By William E. Boyajian

We like to save some space in The Loupe each year to thank an important and indispensable group of people and companies who help us make a difference in our nonprofit mission to serve the public trust.

They recognize that GIA serves all aspects of the industry for public benefit – whether that entails detecting treatments and synthetics, educating future gemologists and tradespeople, or enhancing our library resources and museum collections. Their contributions help us develop important programs to support these activities and many more. They understand this work is vital to ensure continued trust in the gem and jewelry industry.

A mission-driven mentality lies at the heart of any nonprofit organization. A true nonprofit does not focus on the bottom line; revenues and budgets are simply a way to generate the support and structure needed to fund the mission.

Learning how to be mission-minded, however, is often easier said than done. It starts with people who are motivated by passion, not a paycheck. GIA is filled with such people: researchers who thrive on solving the mysteries and puzzles that cross their desks; instructors who share their love for gems and jewelry with students; and graders who check, and re-check, every stone to make sure it receives the most accurate reporting.

Healthy nonprofits typically operate like family-owned partnerships. They share information and ideas with their constituents and strive to reach a solution that is comfortable for all. GIA uses this kind of process as it works and consults with members of the trade and public. That relationship helps promote full disclosure from the trade to the public, which further enhances consumer confidence in the gem and jewelry industry.

Most chief executives know that such consensus building requires diplomacy, persuasion and patience, and that every passion-oriented stakeholder has an opinion that counts and a perspective that must be considered when decisions are made. The vetting process can be exhausting, and it often takes longer to reach conclusions, but the outcomes rest on a strong, unified foundation.

The “bottom line” for nonprofits, then, is the mission itself. Fulfilling that mission is the only true test of success. When it is achieved – in our case, when public trust of the gem and jewelry industry is earned – GIA and its supporters win.

That’s why it’s so important for us to thank all of our donors for their generous support over the years: You are critical to our mission. We could not do what we do, the way we do it, without you.