WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
SourcingJun 12, 2019
Glenn Nord, Past President and ‘Captain’ of GIA, Dies
The institute will honor the industry veteran by establishing a scholarship in his name.
Glenn Nord, the GIA’s third president, is credited with broadening the appeal of GIA education on a global basis. He died June 9 at the age of 90.
Carlsbad, Calif.—Glenn Nord, the third president of the Gemological Institute of America, died June 9. He was 90 years old.
Through his five-plus decades with the GIA, Nord was a student, instructor, president and member of its board of governors.
He received his Graduate Gemologist diploma in 1959 and was hired by the institute’s second president, Richard T. Liddicoat, in 1961.
He started as one of GIA’s traveling instructors, providing gemological training for students—and becoming a well-known and very popular teacher, according to GIA’s fourth president and friend Bill Boyajian—while also promoting the institute to local jewelers.
Glenn was the No. 2 person for the GIA on the West Coast behind Liddicoat during the institute’s formative years from the 1960s through 1974, Boyajian said, adding that he was the “perfect complement to the soft-spoken Liddicoat, himself a prince of a man.”
Nord is credited with pioneering the GIA’s corporate training programs. In 1970, he took GIA instruction to Israel and Japan, beginning a global outreach that now spans 14 cities in 12 countries.
Boyajian said he “probably did more to broaden the appeal of GIA education than anyone else.”
Nord left the GIA in 1974 to join Joseph Goldfinger, one of the biggest diamond dealers in the world.
The board of governors then asked him to return as president in 1983, as then-president Liddicoat was transitioning out due to health issues.
Nord retired from the GIA in 1986, after which time Boyajian became president—handpicked by Nord and Liddicoat themselves—but remained on the GIA board of governors until his death, serving the last few years as governor emeritus.
Boyajian said: “Glenn was a very strong and commanding person. Tall and good-looking, he commanded attention and was viewed as tough businessman. But he was also sensitive and thoughtful in how he dealt with people and could become quite emotional when confronted with the tough decisions he often had to make.”
“Glenn was a pioneer, maybe even more like a captain, at GIA and even in the industry. His greatness is legendary, and his memory lives on.”
The GIA honored Nord with its highest honor, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award, in 2001.
It credits him, along with other early leaders like Liddicoat, G.
Robert Crowningshield, Bert Krashes and Eunice Miles, with laying the “foundation upon which GIA is built,” guiding it through difficult times and offering numerous contributions.
“Glenn Nord was a committed advocate for GIA’s mission, and for our students and the GIA staff, particularly those in our gemological laboratories,” GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques said. “His business acumen and wisdom, shared over decades with GIA management and the board of governors, provided strategic guidance that built GIA’s success.”
He is survived by his wife, Hannah, their three children and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on June 22 in Pasadena, California.
The GIA said it will soon establish a scholarship in his name.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
