Press Releases

IGDA 2.0 Launches as Lab-Grown Diamond Industry Experiences Rapid Expansion

Revamped trade association to represent the lab-grown diamond industry, educate consumers and promote lab-grown diamonds globally.

Published

4 years ago

November 4, 2021

Press Releases

Anna-Mieke Anderson of MiaDonna Courtesy of MiaDonna

(PRESS RELEASE)MORRISVILLE, NC — The International Grown Diamond Association (IGDA) announced the launch of IGDA 2.0, a complete revamp of the trade association originally formed in 2016, to serve and support the lab-grown diamond industry.

The IGDA 2.0 launch is lead by the deployment of a new website, a broader based board of advisors, the development and distribution of consumer point of sale and promotional materials, sales associate training and the evolution of a network of international chapters.

“IGDA 2.0 will provide focused services, to support the growing number of global lab-grown diamond companies,” said Dick Garard, Executive Director of IGDA. Garard continued: “We have an aggressive strategic plan that begins with the involvement of the entire global Lab-Grown Diamond industry, many longtime supporters and the welcome addition of newer, younger members.”

Anna-Mieke Anderson, CEO and Founder of MiaDonna added:

“Clearly consumer interest in the Lab-Grown Diamond category is growing rapidly and globally. In response to the consumer demand, there has been a significant increase in the number of retailers stocking the product, as well as an expansion in the number of designers and manufacturers incorporating Lab-Grown Diamonds into jewelry styles.”

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

The IGDA 2.0 launch will enhance the organization’s professionalism, diversify the membership, and expand global reach.

New members are welcome and can learn more here.

Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration

After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years." Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations. The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.