The Italian Jewelry Guild has ceased operations and formally closed on June 20.

In a letter to the industry, Robyn Lewis, IJG founder, announced the decision. Lewis founded the organization 21 years ago. The organization served as the marketing and public relations arm of a few Italian brands and was involved in the general promotion and support of the Italian jewelry industry.

Lewis did not give a specific reason for closing IJG, but, in her letter, she did mention that she is looking forward to some new challenges.

“I … personally need to embrace some new and exciting challenges and opportunities, that I am certain will present themselves given the consideration, esteem and respect that I believe … I benefit of,” she said in her letter. “At this crossroads of my life I would like to imagine sharing my skills with some other emerging nations or other affiliations which would create a new sparkle in my eye.”

JCK