Gem Legacy Appoints New Advisory Council Members

Gem Legacy has named industry veterans Sara Yood, Raja Shah, and Mélanie Matthes as new members of its advisory council. 

The new additions will contribute legal, commercial and global auction expertise to the nonprofit, which supports East Africa’s artisanal gem-mining community through education and empowerment, it said Monday. The council currently includes designers, editors, retailers, and executives. 

Yood, the president, CEO and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), will use her specialist knowledge in compliance and industry ethics to help the organization advance its leadership in responsible industry engagement, Gem Legacy said. Meanwhile, Shah, president of Color First, brings his experience in driving global marketing and distribution strategies for colored gemstones to the organization, aiding its mission through strategic partnerships and insight into changing consumer behavior.

Matthes, a specialist at Christie’s, will offer her knowledge of gem valuation and international auction markets.  

“Each of these new members brings a unique lens on the industry,” said Gem Legacy executive director Rachel Merisheki. “From law and ethics, to marketing and sourcing, to valuation and impact — their individual perspectives will help us build stronger bridges between the global gem trade and the communities that drive it.”