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By Amber Bowmer
Two GIA Governors were honored this summer for their professional and civic achievements.
Dilip Mehta, CEO of the Rosy Blue Group, was granted the title of Baron by the Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July. Matthew Stuller, chairman and CEO of Stuller, Inc., received the American Gem Society's (AGS) Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization's Circle of Distinction dinner in New York City last August.
Mehta, who established Rosy Blue N.V. in Antwerp as the first overseas office of B. Arunkumar (now Rosy Blue India), took on Belgian nationality in 2001. He serves on the boards of the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices, Natural Color Diamond Association and the nonprofit Jewelers for Children, and is an honorary member and supporter of Special Olympics Belgium.
"I am extremely proud to receive this award and thank both the Belgian royal family and government for honoring me in this way," Mehta said. "Belgium – and Antwerp in particular – has granted me many opportunities. This is why I have always been happy to live and work in this multicultural and harmonious city from the moment I arrived in 1973."
Stuller, who serves as chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority's Committee for Economic Development and Labor Training (see "Katrina: One Year Later," The Loupe, Summer 2006) was selected for his service to the jewelry industry and lasting contributions to his community, according to AGS. The Lifetime Achievement Award was established to acknowledge those who have made significant contributions to the industry throughout their careers and is one of the highest honors an individual can receive from the organization.
"I am humbled and honored to be selected this year for the lifetime achievement recognition, and have always admired the AGS for its relentless efforts and its success in professionalizing jewelers and creating standards of excellence," Stuller said. "I have enjoyed reflecting on my 36-year career in our fine industry and look forward to serving the retail jewelers of North America for many years to come."
Helene Fortunoff, chairman of the GIA Board of Governors, said she is proud of her fellow governors and their commitment to personal and professional excellence.
"Dilip greatly deserves this honor that recognizes his business success along with his personal integrity and philanthropy. His expert knowledge and high stature in the diamond world make him an important member of our board.
"Matt is known for his business acumen and work ethic, and is respected throughout the jewelry industry. His dedication to family and philanthropy completes the picture of this exemplary governor. Our board is enriched by his wisdom and commitment.
"The Board of Governors joins me in congratulating both Dilip and Matt on these honors," she said.
Additional reporting by Jaime Kautsky
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