Joseph M. Menzie was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) at the organization’s biennial congress in Changsha, China in May. This industry award recognizes individuals who have devoted their time and energy in making significant contributions towards developing the global gemstone industry. He accepted the award amidst a gathering of ICA members and industry leaders.

Menzie has served for 16 years on the ICA board of directors, including serving as vice president, and two terms as president from 2003-2007. During his tenure, ICA expanded its reach into emerging consumer markets such as Russia, Korea, and started initiatives in China in 2003. He also worked with government bodies, expanding the knowledge of gemstones to markets including Dubai, where the ICA held its most successful congress in its history in 2007. As president, he spearheaded developments of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) across various regions and countries. Several of the CSR initiatives were tied to mine tours and as a result, participation from organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America, led to modification of their educational programs to reflect the hands-on experience gained through the ICA tours. Menzie had long been a proponent of including the consumer press in this process thus creating a means to promote an allure, along with education about gemstones, to be made available to a greater audience.

His achievements also include the influence of ICA’s website with information on colored gemstones for both retailers and the consuming market. He saw this as a weak link in the chain of gemstone promotion and created multiple translations for the “Gem by Gem” section for educational endeavors. Menzie’s influence can be seen today in the way many other organizations have embraced consumers in their education and promotional activities. Menzie is founder and past president of the New York Jewelers Group.