Author: Ruchi Singla

The Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Borsa Diamanti d’Italia to facilitate commercial relationships between their members, extending its network of diamond bourse partnerships into Europe. The agreement was signed at the CIBJO Centenary Congress in Vicenza, Italy, held from 4 to 7 September 2026. Signatories were Ghanim Nasser Al-Saadi, QDE director, and Luigi Cosma, president of Borsa Diamanti d’Italia and vice president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses. Member Introductions and Trading Events The MoU provides a framework for member introductions, cooperation and reciprocal visits. Both bourses will invite members and management to…

The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) will introduce a revised version of its Gemmology Diploma in September 2026, with an updated syllabus covering developments in gemmology, technology, research and industry terminology. Course Follows Foundation Syllabus Update The diploma’s theoretical and practical components have both been revised. It will be available to students attending in person, those studying through Gem-A’s online distance learning programme and learners enrolled at accredited teaching centres overseas. The changes follow an overhaul of Gem-A’s Gemmology Foundation course in 2025. The Foundation course is a prerequisite for the diploma. Gem-A chief executive Cath Hill said: “Countless…

Beaverbrooks has launched a nationwide competition offering engaged couples the chance to win up to £1,000 of jewellery by sharing the story behind their proposal. The initiative accompanies the retailer’s Proposal Map of the UK, which ranks 15 engagement locations using Instagram hashtag data. Lake District Tops Proposal Map The Lake District ranked first with 4.7 million hashtags, followed by the London Eye with 3.5 million and Tower Bridge with three million. The Peak District and the Isle of Skye completed the top five. Other locations on the list include Stonehenge, Glen Coe, the Brecon Beacons, Giant’s Causeway, Edinburgh Castle,…

Anglo American may continue to control De Beers for up to 18 months after agreeing a sale, as the transaction could require regulatory clearance in the US, China and Europe, according to Anglo American chief executive Duncan Wanblad. Botswana, which owns 15% of De Beers, also holds pre-emption rights that could affect the timetable. Anglo is seeking to sell its 85% stake in the diamond producer as part of a restructuring announced in May 2024. The mining group is also working towards a merger with Canada’s Teck Resources to form Anglo Teck. Buyer Identity Will Determine Approvals Wanblad said the…

The Qatar Diamond Exchange has signed memoranda of understanding with the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, Shanghai Diamond Exchange and Tokyo Diamond Exchange to support cooperation between their members. QDE director Ghanim Nasser Al Saadi formalised the agreements with bourse presidents Fabio Cascapera, Lin Qiang and Michio Iwasaki during the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore. Framework for Member Cooperation The agreements establish a framework for connecting members of the four exchanges, facilitating commercial introductions and considering further areas of cooperation. They also provide for bilateral visits and reciprocal participation in tenders, auctions, viewings and other industry events organised by the…

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has extended the deadline for importing certain “grandfathered” diamonds linked to Russia until 1 September 2027. The decision gives eligible traders, manufacturers and importers an additional year to bring qualifying stock into the US. Eligibility Requirements General License No. 104B, issued on 26 August 2026, replaces General License No. 104A. It permits the import of certain non-industrial diamonds until 12.01am Eastern Daylight Time on 1 September 2027. The authorisation covers diamonds weighing 1 carat or more that were physically outside Russia before 1 March 2024. Diamonds weighing 0.5…

Gemological Science International (GSI) has begun issuing coloured stone reports carrying the trade names Pigeon Blood, Royal Blue and Padparadscha from its laboratories in Jaipur and Mumbai. According to GSI, these are the first reports of their kind to be issued in India. Limited to Untreated Stones Under GSI’s criteria, Pigeon Blood applies to qualifying rubies, while Royal Blue and Padparadscha apply to qualifying sapphires. The designations are available only for untreated stones, with heated, diffused or otherwise enhanced material excluded irrespective of its colour. GSI said its assessments use defined ranges of hue, tone and saturation. Stones are examined…

Pandora reported 3% organic revenue growth in the second quarter of 2026, with revenue reaching DKK 7.22 billion (£0.82 billion) for the three months to June 30. Like-for-like sales increased 1%, while the Danish jewellery group raised its full-year guidance for organic growth and operating margin. Performance varied by region, with Asia-Pacific and Latin America recording double-digit like-for-like growth while North America and EMEA declined. Revenue and Regional Performance Pandora’s reported revenue increased 2% year on year from DKK 7.08 billion in Q2 2025. Organic growth, which adjusts for currency and changes to the company’s network, was 3%, with 2%…

Sarine Technologies reported a 6% decline in group revenue to US$14.4 million for the six months ended 30 June 2026, as lower revenue from capital equipment and Galaxy scanning services offset growth in its newer recurring businesses. The diamond technology company said continued competition from lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), alongside lower rough natural diamond supply, remained challenging for the natural diamond manufacturing sector. However, larger and higher-quality natural diamonds, which account for a substantial share of Sarine’s recurring revenue, have been less affected by LGD competition. New Services Grow Sarine’s Most Valuable Plan (MVP), its cloud-based solution for planning and optimising…

Diamonds Do Good has provided a $50,000 grant to the Black Coffee Foundation for its Gift of Sight program, which offers eye screenings and eyewear to children in underserved and rural communities across South Africa. South African musician and foundation founder Nkosinathi “Black Coffee” Maphumulo announced the funding at an event at Phi Beach in Baja Sardinia, Italy, on Aug. 13. Funding for Mobile Eye Care The grant will support mobile eye-care services delivered in schools and communities. The program screens children for vision problems and provides corrective eyewear where required. The Black Coffee Foundation runs Gift of Sight in…

Researchers have identified a 6.87-carat CVD synthetic diamond fashioned to resemble a rough natural diamond crystal, in what they said was the first reported case of its kind. The near-colourless stone, measuring approximately 11mm across, was examined by Nick Davies, Sema Firat, David Fisher and Thoufieq Shaik of De Beers Science & Technology. Their findings were published in the Spring 2026 edition of the Gemological Institute of America’s Gems & Gemology journal. Surface Examination Reveals Differences The stone had a near-octahedral outline similar to the crystal form of some natural rough diamonds. Examination showed that it was not a genuine…

Russia is to establish a diamond cutting cluster spanning the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Smolensk Region, under an initiative to develop the country’s domestic diamond-cutting industry. President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order on August 6 directing the creation of the cluster. It is scheduled to begin operating under the decree from March 1, 2027. Kristall to Form the Foundation The cluster will bring together eligible legal entities and individual entrepreneurs involved in diamond cutting and polishing. The Smolensk-based Kristall cutting plant, owned by state-controlled diamond miner Alrosa, will form the foundation of the initiative alongside facilities in…

Russia is to establish a diamond cutting cluster spanning the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Smolensk Region, under an initiative to develop the country’s domestic diamond-cutting industry, scheduled to begin operating from March 1, 2027. Kristall to Form the Foundation The cluster will bring together eligible legal entities and individual entrepreneurs involved in diamond cutting and polishing. The Smolensk-based Kristall cutting plant, owned by state-controlled diamond miner Alrosa, will form the foundation of the initiative alongside facilities in Yakutia, Russia’s main diamond-producing region. Alrosa CEO Pavel Marinychev previously told Putin that participants would have access to rough diamonds “along…

Lucara Diamond Corporation has sold the 2,488-carat Motswedi diamond, recovered from its Karowe mine in Botswana, but has not disclosed the buyer, transaction value or intended use of the stone. The sale was confirmed in the Canadian miner’s second-quarter results, which reported revenue of $41 million for the three months ending 30 June 2026. Sale Included in Quarterly Revenue Lucara’s quarterly revenue declined by 6% from $43.7 million in the corresponding period of 2025. The company attributed the reduction primarily to fewer carats sold through tender and lower average prices for diamonds weighing less than 10.8 carats. The $41 million…

India has approved a tax measure intended to encourage more international rough-diamond transactions to take place within the country. The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, provides eligible foreign companies with an income-tax exemption on qualifying rough-diamond sales conducted through India’s Special Notified Zones. The exemption is scheduled to apply from October 1, 2026, until March 31, 2041. Wider Range of International Sellers Covered The framework is not limited to diamond-mining companies. Foreign brokers, aggregators, sightholders and businesses conducting tenders or auctions may also qualify, provided their transactions meet the prescribed conditions. Sales must take place within an approved…

India has approved a tax measure intended to encourage more international rough-diamond transactions to take place within the country. The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, provides eligible foreign companies with an income-tax exemption on qualifying rough-diamond sales conducted through India’s Special Notified Zones. The exemption is scheduled to apply from October 1, 2026, until March 31, 2041. Wider Range of International Sellers Covered The framework is not limited to diamond-mining companies. Foreign brokers, aggregators, sightholders and businesses conducting tenders or auctions may also qualify, provided their transactions meet the prescribed conditions. Sales must take place within an approved…

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has extended the deadline for entries to the 2026 NAJ Awards, giving businesses and individuals across the UK jewellery industry additional time to submit nominations. Entries will now close at midnight on Thursday 6 August 2026. The awards are open to both NAJ members and non-members. Entry is free for members, while non-members pay £50 per nomination. Fifteen Categories Across Three Themes The 2026 NAJ Awards are organised into three themes: Great Ideas, Great People and Great Businesses. The 15 award categories recognise work across retail, design, customer service, workshops, digital engagement and environmental,…

Natural diamonds polished in Europe will once again enter the United States without import tariffs after the US government reinstated a 0% duty on the category. The decision follows discussions between the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the European Commission and US officials and reverses the 10% surcharge that had applied to European polished diamonds in recent months. The exemption applies to natural diamonds polished in Europe and restores the position that had previously been agreed in 2025 before changes to US tariff policy resulted in duties being reintroduced earlier this year. Tariff Exemption Reinstated The latest decision removes the…

The CIBJO Coloured Stone Commission has released its fifth pre-Congress Special Report ahead of the 2026 CIBJO Congress, which will take place in Vicenza, Italy, from September 4. The report, prepared by Commission chairman Charles Abouchar, focuses on the terminology used to describe coloured gemstones and the need for language that reduces the potential for misunderstanding in the marketplace. “The ultimate goal remains protecting consumer confidence through the adoption of clear and descriptive language that transparently informs,” write Mr. Abouchar. A key issue addressed in the report is the terminology used for synthetic gemstones. The Coloured Stone Commission has decided…

A ring purchased for £5 at a car boot sale has been identified as a 3.02 ct natural diamond set in 18 ct gold with an estimated value of £15,000 following an appraisal at a jewellery valuation event in Oxfordshire. The identification was made by WeBuyVintage gemologist Asha Nayak during a public valuation roadshow held at Seacourt Hall in Botley. The owner brought the ring to the event believing it to be costume jewellery, having bought it simply because she liked its appearance. Following examination, the piece was identified as a natural diamond ring with an estimated value of £15,000.…

The 41st World Diamond Congress opened in Singapore on July 13, with industry leaders and government representatives from major diamond-producing countries calling for renewed efforts to build consumer demand for natural diamonds. Hosted by the Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES), the Congress is being held in Singapore for the first time since the 24th World Diamond Congress in 1988. The 2026 event runs from July 12 to 15 and brings together representatives from across the diamond trade. Opening the Congress, Fabio Cascapera, Chair of the Congress Organising Committee and President of DES, reflected on the changes the industry has experienced…

The CIBJO Diamond Commission has proposed that the 4Cs grading system should be used exclusively for natural diamonds and that “synthetic” should become the preferred term for diamonds produced through industrial processes. The proposal is contained in the fourth pre-Congress Special Report ahead of the 2026 CIBJO Congress, scheduled to take place in Vicenza, Italy, from September 4. The report was prepared by the Diamond Commission, headed by Udi Sheintal. Proposed Change to Terminology The report calls for CIBJO to reconsider its terminology for synthetic diamonds, with “synthetic” proposed as the preferred term rather than “laboratory-grown” or “laboratory-created”. CIBJO’s current…

Mehul Shah, vice president of Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), has been elected president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), following a vote held during the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore. The election took place on July 12, with leaders from 21 diamond bourses participating in the vote. Shah was elected in the first round from a field of three candidates. Luigi Cosma, president of Borsa Diamanti d’Italia, and Philippe Barsamian of Antwerp were elected as vice presidents. The 41st World Diamond Congress was held in Singapore from July 12 to 15, bringing together representatives from across the…

Beaverbrooks has introduced a new bridal jewellery collection centred on traceability and responsible sourcing, reflecting growing consumer interest in the provenance of diamonds and precious metals. The retailer’s new True by Beaverbrooks range comprises 21 engagement and wedding ring designs made using traceable natural diamonds from Botswana alongside Single Mine Origin (SMO) gold and platinum. Focus on Provenance The collection is available online and through 15 Beaverbrooks stores, with engagement ring prices starting at £3,500 and wedding rings from £995. Each diamond is supplied with Botswanamark certification, providing traceability back to Botswana and verification that the stones have been responsibly…

Russia retained its position as the world’s largest rough diamond producer by value in 2025, marking the third consecutive year it has led global production, according to the latest statistics released by the Kimberley Process (KP). The figures show Russia recovered 31.5 million carats of rough diamonds during the year, with a total production value of $2.72 billion and an average value of $86 per carat. Although output declined from 37.3 million carats valued at $3.34 billion in 2024, Russia remained the largest producer by value despite ongoing sanctions in the US and European Union and continued weakness in the…

Fully traceable artisanal diamonds from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been sold on the international market in Antwerp for the first time through the OrigemA initiative, a project involving the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (Antwerp World Diamond Centre), the Congolese government, NGO Resolve and technology partner Everledger, with financial support from the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs. A total of 103.77 carats of rough diamonds from the Kasaï region were offered during an initial sales round in Antwerp. The stones originated from the Kamana Ndeke mine near Tshikapa and were mined by the COMIDIANZ cooperative. The sale…

The sale of De Beers by parent company Anglo American could be finalised within weeks, according to chief executive Al Cook, following a process that has been ongoing since 2024. Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Europe conference in London, Cook said negotiations had progressed and that interested parties were working towards concluding a transaction for Anglo American’s 85% stake in the diamond miner. “It’s been a two-year period. There’s been a lot of negotiations. They’re now maturing. We’ve never been closer than we are to a sale,” said Cook. “I’m hopeful that it’ll happen in weeks rather than months going…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has confirmed plans to introduce cut grading for selected fancy-shaped diamonds in 2027, beginning with oval, pear and marquise cuts. Alongside this, the lab will expand its reporting framework for fluorescence, with new comments to be introduced for eligible natural D to Z colour diamonds from the fourth quarter of 2026. The updates extend GIA’s diamond grading system beyond its current focus on round brilliant stones. Expansion of Cut Grading to Fancy Shapes At present, GIA assigns an overall cut grade only to round brilliant diamonds, while fancy-shaped diamonds receive assessments limited to polish…

Natural diamond jewellery was identified as the most desired luxury jewellery category among US consumers in new research published by De Beers Group, while non-bridal purchases accounted for the majority of demand. The company’s latest US Diamond Acquisition Study surveyed 18,500 women aged between 18 and 74 and forms part of its newly released Diamond Report, which examines consumer behaviour, retail trends and broader market dynamics in the US diamond sector. Natural Diamonds Remain Preferred Luxury Jewellery Purchase According to the study, 11% of respondents identified natural diamond jewellery as their most desired luxury gift, ahead of synthetic lab-grown diamond…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has opened enrolment for its new London campus, with classes scheduled to begin in August 2026. The new GIA School of Gemology and Jewelry Arts campus will be located in Canary Wharf and will replace the institute’s existing London facility, which has operated since 2002. According to GIA, the move will increase teaching capacity and expand the range of programmes available to students in London. Expanded Educational Offering One of the key additions at the new site will be the introduction of the GIA Jewelry Design & Technology programme in London for the first…