At this not-to-miss panel moderated by Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO, experienced experts will speak to the critical need for sustainability in day-to-day operations of small and large companies in the gem and jewelry industry.

 “Corporate social responsibility is a growing consumer expectation, and companies need to account for it,” said Kathryn Kimmel, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Our industry can benefit from amplifying sustainability efforts of retailers, manufacturers and suppliers.”

 GIA has invited five leaders from inside and outside of the gem and jewelry industry to offer their views and discuss how their organizations are tackling this important topic.

 Dr. Saleem Ali, Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment at the University of Delaware, will provide an overview of the environmental and social impact of the gemstone industry.

 Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler, will discuss how you communicate social responsibility to employees as well as the consumer and how they have received it.

 Marcus ter Haar, managing director of Okavango Diamond Company, will share an overview of how natural diamond is contributing to the economic development and employment in mining communities where few other options for livelihood exist.

 Claire Piroddi, sustainability manager for watches & jewelry at Kering, will share how their brands early adoption of sustainability transformed the brands perception.

 Nadja Swarovski, member of the Swarovski Executive Board, will speak about the sustainability initiatives that Swarovski does on the manufacturing level, including laboratory-grown diamonds.

 Register for GIA’s luncheon panel discussion “Embracing Sustainability Amid New Consumer Expectations,” https://www.gia.edu/gia-luncheon-panel, and discover the importance of this initiative in our industry. Box lunches will be provided.

To learn more about GIA’s offerings at JCK visit https://www.gia.edu/gem-event-jck-las-vegas-2019.