Francesca Lawley

Francesca joined GIA as an instructor at the start of 2013. She started towards her career in gemology by first working as an exploration geologist in Australia. After three years she came back to London to become a GIA Graduate Gemologist^® and then went on to work for a high end diamond jewelers before joining the GIA London team.

Miriam Moscicki

Miriam earned her first diamond credential at a diamond exchange bourse at the age of sixteen. Two years later, she was awarded a scholarship and completed the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma at the London campus. Miriam worked as a gemologist at the diamond bourse for five years before moving to Canada where she continued working in gemology. She eventually returned to London where she achieved the Master of Science in Management with Businesses Strategy and the Environment at the University of London. Miriam came full circle and joined the GIA London campus as an instructor in 2015.

Fanny Raponi

Fanny achieved her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Design at the Politecnico of Milan in 2006. This launched a decade-long career working as a jewelry designer and maker for a variety of jewelry brands. She also launched her own jewelry collection and managed her family’s retail jewelry business. She eventually relocated to the UK where she earned the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma and FGA from The Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Fanny then worked for 5 years at gemological laboratories in London and Birmingham, gaining experience with standard and advanced testing equipment, before joining GIA’s London campus as an instructor.

Charlotte Richman

Charlotte is a GIA Graduate Gemologist® and began her career in the industry working in fine jewelry merchandising for high-end department stores, and luxury retail avenues. This involves working with multiple brands globally and acquiring and curating collections for jewelry houses. Charlotte has also acquired her FGA from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, and in 2024, joined the GIA London team as a gemology instructor.

Paula Santillana

Paula joined the GIA London team in 2024 as a gemology instructor, bringing a wealth of expertise and a passion for education. As a GIA Graduate Gemologist®, she completed her studies at the London campus, where she developed a deep technical understanding of gemology. Paula’s background in the luxury industry, combined with her bachelor’s dual degree in International Business Administration and Management, equips her with a unique blend of technical mastery and global business insight. Her diverse experience and dedication to excellence create a dynamic and enriching learning environment for our students.

Alexander Lind

Alex began his career in the retail jewellery industry in Southern Africa while also studying for his BA in anthropology. He soon developed skills in silver and goldsmithing, and became a rough and cut gemstone buyer. A change in career path saw him teaching anthropology at the University of South Africa for two years but he reverted back into his previous jewellery role in South Africa for another seven years. Alex completed his Graduate Gemologist^® diploma at the South African and London campuses and began his role as a jewellery design and gemmology instructor with GIA’s London Campus in January 2018.

Ciara Lennon

Ciara started her professional career as a qualified architectural CAD technician. After a few years working in this area, Ciara decided to pursue her passion for jewellery and metalwork. She completed an intensive 2-year mixed discipline crafts course in Ireland and then moved to the UK to achieve her BA in silversmithing and jewellery design. Following her studies, she developed her skills in teaching and jewellery making, completing a post graduate course and winning a 3-year position as artist in residence in a well-established Berkshire Arts Centre. After this she moved into the retail jewellery industry spending eight years in the field, five of which involved working as an in-house designer in a high-end jewellery store. She brings her knowledge and industry experience to GIA, inspiring and encouraging her students as they develop their careers in the industry.