Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesEvents & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest Honor
GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Seen here are a few of the recipients of the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement, including, from left to right, GIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula; GIA’s first chief marketing officer Kathryn Kimmel (retired); Susan Jacques; GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses; Alice Keller, longtime editor of Gems & Gemology (retired); and GIA Distinguished Research Fellow Dr. James E. Shigley.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America bestowed a special honor upon its former president and CEO Susan Jacques at its board of governors meeting earlier this month.
Jacques was awarded GIA’s highest honor, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
She stepped down from her role as GIA’s sixth president and CEO in August and will retire at the end of the year.
The award was presented to her at the lab’s Carlsbad headquarters by Chair of GIA Board of Governors Lisa Locklear and GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel.
“A leader throughout her remarkable career, Susan has been the heart and soul of GIA,” said Lockler.
Patel added, “Susan’s vision, integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication influenced GIA, the gem and jewelry industry, and everyone she has shared her time with. That positivity will resonate for years to come.”
Related stories will be right here …
Jacques was awarded GIA’s highest honor, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
She stepped down from her role as GIA’s sixth president and CEO in August and will retire at the end of the year.
The award was presented to her at the lab’s Carlsbad headquarters by Chair of GIA Board of Governors Lisa Locklear and GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel.
“A leader throughout her remarkable career, Susan has been the heart and soul of GIA,” said Lockler.
Patel added, “Susan’s vision, integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication influenced GIA, the gem and jewelry industry, and everyone she has shared her time with. That positivity will resonate for years to come.”
The Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement was established in 1994 and has been awarded to only 14 individuals.
Three of those winners still contribute to GIA, including John Koivula, an analytical microscopist; Tom Moses, the executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer; and Dr. James E. Shigley, GIA’s sole distinguished research fellow.
GIA’s board also recognized the service of Governor Barbara L. Dutrow, Ph.D., the Williams Alumni Distinguished Professor of Geology at Louisiana State University.
She joined GIA’s board in 2016 and is also retiring.
“Dr. Dutrow’s deep scientific expertise has been invaluable as GIA and the Board navigated the challenges and opportunities of the past decade. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for GIA’s mission will be missed,” said Locklear.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
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.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
