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
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
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.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
