IGI Appoints John Pollard to Head of Education

The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory, has named John Pollard Senior Director of Education
IGI Appoints John Pollard to Head of Education

In this newly createdrole,Mr. Pollard willoversee and expand the institute’s educational offerings and diploma programs, currently taught at 14 schools of gemology around the world, includinga wide array ofgemstone grading and jewelry design courses,interactive eLearningand instructional seminars and webinars.

“I am pleased that John is taking on this important role,” said Roland Lorie, IGI CEO. “At IGI we have always felt a responsibility to provide proper gemological education to all who choose to enter this field. Only then can we have a strong industry, trusted by consumers. For over 40 years we have educated tens of thousands of people and we intend to continue reaching more people in more places, increasing knowledge and confidenceamongprofessionals and consumers alike.”

Mr. Pollardhas been collaborating on projects with IGI for more than a decade. In 2020 he began designingcurriculum and trainingfor an increasing number of theinstitute’s clients,includingleading luxury brands.Hehasbeen a regular consultant for diamond producers, sellers, and grading laboratories, domestic and overseas, and has instructed educational seminarsatJCK Las Vegas, the American Gem Society Conclave, the Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association, and IGI trade conferencesin Beijing and Shanghai, China. Since 2005 he has been educatingindustry professionals and consumers alike, holding management roles with companies in both traditional and eCommercesectors, andrecently servingas Director of Education for PriceScope.com.

A former Texas public schooleducator, Mr. Pollardholds degrees in education, gemology, and music. Twice honored with hisdistrict Education Foundation’s Award of Excellence, heremains active in youth education advocacy on a national level, holding a position on the Board of Directors of Music ForAll, America’slargestand most influential music education organization.


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