CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
MajorsMay 05, 2021
Jean Claude Michelou, Colored Stone Expert and Mentor to Many, Dies
The longtime editor of ICA’s InColor magazine succumbed to COVID-19 on Monday.
Jean Claude Michelou was known as a leader in the colored stone sector, sharing his knowledge through his writing and his work at ICA’s InColor magazine. (Image courtesy Vincent Pardieu)
Bangkok—Jean Claude Michelou, a longtime veteran of the colored stone world who mentored many, died May 3 of COVID-19.
He was 72 years old.
Michelou had been active in the gemstone industry since 1977, working in gemstone trading, mining, and cutting, as well as serving as a sourcing strategist dealing with various countries.
The list of his positions and projects throughout his more than four decades in the industry is expansive.
He founded the International Colored Gemstone Association’s InColor magazine in 2004, serving as editor-in-chief up until recently, when he announced his retirement after 17 years of “incessant dedication” to the publication, ICA President Clement Sabbagh said on a post on ICA’s LinkedIn page.
He also served on ICA’s board of directors for 18 years, including 10 as its vice president, according to LinkedIn.
In 2017, Jean Claude and his daughter Zoe co-founded Imperial Colors Ltd., a business dedicated to rough buying, grading, and cutting of emeralds from Pakistan’s Swat Valley, tourmalines and beryls from Africa, and Sapphires from Sri Lanka.
He also served as a consultant for USAID, the World Bank, and various government agencies to help with the development of mine-to-market infrastructure and policies for the gemstone industry, and has worked on the development of trade and mining standards and social responsibility initiatives for artisanal and small-scale mining communities.
This included acting as a senior technical advisor for United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) on the gem and jewelry supply chain for its “Illicit Trafficking of Precious Metals and Traceability and Ethical Origins of Colored Gemstones” project and serving as a contributor to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forums on precious metal and gemstones.
He also served on the advisory board for the University of Delaware’s Gemstones and Sustainable Development Knowledge Hub and helped organize the World Emerald Symposium events.
In addition to his vast knowledge of, and passion for, colored stones, Jean Claude was also known for the time and attention he gave to other members of the trade.
Field gemologist Vincent Pardieu said he was not only a mentor to him but to many in the industry, noting the latter had a fondness for helping young people.
Many who shared their memories and condolences about his death on social media talked about him being a cheerleader for their work, guiding them in the right direction, pushing them to keep going, and offering honest opinions.
“JC, as he was known in our community, worked passionately and tirelessly throughout his life to support the colored gemstone industry,” ICA’s Sabbagh said on LinkedIn.
“JC will be lovingly remembered by relatives and the many friends he had around the globe. He will be sadly missed by all of us at the ICA.”
He was 72 years old.
Michelou had been active in the gemstone industry since 1977, working in gemstone trading, mining, and cutting, as well as serving as a sourcing strategist dealing with various countries.
The list of his positions and projects throughout his more than four decades in the industry is expansive.
He founded the International Colored Gemstone Association’s InColor magazine in 2004, serving as editor-in-chief up until recently, when he announced his retirement after 17 years of “incessant dedication” to the publication, ICA President Clement Sabbagh said on a post on ICA’s LinkedIn page.
He also served on ICA’s board of directors for 18 years, including 10 as its vice president, according to LinkedIn.
In 2017, Jean Claude and his daughter Zoe co-founded Imperial Colors Ltd., a business dedicated to rough buying, grading, and cutting of emeralds from Pakistan’s Swat Valley, tourmalines and beryls from Africa, and Sapphires from Sri Lanka.
He also served as a consultant for USAID, the World Bank, and various government agencies to help with the development of mine-to-market infrastructure and policies for the gemstone industry, and has worked on the development of trade and mining standards and social responsibility initiatives for artisanal and small-scale mining communities.
This included acting as a senior technical advisor for United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) on the gem and jewelry supply chain for its “Illicit Trafficking of Precious Metals and Traceability and Ethical Origins of Colored Gemstones” project and serving as a contributor to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forums on precious metal and gemstones.
He also served on the advisory board for the University of Delaware’s Gemstones and Sustainable Development Knowledge Hub and helped organize the World Emerald Symposium events.
In addition to his vast knowledge of, and passion for, colored stones, Jean Claude was also known for the time and attention he gave to other members of the trade.
Field gemologist Vincent Pardieu said he was not only a mentor to him but to many in the industry, noting the latter had a fondness for helping young people.
Many who shared their memories and condolences about his death on social media talked about him being a cheerleader for their work, guiding them in the right direction, pushing them to keep going, and offering honest opinions.
“JC, as he was known in our community, worked passionately and tirelessly throughout his life to support the colored gemstone industry,” ICA’s Sabbagh said on LinkedIn.
“JC will be lovingly remembered by relatives and the many friends he had around the globe. He will be sadly missed by all of us at the ICA.”
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-LongThe Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ GalaThe gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago AreaThe trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in OctoberA more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design StudentsThe funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security AllianceJennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry WeekThis year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2MThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and LoveThe ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains SluggishThe company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest RocksParticipants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style FileThese 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a YachtStarboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.
