Sterling Jewelers, Inc., the second-largest specialty jewelry retailer in the United States, recently made a $100,000 donation to the Gemological Institute of America’s Endowment Fund. Terry Burman, chairman and CEO of Sterling Jewelers, Inc., will be inducted into the GIA League of Honor in New York City Oct. 12 for his company’s generous gift.

“We consider GIA to be the highest caliber in our industry for research and education programs that help establish professional standards in our field,” said Burman, who served as co-chair for last year’s League of Honor Dinner. “We felt it was important to support the Institute because they give us the opportunity to be more accountable to our customers.”

GIA’s research on gemstone simulants and treatments is a particular reason Burman felt compelled to support the Institute.

“As the jewelry industry continues to be challenged by synthetics and treated stones, we need a research and educational organization that can be a source of knowledge about new developments and help give us credibility with our customers,” Burman said.

The GIA Endowment Fund was launched in 2000 to ensure the Institute’s cutting-edge research, technology, and education for many years to come. Induction into the League of Honor is reserved for individuals and organizations that have donated $100,000 or more to the Institute.

Burman, who joined Sterling Jewelers, Inc., as chairman and CEO in 1995, was also named Group CEO of Signet Group, Sterling Jewelers’ London-based parent company, in 2000.

“Terry has earned a great reputation for his leadership of Sterling Jewelers and for the active role he has taken in the entire industry,” said Jerry Buckley, director of GIA Development. “In addition to the support he has shown us, he contributes his time and resources to many industry and non-industry organizations and is dedicated to helping children through his activities as chairman of the board for the Jewelers Charity Fund for Children.”

To learn how to contribute to the GIA Endowment Fund, contact GIA Director of Development Jerry Buckley at jerry.buckley@gia.edu or call (760) 603-4188.

JCK