GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the {industry} chief in gemological analysis, schooling and science-based gem analysis, joined the Watch & Jewelry Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030) as a part of the Institute’s ongoing dedication to collaborative efforts to advance sustainability in its operations and actions, and all through the worldwide gem, jewellery and watch {industry}.

“GIA may be very proud to assist the formidable objectives and aspirations of WJI 2030 as an extension of our dedication to a extra sustainable future for the world, our {industry} and our Institute,” mentioned Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “We sit up for bringing our experience, sources and concentrate on defending customers to assist this essential new initiative.”

The co-chairs of WJI 2030, Cyrille Vigneron, president and CEO of Cartier Worldwide, and Marie-Claire Daveu, chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer of Kering, shared, “We welcome GIA to WJI 2030 as the primary gemological analysis, schooling and laboratory group to hitch. WJI needs to develop naturally by purpose-driven management. The Institute, with its experience and mindset for optimistic change, will convey nice added worth to constructing a robust, inclusive and impactful framework for our initiative.”

Talking earlier than the primary WJI member workshop, held October 26 in Paris, France, Iris Van der Veken, WJI 2030 government director and secretary basic, mentioned, “We’re very happy to welcome GIA to WJI. GIA brings with it a deep dedication to client safety, unparalleled understanding of the {industry}, a dedication to science-based requirements and a well-deserved status for independence and belief.”

On the identical occasion, Johanna Levy, GIA’s vp of environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) applications, mentioned, “Supporting WJI 2030 will construct on GIA’s many current sustainability initiatives. Our subsequent steps are to fastidiously doc our footprint and set science-based targets to scale back that footprint.”

As an affiliate member, GIA will work with WJI to develop strong ESG content material for its industry-leading teaching programs to assist put together the subsequent era of {industry} leaders to additional advance sustainability inside the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Growth objectives.

Earlier this yr, GIA dedicated to issuing solely digital gemological reviews by 2025, avoiding using 20 tons of paper and 18.5 tons of plastic annually and decreasing shipping-related carbon emissions. GIA additionally added the GIA Supply Verification Service to its gem origin applications, addressing the buyer need and market want for verified diamond supply info. One other program, the GIA gem information for artisanal miners launched in 2017, continues to have a verifiable optimistic influence on the livelihoods of people – many ladies – and mining communities in East Africa. GIA has been a member of the UN World Compact since 2012 and is a long-time member of the Accountable Jewelry Council.