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GIA Joins Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030

Focus on supporting ambitious goals, developing education content

CARLSBAD, Calif. October 27, 2022 GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the industry leader in gemological research, education and science-based gem evaluation, joined the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030) as part of the Institute’s ongoing commitment to collaborative efforts to advance sustainability in its operations and activities, and throughout the global gem, jewelry and watch industry.

“GIA is very proud to support the ambitious goals and aspirations of WJI 2030 as an extension of our commitment to a more sustainable future for the world, our industry and our Institute,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “We look forward to bringing our expertise, resources and focus on protecting consumers to support this important new initiative.”

The co-chairs of WJI 2030, Cyrille Vigneron, president and CEO of Cartier International, and Marie-Claire Daveu, chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer of Kering, shared, “We welcome GIA to WJI 2030 as the first gemological research, education and laboratory organization to join. WJI wants to grow naturally through purpose-driven leadership. The Institute, with its expertise and mindset for positive change, will bring great added value to building a strong, inclusive and impactful framework for our initiative.”

Speaking on the eve of the first WJI member workshop, held October 26 in Paris, France, Iris Van der Veken, WJI 2030 executive director and secretary general, said, “We are very pleased to welcome GIA to WJI. GIA brings with it a deep commitment to consumer protection, unparalleled understanding of the industry, a commitment to science-based standards and a well- deserved reputation for independence and trust.”

At the same event, Johanna Levy, GIA’s vice president of environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) programs, said, “Supporting WJI 2030 will build on GIA’s many existing sustainability initiatives. Our next steps are to carefully document our footprint and set science- based targets to reduce that footprint.”

As an affiliate member, GIA will work with WJI to develop robust ESG content for its industry- leading education programs to help prepare the next generation of industry leaders to further advance sustainability within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals.

Earlier this year, GIA committed to issuing only digital gemological reports by 2025, avoiding the use of 20 tons of paper and 18.5 tons of plastic each year and reducing shipping-related carbon emissions. GIA also added the GIA Source Verification Service to its gem origin programs, addressing the consumer desire and market need for verified diamond source information. Another program, the GIA gem guide for artisanal miners launched in 2017, continues to have a verifiable positive impact on the livelihoods of individuals – many women – and mining communities in East Africa. GIA has been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2012 and is a long-time member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

From left: Iris Van der Veken, WJI 2030 executive director and secretary general; Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO; and Johanna Levy, GIA vice president of environmental, sustainability and governance programs at the Jewelers Mutual Group Conversations in Park City earlier in October.

For press inquiries, please contact: GIA – Nellie Barnett at nbarnett@gia.edu or +1 760-603-4184 WJI – press@wjinitiative2030.org

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading SystemTM which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. Visit GIA.edu.

About the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030

Driven by a common conviction that the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aspirations for a sustainable industry can only be achieved through collaborative efforts, the Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030 has been launched by Cartier and Kering.

The Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, Member of the Global Compact and signatory of the Women Empowerment Principles is a global initiative open to all Watch and Jewellery players with a national or international footprint committed to a common core of key sustainability goals in three areas: building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness.