The International Gemological Institute (IGI) appointed industry expert John Pollard as senior director of education – a newly created role to oversee and expand the institute’s educational offerings.

These programmes are taught in 14 gemmological institutions globally, including extensive gemstone grading and jewellery design courses, interactive eLearning and instructional seminars and webinars.

According to IGI, Pollard has been collaborating with IGI on various projects for more than a decade. In 2020, he began designing a curriculum for IGI clients, including leading luxury brands. He has been a regular consultant for diamond producers, sellers and grading laboratories, and has instructed educational seminars at global fairs and events. 

Since 2005, he has been educating industry professionals and consumers, holding management roles, and recently serving as director of Education for PriceScope.com.

A former Texas public school educator, Pollard holds degrees in education, gemmology and music.