France's AFG Mourns Death of President Didier Giard

RAPAPORT... Didier Giard, president of the French Association of Gemmology (AFG), died suddenly on Sunday, the organization reported.Giard represented the fourth generation in a family of jewelers that dates back to 1887. As head of the AFG, he organized the Paris Gemmological Rendez Vous, which has taken place 17 times since 1998. He was also vice president of the Union Fran??aise de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orf??vrerie des Pierres & des Perles (UFBJOP), advised the French government on foreign trade, and held senior academic positions.According to the AFG's website, Giard went into hospital for surgery that was thought to be minor, but his condition turned out to be serious and he died Sunday evening. "We are overwhelmed by this terrible and unexpected news," the AFG added. "In these dramatic circumstances, we first of all think of Isabelle, his wife, and all her family, to whom we offer our sincere condolences."Image: Didier Giard. (AFG/Facebook)