RAPAPORT… John Pollard has joined the International Gemological Institute (IGI) as senior director of education after working as a consultant to the lab for over a decade.
In his new role, Pollard will expand the institute’s educational offerings and diploma programs, which are currently taught at its 14 global schools, IGI said Wednesday. Those include a variety of gemstone-grading and jewelry-design courses, interactive e-learning and instructional seminars, and webinars.
Pollard has been collaborating on projects with IGI for more than 10 years as an independent consultant, and in 2020 began designing curriculum and training for a number of the institute’s clients, it noted. He has also worked regularly with other grading laboratories, diamond producers and sellers, and has given seminars at JCK Las Vegas, the American Gem Society (AGS) Conclave, and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Alumni Association.
“I am pleased that John is taking on this important role,” said IGI CEO Roland Lorie. “At IGI we have always felt a responsibility to provide proper gemological education to all who choose to enter this field. Only then can we have a strong industry, trusted by consumers.”
Image: John Pollard. (International Gemological Institute)
IGI Hires Education Director
The Bottom Line
- John Pollard has been appointed senior director of education at IGI after over a decade as a consultant.
- Pollard will expand IGI’s educational offerings, including gemstone grading, jewelry design, e-learning, and seminars.
- IGI operates 14 global schools offering diploma programs, aiming to strengthen industry education and consumer trust.
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