It is a great honour and privilege to present our interview with Susan Jacques who stepped into the role of President and Worldwide CEO of the GIA , in 2014, based in Southern California, USA .

The Gemological Institute of America, is the worlds premier grading laboratory and educational facility within the worldwide jewellery business with its main campus in Carlsbad, California. There are laboratories and or educational facilities in New York, London, Antwerp, Bangkok, Gaborone, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Surat, Ramat Gan, Taipei and Tokyo. GIA schools also run courses online worldwide and the vast majority of those on and wishing to enter into the jewellery trade take classes and gain diplomas in several countries and learn about all aspects of gems and gemology. It is also where the majority of diamonds, natural and cultured pearls and coloured stones are graded and certified. GIA was established in 1931 by Robert M Shipley, and has developed into the world’s foremost authority on pearls , diamonds and coloured stones.

A non profit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards and education on the world of gems and jewellery. Back in the 1940’s the GIA developed and published the 4 C’s and The International Diamond Grading system widely used to this denoting Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight. This has developed into the worldwide standard for defining a diamond’s qualities. The GIA is working on pearl identifications at the moment.

The GIA’s mission is to ensure the publics trust in gems and jewellery by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism through education, research, laboratory services and instrument development .

Susan also was formerly CEO and President of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts based in Omaha, Nebraska, part of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Company. Susan worked within Borsheims for 20 years and was in frequent touch with Mr Buffett often referred to as the worlds most successful and savvy investor. Susan has had a fascinating career so far and an amazing work life within the jewellery world with much still to do.