The International Gemological Institute has appointed John Pollard (pictured) to be its senior director of education.
In this newly created role, Pollard will oversee and expand IGI’s educational offerings at its 14 schools of gemology around the world, including its gemstone grading and jewelry design courses, interactive e-learning, and instructional seminars and webinars.
“IGI currently teaches more courses in more locations than any other gemological institute,” Pollard tells JCK. “Recently, in North America, there has been heavy demand for education about lab-grown diamonds, which IGI is providing, as well as education for sales professionals on a variety of gemological topics, starting with diamond 4Cs basics, which can be applied at point of sale.”
“I am pleased that John is taking on this important role,” added Roland Lorie, IGI CEO, in a statement. “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.”
Pollard was most recently director of education for PriceScope.com and has collaborated on projects with IGI for more than a decade. In 2020, he designed curriculum and training for the lab’s clients.
He has been a regular consultant for diamond producers, sellers, and grading laboratories, domestic and overseas, and has led educational seminars at JCK Las Vegas, the American Gem Society Conclave, the Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association, and IGI trade conferences in Beijing and Shanghai, China.
At PriceScope, he conducted several webinars, including one with this writer.
A former Texas public school educator, Pollard holds degrees in education, gemology, and music. He was twice honored with his district education foundation’s Award of Excellence.
He remains active in education advocacy on a national level, holding a position on the board of directors of Music for All, America’s largest and most influential music education organization.
(Photo courtesy of International Gemological Institute)
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