Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of Education
She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

Previously, she spent more than a decade at Gem-A before founding educational platform The Gem Academy in 2020, according to her LinkedIn profile.
She studied gemology at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham.
In a recent interview with SSEF, Griffith said that technology has expanded the reach of institutions, allowing more people to discover gemstones, and the future of gemology lies in flexibility.
“By blending timeless fundamentals with modern delivery, we can make gemology accessible, engaging, and meaningful to a broader and more diverse audience than ever before,” she said.
Griffith also noted that SSEF’s educational offerings are unique, as the instructors are also practicing gemologists and analysts in the SSEF lab, which allows them to bring relevant content into the classroom and create a dynamic learning environment.
“There’s something very special about learning in an environment where science, passion, and experience come together – it’s where understanding deepens, and inspiration begins,” she said.
More information about SSEF’s educational offerings is available on its website.
The Latest

The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.

Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Mildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.


Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.

“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.

The watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.

The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.

The “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.

It’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

The show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

A Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.

The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
























