorate for financial and enterprise affairs at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development;
Brad Brooks-Rubin; and
Ruby Stocklin-Weinberg

Bickham will also moderate a session on human and labor rights and another session about artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), titled “ASM – How do we identify and fund enduring and scalable solutions?”

The panelists include:

Stewart Bailey ;
Pete Chirico of the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center;
Giorgio di Tomi, a professor at the Polytechnic School and director of the Research Center for Responsible Mining at the University of São Paolo;
Rachel Perks, senior mining specialist at the World Bank; and
Roger Tissot, executive director of the Artisanal Gold Mining Council.

Next up is “Training for the Future: A Conversation,” which will focus on how to train the next generation of jewelers and industry leaders.

The panelists include:

Karen Smith, metalsmith and founder of We Wield the Hammer;
Lorraine West, the designer behind Lorraine West Jewelry and a member of the Black in Jewelry Coalition; and
Longo Mulaisho-Zinsner, founder and president of JGAA Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa.

“At IAC’s conference, there’s a wealth of discovery and inspiration to tap into pertaining to sustainability, Fair Trade gold and diamond mining, design, education, inclusion, and so much more,” said West.

“Let’s take the knowledge we’ll gain and spread it all over the world to make the luxury jewelry and watch industries more equitable and integral for the next generation.”

Next is “Jewelry for Gentlemen,” a session about the growing market for men’s jewelry.

The panelists include:
Eric Laker, owner of Lashbrook;
Grant Mobley, jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council; and
Frank Everett, senior vice president and vice chairman of Jewelry Americas at Sotheby's New York.

For more information or to register, visit the conference’s EventBrite page.

The Latest

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Tacori bezel-set diamond bands
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Auctim emerald auction
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough Emeralds

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

AGS Board President for 2025-2026 Alexis Padis
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

Nanis Ipanema Collection Campaign
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

Kevin O’ Leary and George Mayer of The 1916 Company
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance Platform

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

Sissy’s new Little Rock store
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Jemma Wynne Forme Toggle Necklace
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ Necklace

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Bulgari Celestial Mosaic spinel necklace
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

De Beers marine mining vessel the SS Nujoma
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

Francesca Villa Fantasia Collection The Crab Pendant, The Mermaid Pendant, Keep Dancing Seahorse Pendant, Keep Dancing Ladybug Pendant, Secret Dreams Pendant, The Puffer Fish Takes Flight Pendant
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio Characters

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

Breitling’s special Eagles Super Bowl watch on gold bracelet
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

Silvia Furmanovich Kasmir Collection Carnelian Bracelet and Sketch
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern India

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Bench jeweler holding a bracelet and a tool
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHo

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

LAFD Fire Station 44 and Fire Station 16
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

A Vanitas by Hannah Martin and Guy Berryman Sothebys
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s London

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Cover of the book “Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History”
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the Holidays

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

×

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