According to the WFDB, the rapid growth of lab-grown diamonds is reshaping the sector, particularly in the United States, where synthetic stones feature in most new engagement rings.

Dvash said that this trend poses a serious threat to the “value, image and future” of natural diamonds.

Speaking at the WFDB Presidents’ Meeting in June, he stated that industry leaders from producing countries, mining companies, diamond exchanges and retailers had pledged increased cooperation and financial backing to promote natural stones.

This includes support from De Beers, the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), and retail groups such as Signet and Chow Tai Fook.

The Luanda Accord, signed in June by African diamond-producing nations and industry bodies, commits signatories to contribute 1% of rough diamond revenue to a global marketing fund overseen by the NDC.

De Beers has also pledged further investment in education and advertising, while the NDC has launched a new website aimed at helping retail staff communicate the qualities of natural diamonds more effectively.

Additionally, the WFDB has launched its own campaign using original video content to highlight the “emotional and symbolic value of natural stones”.

Dvash described recent initiatives as a “concerted global effort” to return natural diamonds to “centre stage”.

He said: “The natural diamond is more than a product – it is a symbol. And its future depends on our unity.”

Kellie’s departure follows the signing of the Luanda Accord, which commits more diamond producers to support the promotion of natural diamonds through funding.

He has led the NDC for nearly seven years. Before joining the council, he worked as head of US marketing for Watches of Switzerland and held roles at retail brands including Champion Europe Group, Ralph Lauren and Pretty Polly.

In a LinkedIn post, Kellie said: “I have advised our board of directors that I will be stepping down from my position at the Natural Diamond Council at the end of 2025.

“I remain committed to the mission of the NDC through the remainder of the year, including the onboarding of new members and the launch of a successful new campaign in Q4.”

He added: “My plans after the NDC? To enjoy a life of retirement, spending more time with friends and family, and traveling more. Unless something exciting tempts me to do otherwise.”

Patel, who currently serves as chief operating officer, will succeed Susan Jacques, who has led the institute since 2014. Jacques will stay on as a strategic advisor until her retirement at the end of the year.

The appointment follows a global search conducted by the GIA board of governors, which considered candidates both inside and outside the organisation.

Patel joined GIA in 2015 as chief information officer and was promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2017. 

In his current role, he oversees operational strategy and innovation. He previously held senior positions at CIRCOR International, a manufacturer of engineered products for the energy and aerospace sectors.

Meanwhile, Jacques led GIA through industry and economic shifts, changing consumer habits and the COVID-19 pandemic. She championed its research, education, instrument development and laboratory services while maintaining its independence and integrity.

Patel said: “It is the honour of a lifetime to lead an institution as trusted and iconic as GIA. I’m inspired by GIA’s legacy of excellence and integrity, and I’m committed to building on that foundation with humility, purpose and a bold vision for the future.”

Jacques added: “I have always been a passionate advocate for GIA, its important mission of trust and its unique role as an industry leader in the global gem and jewellery industry. I am delighted that the Board of Governors has selected Pritesh as my successor and the next leader of this amazing organisation.”

Lisa Locklear, chair of the board, concluded: “I’ve been associated with GIA for most of my adult life, first as a student, then as a Governor and as CEO for the last 12 years. I have always been a passionate advocate for GIA, its important mission of trust and its unique role as an industry leader in the global gem and jewellery industry. 

“I am delighted that the board of governors has selected Pritesh as my successor and the next leader of this amazing organisation. I, along with our GIA colleagues, will do everything we can to ensure his success. I am confident that GIA’s best days are ahead.”

The move comes after the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) recognised the jewellery sector’s contribution to the UK creative economy last year.

By becoming a member of Creative UK, a national body that supports the UK’s creative sectors, the NAJ said it aims to increase policy engagement and improve access to resources for businesses across the industry.

Creative UK works to unite the creative and cultural sectors, promoting collaboration, sustainable growth and long-term investment. 

Its activities include policy development, research, funding and business support, covering areas such as advertising, architecture, TV and film, publishing, music, fashion, interactive software, performing arts and craft.

Creative UK supports members through initiatives aimed at building influence and delivering practical support across the creative economy, with a growing focus on traditional craft and design skills.

NAJ chief executive Ben Massey, who also chairs the UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts Roundtable, said: “Creative UK has a proud history of constructive collaboration with policymakers. As recognition of the creative industries continues to grow, we are eager to contribute on behalf of the jewellery, silversmithing, and allied trades sector, highlighting its rightful place within the broader creative community.

“While the creative industries encompass a wide range of disciplines, there remains important progress to be made in ensuring that sectors rooted in making and craftsmanship are fully represented and supported. We look forward to learning from the wider Creative UK network and from Creative UK itself, as we work together to strengthen the voice and visibility of our sector.”

He succeeds Gary Wroe, who has stepped down after holding senior leadership roles including chair and president. 

Wroe has been co-opted back onto the National Committee and will continue supporting the executive team, representing manufacturing members and maintaining the association’s relationship with the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF).

The AGM also confirmed the appointment of Mehdi Saadian as vice chair for 2025–2026. 

Additionally, Neil Ventura and Kerry Sanders were elected to the National Committee, while Chris Oliver was re-elected for a further term.

Williams said: “The NAJ has never been more relevant or more needed. I’m honoured to take up the mantle, and look forward to working with the National Committee, staff, and our members to continue building a stronger, united and progressive industry.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Wroe added: “It’s been a privilege to help steer the Association through challenges and growth. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and delighted to continue contributing to the NAJ’s ongoing success from the National Committee.”

Led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and co-applicants Birmingham City University, a bid for World Craft City status was supported by Birmingham City Council and the Goldsmiths Company and submitted in October 2024.

A “rigorous” application and judging process took place, with an international panel of judges visiting Birmingham in April 2025.

Their tour included a visit to the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, where they took part in a silversmithing workshop and viewed the artistry and craftsmanship of current students.

Elsewhere in the Jewellery Quarter, judges stopped at the Birmingham Assay Office, Cooksongold, and the Coffin Works.

Matthew Bott, chair, Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), said: “This is a moment of real pride – not just for the Jewellery Quarter, but for Birmingham and the West Midlands. We’ve always known the value of what happens here, and now the world does too. Our thanks go to everyone who helped us reach this point, and we look forward to working with partners old and new to build on this incredible foundation.”

David Mba, vice chancellor, Birmingham City University, added: “This is such exciting news. Being recognised as a World Craft City puts a global spotlight on the skills, creativity and community we have here in Birmingham.

“At the School of Jewellery, we already attract talented students and practitioners from across the world – but this recognition will help us go even further. It will strengthen our international reputation, open up new collaborations, and inspire even more promising students to come here to study, work and create – a perfect example of our strategic ambition to develop the talent for tomorrow.”

The nacre will now fall into one of GIA’s five classification ranges (Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair, and Poor), which will be stated on all GIA pearl classification reports.

Previously, GIA classified nacre as “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable” based on several factors. 

Acceptable denoted expected commercial nacre quality, in terms of thickness, layering and condition, while “Unacceptable” denoted poor quality nacre that may impact durability, such as thinness, chalkiness or damage. 

Prompted by observations and requests from members of the global pearl trade, the new scale will describe and classify the continuity and quality of the nacre in a way that is “more aligned” with other quality factors.

The nacre scale was developed through detailed examination of a wide assortment of pearl samples with varied surface and sub-surface features that can indicate differences in nacre layering and continuity during a pearl’s growth. 

As a result of this update, the majority of pearls submitted will now be classified as having Good, rather than Acceptable, nacre.

During classification service, the nacre of a pearl, strand or other item will be evaluated based on the degree of eye-visible movement (nacre variation) found on either the surface or sub-surface layers of nacre, in addition to the post-harvest condition including wear, damage, modifications and treatments, and trade standards for thickness. 

Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at GIA, said: “Nacre formation plays a critical role during a pearl’s growth, as its structure influences other value factors such as size, shape, luster, and surface quality. Nacre thickness and continuity also affect the pearl’s durability. 

“This update on the nacre quality scale provides improvement to the existing nacre quality description for the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors classification system that better serves our clients.”

Allum previously served on the CMJ’s board of directors for eight years from 2013 to 2021.

He was fully opted onto the board in April 2025 after spending the past year shadowing the board and will be put forward to the membership for formal ratification at the AGM later this year.

Existing board members include; CMJ chairman Michael Aldridge of Neil and Barker, Peter Simpkins of Simpkins Jewellers, John Neville of Neville Jewellers, Gemma Murphy of Jack Murphy Jewellers and Judith Lockwood of Mesmeric Distribution.

Aldridge, chairman of the CMJ, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jason back onto the Board. He is an experienced and very successful business owner, whose passion and knowledge will be invaluable.”

Allum added: “I am honoured to be invited back onto the CMJ Board. I hope my experience and commitment, working alongside my fellow dedicated directors, will help to continue the growth of the company to benefit all of its members.”

Allum and Sidaway is a founding member of the CMJ. It is a family business that was founded in 1942 and now has six stores across the south and southwest of England.

The CMJ is run by a democratically elected board of members, each one a member of the jewellery industry with years of experience and passion.

The new offering aims to allow salespeople to be better informed and able to confidently and clearly distinguish the value propositions across natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds, and diamond simulants to their customers.

The mobile-friendly content is designed to be quick, rich and condensed, featuring content from multiple sources, including videos, infographics, and self-quizzes.

It offers quick learning, teaching people how to answer 25+ frequently asked diamond questions from industry experts with informative videos ranging from 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

It also offers in-depth modules with 20–30-minute engaging and self-paced modules that empower learners to gain a comprehensive understanding of diamond values that extend beyond the 4Cs. Learners receive Certifications of Achievement for each module.

The Diamond Learning Center was born out of an education roundtable that recognised confusion and bias across several retail segments selling diamond jewellery.

The roundtable represented the entire value chain, including AGS, De Beers, Diamex, Fischer Diamonds, Gabriel & Co, GIA, IDMA, Jewelers of America, Jewelers Mutual, Premier Gem, and Shane Co.

Price Blanchard, chief customer officer, Shane Co, said: “It has been wonderful working with the Natural Diamond Council to create tools and education to help train our jewellery consultants on the history, allure and benefits of natural diamonds and the unique differences between natural and laboratory-grown diamonds.

“The lack of education in the industry has created a bias towards laboratory-grown diamonds and a more educated sales team will help customers understand the rarity and value of natural diamonds so they have a well-rounded education to help them pick the best diamond for them. By educating customers, we expect to see more natural diamond sales.”

As a result, the company has by opening up entry to its popular Getting Started Online, a one-week introduction to business course, to the winners.

The six successful 2024 Bright New Gems winners joined the Getting Started programme last week and the Goldsmiths’ Centre has agreed that this opportunity will also be available to winners in future years.

The Bright New Gems Initiative is an industry supported mentoring programme for graduating BA and MA jewellery designers.

Applications for the 2025 Bright New Gems programme, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will open in June 2025.

Chris Oliver, head of professional trainingGoldsmiths’ Centre, said: “The Goldsmiths’ Centre is delighted to be involved in the support and development of the talented individuals being selected as Bright New Gems.

“Our aim with this collaboration is to ensure that when talent is identified we are able to provide the opportunity to embrace the industry and offer the support and guidance every individual needs to move towards fulfilling their potential. The history of Bright New Gems and their growing alumni reflects the synergy between us.”

Susi Smither, founder of The Rock Hound and a Bright New Gems judge, added: “Every year, our winners are bursting with creativity, chosen for their standout talent evident in their submitted pieces of jewellery. We support with mentoring giving them industry insights but there’s so much more to running a successful jewellery business and our graduates are thirsty for more.

“Celebrating our 20th year we’re delighted to be partnering with the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the epicentre of jewellery training in the UK. Taking part in their Getting Started programme will really help solidify good practice and prepare our graduates for all aspects of running a jewellery brand, empowering them to move forward with confidence. Keep an eye out – our Bright New Gems will go far!”