GIA Names New President and CEO
Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Patel is currently the lab’s chief operating officer.
He will step into his new role on Aug. 4, succeeding Susan Jacques, who is retiring after 12 years at the helm of one of the world’s largest gemstone grading laboratories.
Patel joined GIA as chief information officer in 2015. In 2017, he was named senior vice president and chief operating officer.
As COO, he was responsible for operational strategy, planning, developing and implementing innovative solutions.
Prior to joining the lab, Patel was vice president of information technology at Circor International Inc., a global manufacturer of products in the energy, aerospace, industrial, defense and power generation markets.
He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
“Pritesh’s outstanding experience, character and understanding of the industry and the institute are exceptionally well-suited to build upon GIA’s nearly 100 years of service to the industry and consumers, leading GIA to even greater successes,” said Lisa A. Locklear, chair of the GIA Board of Governors.
“The board of governors, GIA’s global teams, the gem and jewelry industry and consumers owe great thanks to Susan Jacques. Her compassionate, visionary and unwavering leadership during 12 years as CEO and 30 years as a governor and board chair leaves GIA well-positioned to meet the opportunities and challenges of today and those that will come in the future.”
Patel said, “It is the honor of a lifetime to lead an institution as trusted and iconic as GIA.”
“Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated and talented individuals in the industry—people who live our mission every day. I’m inspired by GIA’s legacy of excellence and integrity, and I’m committed to building on that foundation with humility, purpose and a bold vision for the future.”
GIA said its board of governors created a dedicated CEO search committee and conducted an “extensive” global search for a new president and CEO.
They considered candidates within GIA, as well as members of the gem and jewelry industry and those with other relevant expertise and experience.
Jacques announced her plan to retire at the end of 2025 back in January.
She will continue at GIA as a strategic advisor until then.
During her tenure as CEO, Jacques led the lab through significant changes in the industry, global economic and political shifts, disruptions, changing consumer preferences, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
GIA said Jacques safeguarded its reputation for integrity and independence and maintained a steadfast focus on its mission to uphold consumer confidence in gems and jewelry.
Jacques also is a “tireless advocate” for GIA’s extensive research program, as well as its education initiatives, specialized instrument development, and laboratory services, the lab added.
“I’ve been associated with GIA for most of my adult life, first as a student, then as a governor and as CEO for the last 12 years,” Jacques said.
“I have always been a passionate advocate for GIA, its important mission of trust, and its unique role as an industry leader in the global gem and jewelry industry. I am delighted that the board of governors has selected Pritesh as my successor and the next leader of this amazing organization. I, along with our GIA colleagues, will do everything we can to ensure his success. I am confident that GIA’s best days are ahead.”
The Latest

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

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

Jewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.