GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025
The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.

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.
The Latest

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

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

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.


Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

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

The Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.