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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
Gemological Institute of America has agreed to acquire a 30% shareholding in Tracr, the diamond provenance platform developed by De Beers Group, in a move aimed at supporting the platform’s transition towards independent ownership and wider industry adoption. The agreement was announced by De Beers and GIA on 29 May. It follows a collaboration established in 2023, when eligible GIA diamond grading reports began incorporating provenance information recorded on the Tracr platform. Focus on Provenance and Traceability Tracr was launched by De Beers in 2018 as a blockchain-based platform designed to track diamonds from the point of recovery through the…
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has announced that the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has become a member of the organisation, making it the first industry body to move towards NDC membership under the Luanda Accord framework. The development follows GJEPC’s signing of the Luanda Accord in June 2025 and a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the second Luanda Accord High-Level Meeting in Cape Town in February 2026. Industry Collaboration The move brings GJEPC into the NDC membership structure at a time when the natural diamond sector is increasing its focus on category marketing, consumer education and coordinated…
India exported more lab-grown diamonds than natural diamonds by volume during the year to March 2026, according to figures from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The latest data shows exports of 18.84 million carats of lab-grown diamonds compared with 16.00 million carats of natural diamonds. The figures reflect the continued growth of the lab-grown diamond segment within the global diamond supply chain. Volume Growth Versus Value Although lab-grown diamonds now account for a larger share of export volume, natural diamonds continue to generate the majority of export value. GJEPC data cited for April 2026 shows lab-grown diamonds…
Archaeologists in Saudi Arabia have uncovered a hoard of gold jewellery, gemstones and other decorative objects dating back more than 1,100 years at the archaeological site of Dariyah in the Al-Qassim region. The discovery, made during the latest excavation season led by the Saudi Heritage Commission, includes nearly 100 pieces of jewellery believed to date to the Abbasid period. Dariyah was an important settlement on the historic route linking Basra in present-day Iraq with Mecca, serving travellers and pilgrims undertaking the Hajj during the early centuries of Islam. Jewellery Found Inside Buried Ceramic Vessel The collection, referred to by researchers…
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…
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…