WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
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
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
