Time to Shine:
Meet the Collective puts GIA Alumni in the Spotlight
Meet this diverse ensemble of GIA alums as they share stories about the impact their education has made in their lives and careers.
Make connections for a lifetime of success in the online GIA Alumni Collective Community.
RegisterGIA Alumni Take Center Stage
Get inspired by conversations with alumni from near and far. These individuals bring their distinctive perspectives to life in the work they do, and the GIA Alumni Collective presents a special chance to connect with the real people behind the gems and jewels.
Julia Hackman Chafé, Colored Stone Essentials Certificate
In an industry known for its centuries-old roots, Julia Hackman Chafé has chosen a different, more digital (and very colorful) way to leave her mark.
Lucy Kilislian, GIA GG, GJ, JD, Pearls Graduate
For some, diamonds and gemstones shine like far-away stars -- but Lucy Kilislian, founder of Candy Ice Jewelry, designs her pieces for real-life Hollywood stars.
Sara Bautista, GIA Diamonds Graduate
Meet San Francisco native (and current Brooklynite) Sara Bautista a.k.a. Peggy Portals, a GIA alum and custom "grillz" designer who also specializes in fine jewelry.
Feng Jie, GIA GG
Ethereal, modern and luxurious, the art jewelry designed by this GIA alum awes and delights jewelry lovers and collectors around the world.
Luke Hammond
What happens when a neuroscientist also discovers a passion for gemology and jewelry? Science and art collide for this Australian alum.
Ilan Portugali, GIA Diamonds Graduate
Ilan immigrated to the U.S. to fulfill his dream: sourcing rare diamonds for celebrity and high-net-worth clients.
Monica Bern, GIA GG, JDT and Michelle Ma, GIA Diamonds Graduate
The chance meeting of these two GIA alum and their mutual desire to be entrepreneurs brought them together as business partners.
Marina Pilibosian Bozabalian, GIA GG
Ishkhan Bozabalian, GIA JDT
This duo has continued their family’s legacy by making their clients’ happiest moments a part of their business.
Ivan Co, GIA Jewelry Design Certificate
Combining quality, beauty and movement, this designer pushes the boundaries to transcend the limitations of wearability.
Josefina Baillères, GIA GG
A second generation GIA alum, her love of jewelry and fashion resulted in the launch of her own bespoke jewelry company.
Gerard Alexander, GIA GG
Resilience in the face of adversity. Gerard persisted and is now serving up bejeweled Happy Meal jewelry!
Niki Grandics, GIA GJ
It was love at first solder…this GIA alum was the first in her family to pursue her dream of jewelry making and design.
Chamal Jayaratna, GIA AJP
An award-winning designer, Chamal hails from Sri Lanka, studied in Thailand and heads design in Australia and France.
Mirabai Kuk Nagle, GIA GG
With a love for gems and jewelry since her youth, Mirabai scours the globe for the finest quality, hand selected gemstones.
Laura Mae, GIA GG
Amanda Jean, GIA GG
These two GIA Graduate Gemologists are sisters and business partners, sharing a mutual passion for vintage jewelry.