Gary Roskin Named ICA Executive Director

The International Colored Gemstone Association has appointed well-known gems and jewelry expert Gary Roskin as its executive director.

Roskin will start the new position August 4 and will work from ICA's New York office. He will be responsible for its day-to-day activities and development. He will report to the ICA Board of Directors.

Gary Roskin is a highly respected gemologist and journalist with extensive gems and jewelry industry experience. He established Roskin Gemological Services, which includes the well-known Roskin Gem News Report, and was the Gemstone Editor of BASELWORLD Daily News. In addition, he was formerly the senior gemstone editor of JCK magazine, and the executive director of the GIA Alumni Association.

“It is indeed an honor to be the new executive director of the ICA,” Roskin said. “ICA is a not-for-profit organization which promotes the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of the colored gemstones and jewelry industry. This is in line with my personal beliefs and relates to all of the things I have written about and have taught for decades.”

ICA President Benjamin Hackman said: “We are delighted that Gary will be joining the ICA in such an important position. There is no doubt that this pivotal role will enhance the work of the ICA, which is the leading worldwide organization in the field of colored gemstones and jewelry. ICA will benefit from Gary's vast experience in the industry: from jewelry to gemology and gemstones to diamonds. ICA’s Board of Directors and I are happy to welcome Gary to his new position.” 

The International Colored Gemstone Association, a non-profit organization, is the only worldwide body specifically created to benefit the global colored gemstone industry. ICA was founded in 1984 and is now comprised of over 600 gemstone dealers, cutters, miners and retailers from 47 countries who are devoted to advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of colored gemstones.

ICA’s global network works to develop a common language for promotion and consistent business standards necessary to improve international communication and trade of colored gemstones.

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ICA Moves Headquarters to Hong Kong

Members of the board of directors of the ICA and staff of the new Hong Kong office. Photo credit: ICA

In another example of Asia’s newfound dominance in the jewelry industry, the International Colored Gemstone Association has moved its international headquarters to Hong Kong from New York. The new offices are located in Hong Kong's gems and jewelry manufacturing district and are run by a team of English and Chinese speaking staff, led by Daniel Leung, executive assistant to the president.

The ICA, which will maintain a presence at a new location in New York, says the decision to move its head office is aimed at bringing the organization into closer touch with the rapidly expanding Asian markets, and to actively participate in the further development of the colored gemstones and jewelry industry in the region. In addition, ICA is seeing an expansion in its membership in Asia, and the Hong Kong offices will enable it to better serve them, says ICA President Wilson Yuen.

"This was not a decision that we made easily, and it followed a great deal of debate," Yuen says. "Our international offices have been based in New York for many years. But we felt that we could not ignore the trends that are sweeping our industry and the global economy in general.

"Asia in general, and China in particular, is claiming a larger role in international business, and it is imperative that we are based in the heart of the region to enable us to provide a comprehensive service to our membership and to the industry,” he adds. “This is what it is expected of the ICA.”

The transition being overseen by former ICA executive director, Barbara Wheat.

The new Hong Kong offices were opened July 9 at a special in-house inauguration ceremony attended by ICA board of directors. 

ICA is a non-profit worldwide organization that represents the global colored gemstone industry. Founded in 1984, it’s now comprised of almost 700 gemstone dealers, cutters and miners from 47 countries.