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

Charles London, Mayer and Fran Udell, Mark and Candy Udell
IndependentsOct 17, 2025
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100

In 2026, the jewelry retailer will celebrate a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

Jeffrey Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
IndependentsOct 16, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Jeffrey Zimmer

Jeffrey Zimmer's decades of leadership at Reeds Jewelers are defined by integrity, a love of sourcing gemstones, and a heart for community.

Sothebys salon new bond street
AuctionsOct 16, 2025
Sotheby’s Introduces Custom Jewelry Service

The new high jewelry design and production process takes 30 days or less from concept to completion, the auction house said.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (2) (1).jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Oscar Heyman 2025 Holiday Catalog Cover
MajorsOct 16, 2025
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Catalog Is Out, and It’s Spectacular

The holiday catalog for 2025 features never-before-seen images of more than 100 one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Weekly QuizOct 16, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Foundrae United in Love Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 16, 2025
Foundrae Adds To ‘United in Love’ Collection

The brand has released a second installment of its collection of traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Kathy Corey
IndependentsOct 15, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Kathy Corey

Corey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Colorado jeweler Peter Damian Arguello
CrimeOct 15, 2025
Men Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences for 2023 Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Charles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.

Max Fawcett Claibourne Poindexter
AuctionsOct 15, 2025
Christie's Announces New Jewelry Department Leadership

The auction house named a new global head of jewelry, as well as a new head of the jewelry department for the Americas.

Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Tom Dixon

As chairman of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon has been tasked with honoring the past and shaping the future of the family-run store.

Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher of Shimmer LLC
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2025
Here Are the Winners of the BIJC, JA ‘Emerging Jewelers’ Grant

Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher received a $10,000 grant for their business, Shimmer Culture LLC.

Cooper Flagg family at Day’s Jewelers
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Day’s Jewelers Crafts Custom Jewelry for No.1 NBA Draft Pick Cooper Flagg

The parents of the Dallas Mavericks rookie bought their engagement ring at a Day’s store in Bangor, Maine, in 1997.

Pragnell Kitulo Garnet collection
SourcingOct 14, 2025
Pragnell Debuts Kitulo Garnet Jewelry

The UK-based brand sourced the gemstones, which are fully traceable, from an artisanal mining community in Tanzania.

Astrid & Miyu 2025 12-Day, 24-Day, Solid Gold Advent Calendars
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent Calendars

The trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.

Front of Marla Aaron porcelain Nymphenburg Lock
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’

Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.

Alisa Bunger Frederick Goldman
MajorsOct 10, 2025
Frederick Goldman Names New VP of Sales

Jewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.

Feriel Zerouki, De Beers Chief Trade and Industry Officer
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

Fabergé Imperial Winter Egg
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction

“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.

Kessler watch battery recycling program
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High

The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.

Katkim Men’s Collection Shadow Pendant Necklace and Anerise Signet Band
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s Collection

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

Gemfields Rough Rubies
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11M

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

×

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