A candid conversation with luxury journalist Richa Goyal Sikri on the future of one of the world’s most trusted gemmological institutions
The 41st World Diamond Congress will feature an exclusive fireside chat with Pritesh Patel, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), marking one of his first major public appearances in the role on the global stage.
Patel steps into the position at a pivotal moment for GIA and the broader diamond trade. Moderated by luxury journalist and author Richa Goyal Sikri, the session will go beyond the official narrative to explore the strategic decisions now shaping the institution: GIA’s acquisition of Tracr and what it means for provenance and transparency, expanded investments in education including new facilities in Taiwan, London, and New York, the future of GIA’s research legacy, and the vision for the institution over the next five years.
“For the past ninety-five years, GIA’s goal has been to ensure confidence in gems and jewelry through innovation, knowledge, and research. Exchanging perspectives, sharing insights, and participating in expert discussions align with our Institute’s mission. I look forward to attending the 41st World Diamond Congress in July 2026,” said Patel.
Richa will be looking for more than the official line.”GIA sits at the centre of almost everything this industry relies on – standards, science, education, trust,” she said. “When I was researching for my book, I found myself returning to GIA’s archives again and again. The institution’s body of work is foundational. The real question is whether an institution built on ninety-five years of tradition can reinvent itself without losing what makes it irreplaceable? I want to hear Pritesh’s honest thinking on that, not the official line.”
The fireside chat takes place on 14th July from 11:50 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. during the World Diamond Congress in Singapore.
About GIA
The Gemological Institute of America is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls. An independent nonprofit organization established in 1931, GIA invented the 4Cs of diamond quality and the International Diamond Grading System™, which remains the global standard for diamond assessment. Through research, education, laboratory services, and instrument development, GIA is dedicated to ensuring public trust in gems and jewellery.
About Pritesh Patel
Pritesh Patel is the President and Chief Executive Officer of GIA, a role he assumed in August 2025. He joined GIA in 2015 as Chief Information Officer before being appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2017, where he led operational strategy, innovation, and institutional planning. Prior to GIA, he served as Vice President of Information Technology at CIRCOR International. He holds an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.
About Richa Goyal Sikri
Richa Goyal Sikri is a luxury journalist, author, and one of the gems and jewellery industry’s most recognised voices. Her book No Stone Unturned: The Hunt for African Gems is an action-packed collection of true short stories and draws on extensive primary and secondary research into the global gems and jewellery trade. It has become a key reference for professionals across the industry. She is a sought-after moderator and commentator at leading international forums.
Congress Details:
Atrium Ballroom, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore. Address: 6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039594
Dates: 12 – 15 July 2026
Please note that the Welcome Reception on 12 July will still be held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre (Level 1, Marina Bay Sands) from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Following this opening event, all main congress sessions will take place at our new venue, the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay.
The World Diamond Congress is the diamond industry’s foremost global gathering, held every three years biennially by the WFDB and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA). It brings together the global diamond and jewellery industry’s leadership to reflect on the significant challenges and many changes of recent years – and to shape what comes next. The 2026 World Diamond Congress will be held in synergy with the Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE). This strategic co-location creates a unique environment that blends high-level industry discourse with direct exposure to exceptional jewellery, gemstones, and timepieces – alongside collectors, buyers, and influencers from around the world.
“We encourage delegates and industry members to register and book their rooms! Our dedicated Congress website has all the relevant information to make your stay enjoyable and meaningful,” Cascapera concluded.
The World Diamond Congress website is www.worlddiamondcongress.com.
For more inquiries, email worlddiamondcongress@thetriumph.com.
Gem Spectrum is proud to be a media partner of the World Diamond Congress 2026!
Articles on World Diamond Congress:
https://gem-spectrum.com/tag/world-diamond-congress
