Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingSep 13, 2018
Chinese Conglomerate Acquires the International Gemological Institute
Fosun, which made a bid for Gemfields last year, now owns an 80 percent stake in the diamond grading lab.
Chinese conglomerate Fosun now owns 80 percent of diamond grading lab International Gemological Institute.
Belgium—Chinese international conglomerate and investment company Fosun will acquire an 80 percent stake in the International Gemological Institute.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. It is being done through Yuyuan Inc., Fosun’s holding company for the consumer sector.
Belgium-headquartered diamond grading lab and gem training center IGI has been managed by family stakeholders since its establishment in 1975.
It claims to be the first international gem grading organization to expand globally and, in particular, to enter India. It currently operates 23 laboratories and schools around the world.
The Lorie family will retain 20 percent of the company.
Roland Lorie has managed the business with his late father and lab co-founder, Marcel Lorie, as well as co-CEOs Herman and Marc Brauner and Jerry Ehrenwald. He will remain with the company after the deal closes, helping develop and implement global growth strategies.
Ehrenwald also will stay on at this time.
Herman Brauner left his role with IGI a few years ago, according to the lab. Marc Brauner, meanwhile, will resign, along with his eldest son, Youry.
Brauner, son of IGI co-founder Herman “Zwi” Brauner, joined the lab after four years as a diamond polisher and four years of gem trading. A certified gemologist, he has been driving the business’ strategic initiatives across the world over the past 15 years as well as presiding over its development in the Asia-Pacific region.
“At a time of industry challenges, partnering with a well-funded and visionary group such as Fosun can be considered the crowning achievement of my career with IGI, and will uniquely position IGI for a bright future,” he said. “I will always fondly remember my years of service in the family enterprise; it grew into a global leader in its field while always remaining, both for its clients and employees, a human-focused business where relationships mattered.”
Fosun is one of China’s biggest investment and operating conglomerates, covering financial services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, consumer products and real estate, energy and mining.
The company has shown interest in the gem and jewelry trade before.
Last year, Fosun made a bid for Gemfields while the colored gemstone miner’s biggest stakeholder, Pallinghurst, also was making a play for full control of it.
Fosun also is a stakeholder in Greek jewelry company Folli Follie.
“We are very happy to start this partnership with IGI, which provides us a unique opportunity to work with the diamond community around the world,” says Fosun Executive Director and co-President Xu Xiaoliang.
“IGI
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
has built great fundamentals and human capital over the years, with highly respected expertise and input from both the Lorie and Brauner families. We believe IGI is well positioned to bring its gemological knowledge and expertise to emerging markets, including China. We are happy to be part of the future growth of IGI at this exciting stage of the industry’s development.”
More on Grading
The Latest
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
Weekly QuizAug 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil CampaignThe Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-GiftingIn his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons HomeThe new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US OpenThe Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a WrapWrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary EditionThe three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ CollarThe one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry EmpireThree C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 StoresThe retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US OpenThe pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes OffThe New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, RobbedThe latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster RestorationThe new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.
