Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
GradingMay 11, 2020
French Association of Gemmology Pres. Didier Giard Dies at 68
The fourth-generation jeweler was also a specialist in geopolitics and international trade, lecturer, writer, sportsman and avid traveler.
Didier Giard, president of the French Association of Gemmology, died May 3 at the age of 68.
Paris—Didier Giard, president of the French Association of Gemmology, died May 3, the organization reported on its website.
He was 68 years old.
Giard was checked into the hospital for what was meant to be a minor surgery, but his health quickly deteriorated, and he died after a three-day battle in the hospital.
Giard was born in Saint-Mandé, France on October 12, 1951.
After his business studies and apprenticeships in the jewelry trade, he took over the family jewelry manufacturing business, Maison Giard, started by his great-grandfather in 1887.
He stepped into the position of President of the French Association of Gemmology (AFG) in 1997.
During that time, he aimed to teach the history of stones and bring visibility to such topics as ethics in mining. He managed the association’s Gemology Review AFG publication and organized almost 20 Rendez-Vous Gemmologiques de Paris conferences.
He was concerned with talking about developments in gemstone source countries, and field gemologist Vincent Pardieu, who was helping him plan the next conference, told National Jeweler it was going to have a focus on Africa.
Giard also organized trips to gem-producing areas for the association every two years.
“We became good friends, and we were regularly meeting for lunch in Paris to discuss (the conference), the next AFG travels, gemstones and their geopolitics,” Pardieu said. “I will miss these discussions with him a lot.”
Giard’s other industry roles included co-president of the first World Ruby Forum in Bangkok in 2017, former vice president of the French Union of Jewelry, Silverware, Stones & Pearls and chairman of the Manufacturers Jewelers Group.
Albert Robinson, who worked with Giard to promote last year’s gemological conference and speaker lineup, said he “found him to be a gentle and pleasant man.”
He added Giard knew the worlds of diamonds and gemstones “inside out” and held a high industry standing showcased in his ability to attract major industry figures to his event.
In addition to his roles in the gem and jewelry world, he also was a specialist in geopolitics and international trade. He was a foreign trade adviser, lecturer, publisher of field reports in Le Figaro Magazine, sportsman and avid traveler.
AFG called him an “eclectic, smiling and charming man.”
“We are overwhelmed by this terrible and unexpected news,” it said in a statement announcing Giard’s death.
The association added: “In these dramatic circumstances, we will first
have a thought for Isabelle, his wife, and all her family to whom we offer our sincere condolences.”
A ceremony will be organized in a few months; the association said it would share details about it at that time.
More on Grading
The Latest
MajorsJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step DownKellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryPolice officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
