Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) announced the highly anticipated return of its 13th Annual International Gold and Diamond Conference, which will take place in New York City from July 17 to 19, 2023. This year, the conference will focus on the theme of Maintaining Purpose and will gather industry leaders, experts, and innovators from the gold, diamond, and jewellery sectors.
The conference will feature a stellar lineup of participants who will address the mission of Maintaining Purpose through engaging panel discussions, dynamic conversations, and thought-provoking talks. The event aims to shape a responsible and transparent future for the industry by exploring pressing issues related to sustainability, artistic vision, and cultural preservation.
One of the highlights of the conference will be the recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the diamond and jewellery industries. The Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice and the Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Diamond and Jewelry Industries will honour industry leaders for their outstanding achievements.
Participants in the jewellery supply chain are invited to join the conference for networking opportunities and engaging panel conversations with influential figures in the industry. The event will kick off with a welcoming reception at Heritage Auctions New York, featuring remarks by Roberta Kramer, vice president of Strategy and Business Development at Heritage.
This year’s conference will delve into topics such as new technologies for extraction and sourcing, innovative mine-to-market models, and the evolution of environmental and climate challenges will be explored. A critical question that will be examined throughout the event is: What defines luxury in an age of responsible practice?
The conference will also feature a special collaboration with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), jointly organising a session with IAC. Dr Gaetano Cavalieri, president of CIBJO, expressed pride in partnering with IAC, highlighting the conference’s ability to examine the jewellery industry from multiple perspectives and anticipate future challenges.
Lisa Koenigsberg, president of Initiatives in Art and Culture, emphasised the urgency of addressing transformational goals in the industry. She stated, “The future is now… IAC’s conference, ‘Maintaining Purpose,’ will feature robust discussions of the measures, methods, practices, social values, and commitments required to successfully achieve the vision outlined in declarations of principle which intentionally differ from roadmaps. IAC is grateful to the distinguished roster of authorities, industry leaders, and masterful jewellers from throughout the world who will join us for this collective consideration of both keeping the dream alive and realising it throughout the complex and interdependent ecosystem of the jewellery world and beyond.”
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, two awards will be presented during the conference. The sixth annual Leadership in Responsible Practice Award will be bestowed upon jeweller, Pippa Small, who has prioritised ethical practices and cultural collaboration throughout her career. The third yearly Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Diamond and Jewelry Industries will be presented to fine jewellery designer, Satta Matturi, known for her commitment to responsible practices and support for the diamond supply chain.
As the conference progresses, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in further enriching sessions, including discussions on government and governance in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, training the next generation in the jewellery sector, and redefining the luxury of responsible practice.
The conference will feature a diverse range of discussions and panels. Topics to be explored include global expectations and sustainability, responsible sourcing of gold, achieving transparency in the industry, and training the next generation of jewellers. Renowned industry professionals and experts, including jewellers, designers, and academics, will contribute their insights and expertise.
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