The 41st World Diamond Congress will feature a fireside chat with Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), on 14 July in Singapore. The session marks one of Patel’s first major public appearances since assuming the leadership role at the organization.

Moderated by luxury journalist and author Richa Goyal Sikri, the discussion is scheduled to take place from 11:50 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. during the congress. The conversation will examine strategic developments at GIA and their implications for the diamond and jewellery industry. Topics expected to be covered include GIA’s acquisition of Tracr and its impact on provenance and transparency, investments in education through new facilities in Taiwan, London and New York, the institution’s research initiatives, and its strategic direction over the next five years.

“For the past 95 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. Sikri said the discussion aims to explore the institution’s future while recognizing its longstanding role in the industry.

“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 95 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 session is expected to address issues relevant to stakeholders across the global diamond supply chain, including traceability, education, research and institutional strategy.