MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerGradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025
The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
Susan Jacques, who has served as GIA's CEO and president for more than a decade, is retiring.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America has announced that president and CEO Susan Jacques will retire at the end of the year.
Jacques has headed the grading lab since Jan. 1, 2014, after serving as its interim CEO for six months.
She also has been a member of the GIA Board of Governors since 1996, chairing the board from 2008-2014 and remaining a member after being named CEO.
“Susan Jacques is an incredible leader for GIA and the global gem and jewelry industry,” said the board’s current chair, Lisa Locklear.
“Under her expert, compassionate and visionary leadership, GIA has achieved new heights of success in often challenging times. Susan’s dedicated service as president and CEO leaves GIA well positioned to continue to advance its important mission of ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry.”
Jacques said, “At GIA, I have been fortunate to lead one of the industry’s most trusted organizations and our passionate teams around the world as we ensured the truth about gems through innovation, service, and knowledge.
“I am confident and optimistic about the future success of GIA and the gem and jewelry industry as I enter this next chapter of my life.”
Related stories will be right here …
Jacques has headed the grading lab since Jan. 1, 2014, after serving as its interim CEO for six months.
She also has been a member of the GIA Board of Governors since 1996, chairing the board from 2008-2014 and remaining a member after being named CEO.
“Susan Jacques is an incredible leader for GIA and the global gem and jewelry industry,” said the board’s current chair, Lisa Locklear.
“Under her expert, compassionate and visionary leadership, GIA has achieved new heights of success in often challenging times. Susan’s dedicated service as president and CEO leaves GIA well positioned to continue to advance its important mission of ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry.”
Jacques said, “At GIA, I have been fortunate to lead one of the industry’s most trusted organizations and our passionate teams around the world as we ensured the truth about gems through innovation, service, and knowledge.
“I am confident and optimistic about the future success of GIA and the gem and jewelry industry as I enter this next chapter of my life.”
GIA said a committee comprised of GIA governors has begun the search for Jacques’ successor and the group will consider both internal and external candidates.
Jacques said she will assist with the transition of the new leader through the end of 2025.
Lorraine Lavet and Chris Von Der Ahe at consulting firm Korn Ferry will co-lead the search.
They can be contacted at Lorraine.Lavet@kornferry.com and Chris.Vonderahe@KornFerry.com.
More on Grading
The Latest
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
Supplier BulletinAug 06, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
