MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JAGradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO
Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
The Gemological Institute of America has opted to promote from within to replace Susan Jacques. On Friday, the lab announced that Pritesh Patel, who has been with GIA since 2015, will succeed Jacques as the lab’s president and CEO.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The GIA Board of Governors has named Pritesh Patel as the new president and CEO of the 94-year-old grading laboratory.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
