The World Diamond Heritage Board (WDHB) has opened the public nomination phase for the World Diamond Heritage List (WDHL), an initiative that aims to identify 100 natural diamonds considered to have had significant historical and cultural impact. Nominations opened on 18 May and will close on 18 June 2026. Individuals can nominate up to five diamonds for inclusion. Focus on Cultural and Historical Significance According to the WDHB, the list is intended to recognise diamonds for their influence on human history, culture, spirituality and society rather than for gemmological characteristics or market value. To support the nomination process, a pre-nomination…
Author: Ruchi Singla
Ruchi Singla
Ruchi is our trusted breaking news reporter, keeping you informed about the latest trends, launches, and significant events as they unfold. With a commitment to accuracy and a passion for adding a layer of insight, Ruchi creates informative and engaging content that shines a light across the world of jewellery.
Pencil has released an AI jewellery CAD design agent designed to create jewellery designs through natural language prompts. The company said the platform can be used by internal design teams, in-store sales staff and customers through a brand’s website. CAD-Focused Design Output Pencil said its agent generates rendered, parametric CAD designs intended for printing and casting, rather than AI-generated images that still require CAD development. The platform can be adjusted to manufacturing specifications including prong diameters, bezel crown heights, minimum band widths and polishing allowances. Users can also request precise design changes, such as moving a stone by 1.25mm or…
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) will appoint Mehdi Saadian as its new chair at its annual general meeting on 11 June 2026, while the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) will also see a change in leadership with John Henn taking over as president. Both AGMs will be held at Warwick Castle and will include a number of board and committee changes across the two organisations. Saadian to Succeed Adam Jacobs Current NAJ chair Adam Jacobs will formally hand over the role to Saadian, who has served as vice chair since 2024. Saadian is director of the GIA London campus…
Pandora and the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) have publicly disagreed over the jeweller’s new carbon footprint disclosure initiative for lab-grown diamonds, with the NDC accusing the company of using misleading comparisons between lab-grown and natural stones. The dispute follows Pandora’s announcement that it will disclose the carbon emissions associated with every lab-grown diamond it sells, introducing what it describes as a “fifth C” alongside the traditional diamond grading criteria of cut, colour, clarity and carat. Pandora Introduces Carbon Footprint Disclosure Pandora said the new information will cover emissions generated throughout the production process, from the raw materials used to grow…
The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled against lab-grown diamond retailers Novita Diamonds and Linjer after finding that advertisements failed to make clear that the diamonds being promoted were laboratory-grown rather than natural. The complaints were brought by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and the London Diamond Bourse (LDB), with the ASA concluding that both companies breached UK advertising rules. Advertisements Found to be Misleading The rulings relate to online advertisements published in January 2026. In Novita Diamonds’ case, the ASA assessed two paid-for Meta advertisements. One featured the text “Novita Diamonds ready-to-ship engagement rings 1-10 days”, while another…
De Beers recorded higher rough diamond sales in the first quarter of 2026, with parent company Anglo American reporting increased volumes and revenue following price reductions on smaller goods and changes in product mix. Sales Volumes Increase Sales volume rose 64% year on year to 7.7 million carats, including supply to joint venture partners. Consolidated sales, excluding that supply route, increased 53% to 6.4 million carats. Consolidated revenue rose 25% to $648 million. The results cover De Beers’ first two sights of 2026. Proceeds from the third sight, which began in March, will be included in second-quarter figures. Pricing Changes…
Alrosa has reappointed Pavel Marinychev as chief executive officer and chairman of its managing board for a further three-year term, confirming continuity in leadership at the Russian diamond mining company amid ongoing geopolitical and trade pressures. Leadership Background Marinychev has been with Alrosa since 2016 and was appointed CEO in 2023, having previously led its subsidiary Almazy Anabara. Before joining the company, he held a senior role within the regional government of Yakutia, where he oversaw geology and subsoil use, as well as industry, energy and construction. His reappointment maintains the current leadership structure during a period of disruption for…
Haute Jewels Geneva recorded a 20% increase in visitor attendance at its 2026 edition, held at the InterContinental Geneva. The event brought together 44 jewellery houses from 13 countries, with organisers citing growth in international participation with organisers reporting increased attendance from Latin America, alongside growth from Europe and North America. Event Format and Exhibitor Presence The 2026 edition featured 44 exhibitors, including Damiani, Pasquale Bruni, Furrer Jacot and Yoko London. The show was presented across five spaces within the InterContinental Geneva, including The Palace, The Grand Villas and The Grand Ballroom, maintaining a salon-style format. Founded in 2019 by…
The Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District has launched a film series focusing on individuals working across Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, with the first instalments now available online. Titled Where Individuality Shines, the series has been commissioned by the BID and produced by videographer Carl Woods. It presents short films featuring a range of contributors, including artisans, business owners and other professionals operating within the district. Focus on People Within the Trade The series centres on accounts of those working in the Quarter, documenting their roles, experiences and working practices. The films present individuals contributing to the area’s jewellery and related industries.…
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has released an updated guidance note on precious metal pricing and customer communication, to support businesses managing continued volatility in gold, silver and platinum markets. Titled Precious Metal Pricing and Managing Customer Expectations, it follows consultation with NAJ members and wider industry stakeholders and builds on a draft version circulated earlier this year, incorporating feedback from across the trade. Addressing Market Volatility Recent fluctuations in precious metal prices have created challenges across the jewellery supply chain. Retailers have faced difficulties in maintaining accurate pricing and managing stock values, while manufacturers and designer-makers have needed…
The Goldsmiths’ Centre will present Box of Dreams, a jewellery and silversmithing-led pop-up exhibition curated by artist jewellers Ella Fearon-Low and Jed Green, during London Craft Week. The event will run from 14 to 15 May 2026 at the Centre’s Clerkenwell premises, bringing together UK-based makers working across jewellery, silversmithing and related disciplines. Focus on Containment and Material Exploration The exhibition centres on the idea of containment, examining how boxes and vessels can hold both physical and conceptual meaning. A curated display under the same title will present interpretations of containment through forms including boxes, vessels and wearable objects. Works…
Raw Pearls has taken over the operations of long-established supplier Samuel Jones Pearls, with the transition completed on 20 April following the retirement of owners Richard and Claire Maymon. The combined business will operate under the leadership of Miranda Raw, bringing together two established names in the UK pearl trade. Samuel Jones Pearls, founded in 1916, is recognised as the first importer of cultured pearls into the UK and has maintained longstanding relationships with the Japanese pearl sector. Raw Pearls operates as a specialist in freshwater pearls, supplying the UK jewellery trade with a broad product range. Structure and Brand…
India’s gem and jewellery exports reached ₹2,44,827.26 crore for the financial year April 2025 to March 2026, marking a 0.93% increase in rupee terms compared with the previous year. In US dollar terms, exports totalled US$27.72 billion, representing a decline of 3.32% year on year. The figures reflect a trading environment shaped by geopolitical developments, tariff changes and shifting consumer demand across key markets. Market Diversification and Regional Performance Export performance indicates a shift in market distribution, with growth recorded across several regions. The United Arab Emirates remained the largest export destination, with shipments rising 10.52% to US$8.70 billion. Hong…
The National Association of Jewellers’ Institute of Registered Valuers has confirmed the workshop and masterclass programme for its 2026 Valuers’ Conference, taking place on 16–17 May at Edgbaston Park Hotel in Birmingham. Supported by Bonhams, the event will combine keynote presentations with practical training sessions for valuation professionals and the wider jewellery trade. Focus on Practical Valuation Skills Workshops will take place on Sunday 17 May, covering a range of valuation and technical topics. Sessions include gemstone pricing, mounted stone assessment, hallmark identification and manufacturing methods. Kate Flitcroft will lead a session on auctioneering, examining estimating strategies and sale room…
The Diamond Council of America (DCA) has launched a workforce development programme, the ‘Second Spark’ Initiative, aimed at addressing labour shortages in jewellery retail while creating entry pathways for veterans and parents returning to the workforce. The initiative introduces a structured route into the sector, combining training, certification and job placement support, with backing from the JCK Industry Fund. Addressing Workforce Challenges The programme has been developed in response to recruitment pressures across the jewellery sector, including an ageing workforce, retirements and competition for retail staff. Second Spark is intended to expand the available talent pool by targeting individuals with…
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has opened a new School of Gemology and Jewelry Arts campus in Taipei, Taiwan – the only location in its global network to deliver the full Graduate Gemologist diploma programme in Chinese. The campus was officially inaugurated on 29 March 2026, marking an expansion of GIA’s education provision in Asia. New Facility and Programme Offering The Taiwan campus introduces full Chinese-language instruction for GIA’s Graduate Gemologist qualification, intended to improve access for Chinese-speaking students and support skills development across the regional jewellery and gemstone sector. GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel said: “Education is…
Morley Department Stores Limited has appointed Melanie Smallwood to the newly created role of Chief Trading Officer, with responsibility for the group’s buying and merchandising operations. Smallwood will join the business in April and report to chief executive Ray Clacher, as part of changes to the retailer’s senior leadership team. Senior Retail Experience Smallwood brings more than 30 years’ experience in retail, having held senior positions across department store and fashion businesses. Her previous roles include P&L responsibility for womenswear and kidswear at Harrods and Global Buying Director at Harvey Nichols. Most recently, she served as Chief Commercial and Brand…
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) will introduce World Diamond Day on 8 April 2026, a global initiative intended to bring together stakeholders across the diamond supply chain to share stories centred on natural diamonds. The observance, which will be marked annually, invites participation from designers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. The inaugural edition is positioned as a soft launch aimed at building engagement across the industry. Industry-Wide Participation through Social Media World Diamond Day will be driven by user-generated content shared across social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok. Participants are encouraged to post images or short videos using…
CIBJO has marked its 100th anniversary with the inauguration of a freshwater reservoir in Gujarat, India, developed to support water security in a drought-prone region. The project, named CIBJO Lake, was officially opened on 22 March 2026, coinciding with World Water Day. Located near the village of Luvariya in the Saurashtra region, the reservoir was developed by the Dholakia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of diamond manufacturer Hari Krishna Group. Project Scope and Regional Impact CIBJO Lake spans approximately 15 acres and has a storage capacity of 156 million litres. It forms part of the Gagadiya river rejuvenation initiative, which aims…
The Goldsmiths’ Centre has awarded its Business Catalyst (Large) Grants 2026 to jewellers Ebba Goring and Alison Macleod, with each receiving £7,000 to support business and skills development. London-based jeweller Matilde Mozzanega has been awarded a Commendation Grant of £1,000. Funded by the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, the programme supports UK-based jewellers, silversmiths and allied practitioners to develop technical and business capabilities, expand their services and access new markets. Focus on in-house skills development The 2026 recipients will use the funding to bring specialist processes into their own workshops and undertake targeted training. Ebba Goring, based in Burntisland, Fife, will invest in…
Ekapa Resources and Ekapa Minerals have closed the Ekapa diamond mine in Kimberley, South Africa, and filed for liquidation following a mud rush that trapped five miners underground on 17 February. The workers are now unfortunately presumed dead. The tragedy and associated closure brings to a halt 158 years of continuous diamond mining in Kimberley and places around 1,200 jobs at risk. Incident and Rescue Efforts In the early hours of 17 February, a surge of water, mud and rock flooded part of the Du Toitspan shaft at the Ekapa Mine, blocking access to the lowest mining level, around 800…
The National Association of Jewellers and the four UK Assay Offices have received a written response from the Department for Business and Trade following their joint open letter calling for amendments to the Hallmarking Act 1973. In correspondence from the Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection, Kate Dearden MP, the Government acknowledged the role of hallmarking in consumer protection and fair competition within the jewellery sector. The Minister stated that the current legislation has not kept pace with developments in online selling and confirmed the Government’s intention to amend hallmarking arrangements when parliamentary time allows. Focus on Online Selling…
The National Association of Jewellers has opened registration for its 2026 Valuers’ Conference, supported by headline sponsor Bonhams, which will take place from 16 to 17 May 2026 at Edgbaston Park Hotel, Birmingham. The two day conference brings together valuers, retailers, designers, students and other jewellery professionals, with a programme focused on valuation practice, gemmology, watches and specialist materials. The event contributes to continuing professional development for both new and established practitioners. Keynote Speaker Programme The first day will feature six keynote speakers from across jewellery, diamonds, watches and gemmology. Francesca Cartier Brickell, author of The Cartiers, will speak on…
The Luanda Accord has expanded with Namibia becoming a formal signatory, while India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) have taken steps towards membership of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC). The developments were confirmed during the Accord’s second high-level meeting at African Mining Indaba 2026, where producing countries and industry stakeholders reviewed progress on collective funding for generic marketing of natural diamonds. Namibia Formalises Participation Namibia joins Angola, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo as signatories to the Luanda Accord, committing to contribute to global category marketing for natural diamonds. The…
W H Darby Ltd, the Birmingham-based jewellery manufacturer founded in 1886, has been sold out of administration following a transaction secured by Moorfields Advisory, preserving 40 jobs and allowing the business to continue trading. The development comes amid a rise in UK insolvencies and follows recent failures within the jewellery sector, including Andra Jewels Ltd in Birmingham and Scottish retailer The Ringmaker. Administration and Sale Administrators from Moorfields Advisory were appointed by the High Court to manage the affairs of W H Darby, which operates from Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The appointment allowed the company to continue trading while control passed…
The Betts Group has supplied the first batch of Single Mine Origin SMO fine gold grain from the Bellevue Mine in Western Australia to Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery in Bristol. The delivery marks the first shipment of gold from a net-zero-emissions gold mine to the UK market. Birmingham Jewellery Quarter-based The Betts Group is the exclusive UK supplier of SMO Gold. Titcombe Bespoke Jewellery is the first independent retailer in the UK to receive grain from the Bellevue Mine, which will be used in bespoke commissions. Introduction of Bellevue Gold to the UK The Bellevue Mine, located in the Goldfields region…
Anglo American is progressing with the sale of its 85 per cent stake in De Beers, with chief executive Duncan Wanblad indicating that a consortium of government and private investors is the most likely outcome. Botswana, which already holds 15 per cent of the diamond group, is expected to increase its shareholding, while Angola and Namibia have also expressed interest. Wanblad said the process is “relatively far advanced” and that Anglo is nearing the end of the second stage of bidding, during which a preferred buyer will be identified. Although he previously aimed to have the divestment substantively complete by…
Nivoda has relaunched its B2B gemstone marketplace, introducing changes to its platform structure and supplier network. The update coincides with the company’s debut at AGTA Tucson 2026 and comes ahead of JCK Las Vegas. The company states that the platform is now live and offers access to more than 40 gemstone varieties and subtypes from its listed suppliers. Platform Updates and Supplier Review According to Nivoda, the marketplace has undergone a supplier review, resulting in a revised partner network offering real-time access to coloured gemstones. The available range includes sapphires, emeralds, tsavorite garnets, and paraiba tourmalines, among others. The updated…
The Royal Mint has submitted 7,838 coins for examination at the 2026 Trial of the Pyx, held this year at Mansion House in the City of London. Overseen by the King’s Remembrancer and conducted with the involvement of the Goldsmiths’ Company and the London Assay Office, this is the first time the trial has taken place at Mansion House and only the second occasion since 1871 that it has been held outside Goldsmiths’ Hall. The change of venue reflects the temporary closure of Goldsmiths’ Hall for refurbishment. Under provisions introduced in 1998, the trial may be held at any suitable…
The Luanda Accord has expanded following its second high-level meeting at the African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, with Namibia becoming a signatory and both the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre moving towards membership of the Natural Diamond Council. The developments expand the group of producing countries and industry bodies contributing to generic marketing for natural diamonds through the NDC, which manages the Accord. Namibia Joins the Luanda Accord At the 9 February meeting, the Government of the Republic of Namibia formally signed the Luanda Accord, joining Angola, Botswana, and the Democratic…