Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
GIA’s Free Courses Reach Enrollment Capacity
Set to run through the end of June, the offer ended early after more than 10,000 people enrolled in the free introductory courses.

Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America has closed its offer of free online courses earlier than expected after more than 10,000 people enrolled.
The organization offered first-time enrollers access to its introductory GIA Essentials courses at no cost, offering courses in diamonds, colored stones and jewelry.
Students who complete all three courses may earn the GIA Applied Jewelry Professional diploma, or AJP.
The offer began in May and was set to run through June 29, but GIA said an “overwhelming response” led the classes to be filled to capacity by May 20.
“In a very short time, more than three times the usual annual number of people enrolled in the GIA Essentials classes,” said Duncan Pay, GIA senior vice president of education and chief academic officer, in a press release.
GIA has closed the offer.
The GIA Essentials courses starting in July and later will be available at the regular cost of $250 per course.
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques said people in more than 110 countries took GIA up on its offer.
“Helping so many people new to or within the gem and jewelry industry through education is the foundation of our consumer-protection mission,” Jacques said in a press release.
For more information about GIA courses, visit the GIA website.
The Latest

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.


JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.