Author: Ruchi Singla

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…

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…

The United States and India have agreed on a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement that will eliminate US import duties on Indian cut-and-polished natural diamonds and coloured gemstones once the deal is formally concluded. The arrangement, confirmed in a joint statement issued by both governments, also reduces the reciprocal tariff on Indian jewellery exports to 18%, while lab-grown diamonds remain subject to tariffs. According to the joint statement, and subject to the successful conclusion of the interim agreement, the US “will remove the reciprocal tariff on a wide range of goods identified…including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft…

The European Union and India have concluded a free trade agreement that will remove import tariffs on finished jewellery from India into the EU. Once ratified, the agreement will eliminate duties of up to 4 percent on precious metal jewellery, silver items, and imitation jewellery exported from India. It will also reduce duties on European polished diamonds and gemstones entering the Indian market. Duty Removal for Indian Jewellery Exports The agreement includes a provision for duty-free access for finished jewellery products from India to the EU. These goods are currently subject to import duties ranging from 2 percent to 4…

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has reported a 21% increase in fourth-quarter revenue year-on-year, reaching INR 3.2 billion ($34.8 million), supported by higher volumes in both natural and lab-grown diamond certification, as well as demand across jewellery and gemstone services. Performance Across Core Segments According to IGI’s financial results, the fourth-quarter growth was driven by performance in its four key segments: natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, jewellery, and gemstones. Profit after tax for the quarter rose by 18% to INR 1.35 billion ($14.6 million). The company noted increasing use of synthetic diamonds as a key factor in its revenue growth, citing…

De Beers London has opened a new flagship boutique on Rue de la Paix in Paris. The store is the brand’s largest globally and brings together its current retail concept in a single location. The opening places De Beers London on Rue de la Paix, close to Place Vendôme, an established area for jewellery and luxury retail in Paris. Store Opening and Launch Event The boutique was unveiled during an evening event attended by invited clients and international guests. The ribbon cutting was led by Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands and…

A senior Angolan government and industry delegation visited Antwerp this week for meetings with the local diamond sector, hosted by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. The visit focused on trade in Angolan rough diamonds and Antwerp’s role as a sales and distribution centre for international markets. Delegation and Meetings The delegation was led by Diamantino Azevedo, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, and included José Ganga Junior, chairman of Endiama, and Eugénio Bravo da Rosa, chairman of SODIAM. Endiama oversees Angola’s diamond mining operations, while SODIAM is responsible for the sale of the country’s rough diamond production. According to AWDC, the…

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has launched a free Jewellery Job Seeker Directory to support professionals in the UK jewellery sector who are actively seeking employment. The directory is now open for submissions from individuals with the right to work in the UK and will be made accessible to employers once a sufficient number of candidates have registered. Addressing Talent Retention Challenges The initiative responds to workforce pressures in the trade, with rising redundancies prompting concerns over talent retention. The NAJ states the directory will list individuals with jewellery-specific experience across areas such as retail, manufacturing, design, and repair.…

Pandora has been named the most sustainable consumer brand in the 2026 Global 100 ranking by the research organisation Corporate Knights, placing second overall among more than 8,000 assessed companies. The company was recognised following its shift to using recycled precious metals and renewable energy in its production processes. Environmental Metrics and Ranking Criteria Corporate Knights evaluates publicly listed companies with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, using indicators such as climate action, resource efficiency, and governance practices. Companies are assessed on the proportion of revenue and investments classified as sustainable, as well as growth in sustainable revenue over a two-year…