Press Releases

IGDA 2.0 Announces International Leadership Committee

Diverse group of industry leaders to chart the course of the association as the lab-grown diamond sector continues explosive growth.

Published

3 years ago

February 8, 2022

Press Releases

Charlotte Daehn | Vishal Mehta | Daniel Kahn | Richard Garard

(PRESS RELEASE) MORRISVILLE, N.C. —The International Grown Diamond Association (IGDA) introduced a select group of individuals, who will voluntarily serve on the association’s leadership committee, to help evolve strategic and tactical priorities as the lab-grown diamond sector continues its explosive growth with consumers and the trade.

“The IGDA Leadership Committee and its membership are a major step forward toward our vision of establishing a more diverse and international organization, that is the voice of authority for the lab-grown diamond industry,” said Richard Garard, IGDA’s founder and president.

Garard continued, “Our list of priorities is long, and the needs of the lab-grown diamond community are core to our focus. But we know with these key industry leaders involved we will be able to achieve these goals and much more.”

IGDA has identified as a priority a training platform for retailers and their sales associates to learn best practices for selling lab-grown diamonds to consumers.

When asked about her new role on the IGDA leadership committee, Charlotte Daehn, Director of Communication for Courbet in Paris, said: “The lab-grown diamond is the gemstone of the next generation and deserves to be presented with transparency, honesty and objectivity.”

Daehn continued: “With the rapid growth of the lab-grown diamond market, strengthening IGDA has become a necessity. With this international leadership committee, we aim to disseminate effective tools for the industry and clear messages for consumers.”

Echoing this perspective was Daniel Kahn, Vice President of Business Development at LUSIX, another member of the leadership committee: “The lab grown diamond market has truly shaken the whole jewelry and diamond industry, and as many deliberate their level of participation in it, at LUSIX we are proud to be part of shaping it. I believe that joining the IGDA leadership committee is another step in that direction.”

IGDA’s mission continues to be to represent the lab-grown diamond industry, educate consumers and promote Lab-Grown Diamonds.

Lumex CEO and IGDA leadership committee member Vishal Mehta added: “I believe that IGDA is a wonderful platform to assist the growth of lab-grown diamonds as a category in a responsible and transparent way. It is a privilege to be invited to join the IGDA leadership committee.”

New members are welcome and can learn more here.

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”