Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC
Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
IAC’s 15th Annual International Gold and Diamond Conference will take place at New York City’s Bohemian National Hall next week.
New York—The Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) will present its 15th Annual International Gold and Diamond Conference in New York City next week from July 14-16.
The event will address the complex, interconnected global challenges, such as climate change, gender inequality, and the socio-economic realities of mining communities, that shape our world and demand collaborative, innovative solutions, organizers said.
This year’s theme "Eye on the Prize: Towards Continuing Improvement in Practice and Artistry" aims to examine how the jewelry industry can evolve with greater transparency, responsibility, and creativity.
The conference will take place at Bohemian National Hall on the Upper East Side.
A welcome reception will be held on July 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., hosted by Heritage Auctions at its New York headquarters located at 445 Park Avenue.
Central topics of the conference include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries, discussed through presentations such as “Understanding Climate Justice & Just Transition” and “How Can Producing Countries Retain Greater Value In-Country?”
Other discussion topics include climate justice, sustainable sourcing, traceability, nomenclature, and cultural restitution.
The lineup of speakers includes:
Ivor Agyeman-Duah, director of the Manhyia Palace Museum and Ghana’s chief negotiator on cultural restitution;
Charlie Betts of Betts Metals;
Rachel Brandrick of 886 by The Royal Mint;
Brad Brooks-Rubin, partner at Arktouros and former U.S. State Department advisor;
Laurent E. Cartier, head of special initiatives at the Swiss Gemmological Institute and co-founder of Sustainable Pearls;
Emefa Cole, jeweler and curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London;
Nicolas Luchsinger, CEO of Buccellati;
John Mulligan, head of sustainability at the World Gold Council and president of the sustainable development commission at the World Jewellery Confederation;
Lucian Simmons, head of provenance research at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; and more than two dozen additional speakers.
“The diversity of perspectives brought together at IAC’s conference is matched only by the complexity of the challenges we face—and yet within that complexity lies real opportunity to shape something better,” said John Mulligan.
A dedicated awards ceremony and reception will be held July 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The Responsible Practice in Jewelry Leadership Award will be presented to artist-jeweler Ute Decker.
Decker is recognized for her advocacy of environmental stewardship, fairness in materials sourcing, and the importance of transparency and ethics in the creative process, said IAC.
Her work exemplifies “a synthesis of aesthetic mastery and ethical resolve, offering a model for what contemporary jewelry can and should stand for,” conference organizers said.
The Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Diamond and Jewelry Industries will go to David Block, CEO of Sarine Technologies, in recognition of his transformative work in diamond traceability and transparency.
Related stories will be right here …
The event will address the complex, interconnected global challenges, such as climate change, gender inequality, and the socio-economic realities of mining communities, that shape our world and demand collaborative, innovative solutions, organizers said.
This year’s theme "Eye on the Prize: Towards Continuing Improvement in Practice and Artistry" aims to examine how the jewelry industry can evolve with greater transparency, responsibility, and creativity.
The conference will take place at Bohemian National Hall on the Upper East Side.
A welcome reception will be held on July 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., hosted by Heritage Auctions at its New York headquarters located at 445 Park Avenue.
Central topics of the conference include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries, discussed through presentations such as “Understanding Climate Justice & Just Transition” and “How Can Producing Countries Retain Greater Value In-Country?”
Other discussion topics include climate justice, sustainable sourcing, traceability, nomenclature, and cultural restitution.
The lineup of speakers includes:
Ivor Agyeman-Duah, director of the Manhyia Palace Museum and Ghana’s chief negotiator on cultural restitution;
Charlie Betts of Betts Metals;
Rachel Brandrick of 886 by The Royal Mint;
Brad Brooks-Rubin, partner at Arktouros and former U.S. State Department advisor;
Laurent E. Cartier, head of special initiatives at the Swiss Gemmological Institute and co-founder of Sustainable Pearls;
Emefa Cole, jeweler and curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London;
Nicolas Luchsinger, CEO of Buccellati;
John Mulligan, head of sustainability at the World Gold Council and president of the sustainable development commission at the World Jewellery Confederation;
Lucian Simmons, head of provenance research at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; and more than two dozen additional speakers.
“The diversity of perspectives brought together at IAC’s conference is matched only by the complexity of the challenges we face—and yet within that complexity lies real opportunity to shape something better,” said John Mulligan.
A dedicated awards ceremony and reception will be held July 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The Responsible Practice in Jewelry Leadership Award will be presented to artist-jeweler Ute Decker.
Decker is recognized for her advocacy of environmental stewardship, fairness in materials sourcing, and the importance of transparency and ethics in the creative process, said IAC.
Her work exemplifies “a synthesis of aesthetic mastery and ethical resolve, offering a model for what contemporary jewelry can and should stand for,” conference organizers said.
The Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Diamond and Jewelry Industries will go to David Block, CEO of Sarine Technologies, in recognition of his transformative work in diamond traceability and transparency.
For more than a decade, IAC’s Gold and Diamond Conference has served as a forum for exploring authenticity, responsible sourcing, sustainability, and ethical practice across the jewelry supply chain, focusing on the practicalities of driving positive change in both mining and jewelry sectors.
“Since 2011, Initiatives in Art & Culture has been organizing conferences that provide a platform for cross-disciplinary discussion, debate, and collaboration regarding critical issues in the jewelry, and precious metals and stones sectors,” said IAC Founder and President Lisa Koenigsberg.
“The aim is to engender new thinking, innovative approaches, fruitful partnerships, and initiatives in support of responsible practice writ large while championing artisanry and creative vision at the highest levels.”
During a moment of “extraordinary industry transformation” marked by geopolitical tensions, climate crises, technological advancement, and shifting consumer values, IAC said this year’s event renews its call for shared purpose and collective responsibility by focusing on safeguarding the planet, protecting human rights, and preserving the artistry and cultural traditions that define our humanity.
“The conference is a unique event that gathers diverse stakeholders from across gold and diamond value chains,” said Rachel Perks, senior mining specialist in the energy and extractives global practice at World Bank.
“Every year I’m inspired by the remarkable talent and wealth of cumulative knowledge present in the room. For us at the World Bank’s Extractives Unit, focused on artisanal and small-scale mining, this conference offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with key changemakers we might otherwise never meet.”
Corresponding with the conference is the debut of “Future,” a new mentoring initiative led by jewelry designers Bliss Lau and Lorraine West.
Through the program, young, emerging artists will be selected to attend the conference for “a transformative one-on-one mentorship experience” with Lau and West, offering mentees the opportunity to learn from experts, build relationships, and expand their knowledge. Mentee applications have now closed.
The debut of Future deepens IAC's mission to educate, inspire, and connect across industries—shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for jewelry, design, and the planet, said IAC.
Conference registration is open now on Eventbrite.
To learn more about Initiatives in Art and Culture, or view the full list of speakers, visit the IAC website, call 646-485-1952, or email info@artinitatives.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
