Kathryn Kimmel to Retire from GIA

RAPAPORT... Senior vice president and chief marketing officer KathrynKimmel will leave the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) after 29 years. A third-generation jewelry-industry member, Kimmel worked inretail, manufacturing and various other fields within the trade before joiningthe GIA. During her time with the organization, she developed its outreachcampaign to help consumers understand the 4Cs, and promoted the use of theinstitute's gem identification and grading reports. In 1991, she founded theGIA's Jewelry Career Fair, which has since expanded to encompass California,India, Las Vegas, London and New York, and was co-chair of the institute'sInternational Gemological Symposium. "Kathryn opened doors and created opportunities in the gemand jewelry industry for so many women and men," GIA CEO Susan Jacques saidTuesday. "Millions of consumers across the world have confidence in their gemand jewelry purchases because she had the insight and drive to reach them withindependent, credible and research-based knowledge about diamonds, coloredstones and pearls." A founding member of the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA)and a member of its Hall of Fame, Kimmel won several industry awards for herwork in the trade. She received the Young Women's Christian Association's Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN)award, the American Gem Society's Distinguished Service award and the GIARichard T. Liddicoat award for Distinguished Achievement, among others. "Kathryn's expertise, guidance and unerring dedication toGIA's mission helped to make our institute what it is today," said Tom Moses,GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer. Kimmel will step down on August 30. Image: Kathryn Kimmel. (Gemological Institute of America)