ABOUT US
Gems Keep Giving is a charitable organization created to support artisanal coloured gemstone mining and cutting communities around the world. We are a team of people from across the gemstone and jewellery industry who share a common belief: that the beauty and value of coloured gemstones should also create meaningful, lasting benefits for the communities they come from.
We are committed to supporting thoughtful, practical projects that respond to real local needs, improve daily life, and help protect both people and natural resources. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we work to build strong partnerships and lasting impact where it is needed most.
Gem Miners. Ilakaka, Madagascar. By V. Pardieu
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Damien Cody
CHAIR
Damien Cody serves as Chair of Gems Keep Giving. He is a highly respected figure in the global gemstone industry and brings extensive experience in business leadership, international trade, education, and industry representation.
As Managing Director of Cody Opal and The National Opal Collection in Australia, Damien has helped promote opals and coloured gemstones to audiences around the world. He is also widely recognized for his contribution to industry education and advocacy, including his leadership within ICA and his longstanding commitment to strengthening the coloured gemstone sector. At Gems Keep Giving, he helps guide the organization with broad industry perspective, entrepreneurial insight, and a strong dedication to supporting mining communities through practical and meaningful action.
Rocco Gay
VICE CHAIR
Rocco Gay serves as Vice Chair of Gems Keep Giving. He brings a strong combination of gemological expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and active engagement within the Italian and international jewellery community.
A graduate gemologist and business leader, Rocco has founded and led important gemological and commercial initiatives in Italy, while also serving in a number of industry associations and institutional roles. His career reflects a longstanding dedication to professional excellence, industry development, and the promotion of coloured gemstones. At Gems Keep Giving, he contributes international perspective, industry credibility, and a genuine commitment to initiatives that can benefit gemstone communities in meaningful ways.
Doug Hucker
ADMINISTRATOR
Doug Hucker serves as Administrator of Gems Keep Giving. He brings longstanding experience in association leadership, industry development, and organizational management, with a deep understanding of the coloured gemstone sector and its global community.
In his role, Doug supports the smooth running and ongoing development of the organization, helping ensure strong coordination, structure, and continuity across its activities. His experience, professionalism, and commitment are a valuable support to Gems Keep Giving’s mission and long-term growth.
Cecilia Gardner
SECRETARY AND LEGAL COUNSEL
Cecilia Gardner serves as Secretary and Legal Counsel of Gems Keep Giving. She is a highly regarded attorney with longstanding experience in legal compliance, governance, ethics, and trade practices within the jewellery industry.
Over the course of her career, Cecilia has held some of the sector’s most respected leadership positions, including serving for 17 years as President, CEO, and General Counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. She has also contributed to a number of important industry bodies and initiatives focused on standards, ethics, and responsible business practices. At Gems Keep Giving, she provides invaluable legal and governance guidance, helping support the organization with clarity, rigor, and integrity.
Henry Ho
DIRECTOR
Henry Ho serves as Director of Gems Keep Giving. He is a distinguished leader in the Asian gemstone and jewellery world, with a career spanning gem education, trade development, business, and international industry engagement.
As founder and President Emeritus of AIGS, Henry has played an important role in shaping the regional and global coloured gemstone landscape. He brings to Gems Keep Giving exceptional industry knowledge, global perspective, and a deep appreciation for the role gemstones can play in supporting positive social impact. His contribution helps strengthen the organization’s reach, credibility, and long-term vision.
Robert Weldon
DIRECTOR
Robert Weldon serves as Director of Gems Keep Giving. He is widely respected for his contribution to gemology, education, photography, and storytelling, and for his longstanding work in making gem knowledge more accessible across the industry.
With a career dedicated to research, education, and the communication of gemological knowledge, Robert brings a thoughtful and deeply human perspective to the organization. At Gems Keep Giving, he contributes insight, sensitivity, and a strong commitment to education and community support, helping connect the beauty of gemstones with the people and places from which they come.
Brian Cook
DIRECTOR
Brian Cook serves as Director of Gems Keep Giving. A geologist, gem expert, and long-time advocate for responsible sourcing, he brings decades of experience in gem exploration, sourcing, and community-based initiatives connected to the jewellery supply chain.
His work has been closely linked to gemstone origin countries and to efforts that promote more responsible and sustainable practices across the industry. At Gems Keep Giving, Brian contributes deep field knowledge, practical experience, and a longstanding commitment to supporting source communities in ways that are thoughtful, credible, and enduring.
Ashoo Sinchawla
DIRECTOR
Ashoo Sinchawla serves as Director of Gems Keep Giving. She is a respected leader in the coloured gemstone industry, with extensive experience in the business of rubies and sapphires and a strong connection to the international gemstone community.
She brings to the organization both commercial expertise and a wider commitment to representing and supporting the coloured gemstone sector. At Gems Keep Giving, Ashoo contributes valuable industry insight, international perspective, and a sincere commitment to helping create positive impact for gemstone mining and cutting communities.
Beth West
DIRECTOR
Beth West serves as Director of Gems Keep Giving. She brings broad experience, thoughtful leadership, and a strong commitment to initiatives that create meaningful and lasting value.
At Gems Keep Giving, Beth supports the organization with care, perspective, and a shared belief that the gemstone industry can play an important role in improving lives at source. Her contribution helps reinforce the organization’s mission, strengthen its governance, and support projects that respond to real community needs.
GEMS KEEP GIVING'S COMMITEE
Icaro Carlos
Ya’Akov Almor
Ya’Akov Almor
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Ya’Akov Almor
Ya’Akov Almor
Ya’Akov Almor
COMMUNICATION
ABOUT THE ICA
OUR ORIGINS
Gems Keep Giving was born from a desire within the coloured gemstone community to create a meaningful platform for giving back. While now fully independent, the organization’s origins reflect a strong spirit of collaboration across the industry. This keeps the ICA mention without making the page feel institutionally heavy.
All images ICA © Special thanks to: Andy, Eric, John, Mariana and JC.
