From climate transition to cultural restitution, this year's Initiatives in Art and Culture program reflects the complexity and possibility of jewelry's future.

NEW YORK, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) announces its 15th Annual International Gold and Diamond Conference, taking place in person from the evening of Monday, July 14 through Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in New York City. Marking its crystal anniversary, the theme "Eye on the Prize: Towards Continuing Improvement in Practice and Artistry", serves as a continuation of IAC's longstanding commitment to shaping responsible, inclusive, and visionary practices within the global precious metals and diamond industries. For more than a decade, the conference has been a destination for thought leadership, bridging the commercial and cultural, prompting various sectors to consider the dual imperative of sustainable action and artistic integrity. During a moment of extraordinary industry transformation marked by geopolitical tensions, climate crises, technological advancement, and shifting consumer values, IAC renews its call for shared purpose and collective responsibility by focusing on what truly matters: safeguarding the planet, protecting human rights, and preserving the artistry and cultural traditions that define our humanity.

The conference opens on the evening of Monday, July 14, 2025, with a welcome reception hosted by Heritage Auctions at their New York headquarters, located at 445 Park Avenue. From 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., attendees will gather for an elegant evening of connection and celebration, featuring remarks from Roberta Kramer, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Heritage. Over the following two days at Bohemian National Hall, participants will engage in a dynamic program that spans timely issues ranging from traceability innovations to new models for sustainable sourcing, as well as preserving traditional craftsmanship. What unites these topics is the understanding that the industry's future hinges on its ability to integrate ethics, equity, and ecological mindfulness with artistry and vision at every level of practice. As Lisa Koenigsberg, Founder/President of IAC states, "Since 2011, Initiatives in Art & Culture has been organizing conferences that provide a platform for cross-disciplinary discussion, debate, and collaboration regarding critical issues in the jewelry, and precious metals and stones sectors. The aim is to engender new thinking, innovative approaches, fruitful partnerships and initiatives in support of responsible practice writ large while championing artisanry and creative vision at the highest levels."

The Initiatives in Art and Culture conference is particularly notable for its broad and inclusive scope, both in terms of topic and participants. From heads of global industry bodies to independent goldsmiths, cultural heritage professionals to scientists, the speakers and panelists reflects IAC's role as a unique convening force—one that invites diverse voices into meaningful dialogue without fear, agenda, or partisanship. Confirmed speakers include an extraordinary group of internationally renowned experts, among them Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum and Ghana's chief negotiator on cultural restitution; Charlie Betts of Betts Metals; Rachel Brandrick of 886 by The Royal Mint; Brad Brooks-Rubin, Partner at Arktouros and former U.S. State Department advisor, Laurent E. Cartier, Head of Special Initiatives, Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) and Co-Founder, Sustainable Pearls; Emefa Cole, V & A curator and jeweler.; Nicolas Luchsinger, CEO, Buccellati; John Mulligan, Head of Sustainability, World Gold Council; President, Sustainable Development Commission, CIBJO; and Lucian Simmons, Head of Provenance Research, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. These individuals, along with more than two dozen additional speakers representing every corner of the jewelry ecosystem, will come together to explore how the industry can move forward with clarity, creativity and conscience.

Rachel Perks, Senior Mining Specialist in the Energy and Extractives Global Practice at World Bank notes that the "Conference is a unique event that gathers diverse stakeholders from across gold and diamond value chains. Every year I'm inspired by the remarkable talent and wealth of cumulative knowledge present in the room. For us at the World Bank's Extractives Unit, focused on artisanal and small-scale mining, this conference offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with key changemakers we might otherwise never meet.

A central component of the conference will be the rigorous interrogation of questions surrounding climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries. With discussions such as "Understanding Climate Justice & Just Transition" and "How Can Producing Countries Retain Greater Value In-Country?", sessions are designed not as surface-level overviews, but as deep dives into the systems, ideologies, and historical legacies that must be addressed in order to build a just and enduring future. In keeping with its tradition of challenging orthodoxy, IAC will also examine issues of provenance and ownership through the lens of restitution and repatriation, while continuing its exploration of nomenclature, traceability, and the language that underpins the evolving discourse of responsible sourcing. As John Mulligan has noted, "The diversity of perspectives brought together at IAC's conference is matched only by the complexity of the challenges we face—and yet within that complexity lies real opportunity to shape something better."

An evening highlight will be the presentation of IAC's annual industry awards during a dedicated Awards Ceremony and Reception on Tuesday, July 15 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., honoring exceptional individuals whose leadership and long-standing commitment to transformation have reshaped the industry. The 8th Responsible Practice in Jewelry Leadership Award will be presented to artist-jeweler Ute Decker, widely recognized for her tireless advocacy of environmental stewardship, fairness in materials sourcing, and the importance of transparency and ethics in the creative process. Decker's work exemplifies a synthesis of aesthetic mastery and ethical resolve, offering a model for what contemporary jewelry can and should stand for. The fifth Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Diamond and Jewelry Industries will be awarded to David Block, CEO of Sarine Technologies, whose advancements in diamond traceability and data-driven transparency have played a critical role in modernizing the industry's infrastructure and consumer trust. These honorees join a distinguished legacy of past recipients, whose courage, clarity, and commitment serve as guides for the sector.

The voices of supporters and sponsors further underscore the value and influence of IAC's gathering. Arien Gessner of Rio Grande articulates the event's role as a catalyst, stating, "We at Rio Grande believe that meaningful progress in the jewelry industry starts with open dialogue and purposeful collaboration. The Gold + Diamond Conference provides a vital forum where ideas are sparked, relationships are strengthened, and the future of our craft is shaped." Echoing this sentiment, Kat Weymouth, Director of Diamond and Jewelry Services, SCS Global Services observes, "This gathering continues to be a vital space for meaningful dialogue and forward-thinking collaboration. We're committed to supporting a future where the gold and gemstone industries not only thrive economically but also lead with integrity, transparency, and sustainability." Edward Bickham, Senior Advisor, World Gold Council, adds, "The IAC is a league of its own…a place for spirited debate and a genuine searching out of solutions."

IAC is deeply grateful to CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation, which returns as Conference Partner, and to its 2025 sponsors, whose support enables this essential work. Major sponsors include the World Gold Council, SCS Global Services, Betts Metals, and AngloGold Ashanti. Additional contributions come from Bulova, Newmont, GIA, Rio Grande, Sarine, Goldsmith's Fair, and DMIA. The World Bank provides in-kind support for featured luncheon sessions, continuing its collaboration with IAC to highlight artisanal and small-scale mining issues. These partnerships reflect a shared investment in shaping a jewelry industry that is not only economically vibrant, but grounded in fairness, responsibility, and shared global values.

Registration for the 15th Annual Gold + Diamond Conference is now open on Eventbrite, and attendees are strongly encouraged to reserve their place early. To learn more about Initiatives in Art and Culture, or view the full list of speakers, visit https://artinitiatives.com/, call 646-485-1952, or email info@artinitatives.com. For press or media coverage inquiries, images, additional speaker quotes, or interviews, contact Pietra Communications at 212-913-9761 or email info@pietrapr.com.

About Initiatives in Art and Culture

Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) educates diverse audiences in visual culture, including the fine and decorative arts. A commitment to authenticity, to artisanry, and to materials undergirds all considerations undertaken by IAC, as does a mindfulness of sustainability and of our obligations to the planet. Each IAC undertaking is marked by a commitment to bringing together representatives from every sector, with thought-leaders from other disciplines, industries, and institutions to undertake cross-disciplinary approaches outside conventional industry discourse. IAC's goal is to initiate dialogue and challenge all to integrate change without fear.

IAC's primary activities are conferences, webinars, publications, and exhibitions that take an interdisciplinary approach, considering issues related to fabrication, connoisseurship, cultural patrimony and preservation, and the future of culture. Particular areas of emphasis include American art, precious substances, the history of frames, the Arts and Crafts movement, the influence of Asian cultures on American fine and decorative art, and the history and future of fashion. IAC's projects have been supported by a wide array of individual, corporate, and foundation funders.

Media Contact

Olga Gonzalez, Initiatives in Art and Culture, 2129139761, info@pietrapr.com, https://artinitiatives.com/

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