Author: Ruchi Singla

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…

Diamonds Do Good has published its 2025 Impact Report, outlining grant activity and partnerships supporting education, health, and economic opportunity in natural diamond-producing and manufacturing communities. Pete Engel, Chair of Diamonds Do Good, said, “We are deeply thankful for the support and leadership of our supporters and partners. Their ongoing commitment helps us grow our impact, further our mission, and share genuine stories that connect with today’s consumers.” Global Grant Activity in 2025 The report sets out programme activity across southern Africa and India, including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Surat, and Western Gujarat in India Across these…

Claire’s Accessories is entering administration after its owner, Modella Capital, began insolvency proceedings in the UK and Ireland. The move follows weaker-than-expected Christmas trading and continued pressure on high street retailers, placing around 1,355 jobs at risk. Insolvency Proceedings Initiated Modella Capital, a private equity firm, confirmed that Claire’s Accessories could no longer trade profitably. The firm has filed notice to appoint administrators, with advisory firm Kroll expected to oversee the process. “This has been a very tough decision,” Modella said in a statement. “We have worked intensively in an effort to save the business, having made last-ditch attempts to…

Claire’s Accessories is entering administration after its owner, Modella Capital, began insolvency proceedings in the UK and Ireland. The move follows weaker-than-expected Christmas trading and continued pressure on high street retailers, placing around 1,355 jobs at risk. Insolvency Proceedings Initiated Modella Capital, a private equity firm, confirmed that Claire’s Accessories could no longer trade profitably. The firm has filed notice to appoint administrators, with advisory firm Kroll expected to oversee the process. “This has been a very tough decision,” Modella said in a statement. “We have worked intensively in an effort to save the business, having made last-ditch attempts to…

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued new guidelines on the terminology for laboratory-grown diamonds, following recommendations from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The move is aimed at standardising terminology within the trade and providing a clearer distinction between natural and synthetic diamonds. Terminology Restrictions and Requirements Under the new BIS regulations, only the terms “laboratory-grown” and “laboratory-created” are permitted for synthetic diamonds. The use of descriptors such as “fake” and “artificial” is now prohibited, along with abbreviated terms including “lab-grown,” “lab-created,” “lab diamond,” and “LGD”. The rules also mandate full disclosure of any treatments applied…

Silver prices increased significantly in 2025, rising from around $29.50 per ounce in January to over $79 by the end of December. The 170% gain reflected higher investment activity, industrial use, and limited supply. The recent price movement has prompted varied forecasts for 2026. Jewellers may need to consider the potential impact on material costs, sourcing, and pricing. Price Performance Through 2025 Silver began the year just under $30 per ounce and followed a steady upward trend for most of the year, despite short-term volatility following US trade policy announcements in April. Prices accelerated in the second half of the…

Alexandria, a new London men’s high jewellery brand, launches today with a collection of 18k gold rings inspired by men who have shaped empires. Channelling Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Genghis Khan, the debut designs combine natural gemstones, guilloché grand feu enamel, and sculptural relief portraits of these historic conquerors who altered the course of civilisation. Founded by Ryan Bernell, Alexandria was born from a 10-year search for jewellery that upheld both masculine strength and artistic beauty. This search ultimately revealed a void in the luxury market. “I spent more than a decade looking for jewellery that was both…

The Goldsmiths’ Centre is now accepting applications for Getting Started Online, a free, one-week business course for early-career designer-jewellers, silversmiths and craftspeople based in the UK. The course will take place from Monday, 9 to Friday, 13 March 2026 and will be delivered entirely online. Course Content and Format The online course provides business training sessions delivered by professionals working in the industry. It covers topics including product development, branding and selling, establishing sales channels and planning for growth. A keynote session will feature Annie Warburton, CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company, in conversation with British jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas MBE.…

The four UK Assay Offices — Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Sheffield — supported by the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), have issued an open letter to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle MP, requesting a review of the Hallmarking Act 1973. The letter outlines concerns that the current legislation does not adequately regulate the sale of precious metal goods through online marketplaces, social media platforms and livestream commerce, leading to the sale of unhallmarked products and creating an uneven trading environment for UK jewellers that follow current hallmarking requirements. Limitations of the Existing Framework Hallmarking is…

Botswana’s president, Duma Boko, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to acquiring a majority stake in De Beers, currently majority-owned by Anglo American, despite warnings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about the potential economic risks involved. The Southern African nation already holds a 15% stake in De Beers. It has indicated its intention to expand that holding following Anglo American’s announcement that it plans to divest from the diamond business. Government Plans and Rationale Speaking in Kanye, President Boko dismissed the IMF’s advice, saying Batswana would make the decision based on the country’s needs. He stated that Botswana’s heavy contribution…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced it will introduce redesigned coloured stone reports and expand its origin-determination services, effective 1 January 2026. The updated reports will apply to all items submitted on or after this date. The updated reports will feature changes to design and structure, with a focus on presenting gemological data in a more transparent and more standardised format. Additional Gemstone Origin Determinations From 2026, GIA will begin offering country-of-origin determination services for opal, peridot and demantoid garnet. These are additions to the current origin services provided for alexandrite, emerald, Paraíba tourmaline, red spinel, ruby, sapphire…

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has announced changes to its Standards Committee, including the appointment of new Co-Chairs and the addition of new members from across the jewellery and mining sectors. The committee is responsible for overseeing the development and revision of RJC’s standards, including the Code of Practices, Chain of Custody, and Laboratory Grown Materials frameworks. The changes, effective from 1 January 2026, are intended to align RJC’s standards with evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements in the industry. New Leadership Sara Yood, President and CEO of the Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC), and Eduard Stefanescu, Sustainability Manager at C.HAFNER GmbH…

Wesley Tucker will step down as Chief Executive Officer of Tracr at the end of February 2026, De Beers Group has announced. A successor will be named in due course. Leadership and platform development Tucker joined De Beers Group in April 2021 as Head of Digital Transformation before taking on leadership of Tracr, the Group’s blockchain-based diamond traceability platform. During his time as CEO, Tracr moved from pilot stage to commercial deployment, with more than four million diamonds now registered on the platform. The platform has been listed three times on the Forbes Blockchain 50. Under Tucker’s leadership, Tracr introduced…

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has published an updated Code of Practice to support jewellery businesses in meeting legal requirements for weighing equipment when dealing with precious metals and gemstones. The revised guidance was developed with the input of Trading Standards, which requested clearer direction for the sector. Guidance on Equipment Compliance The Code of Practice sets out what jewellers must look for when using weighing instruments, including the required approvals and markings. It also explains the importance of using correctly calibrated instruments, particularly Class II instruments, and highlights how their compliance may be affected by the equipment’s location…

Sheffield Assay Office has announced the appointment of Sara Hale as its new Head of Commercial Operations. This strategic hire comes at a time when the organisation is focusing on strengthening its commercial services and identifying new areas for development within the hallmarking and analytical sectors. Role at Sheffield Assay Office In her new role, Hale will oversee the commercial functions of Sheffield Assay Office, including hallmarking and analytical services. She will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to support operational improvements and explore areas for business development. Ashley Carson, Assay Master, said: “I am delighted that Sara has…

Eighteen Antwerp-based diamond companies have jointly financed a year’s worth of essential medicines and medical supplies for more than 35,000 patients in Botswana, following a national medical emergency declared earlier this year. Response to Medical Emergency Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Joy Kenewendo, visited Antwerp this week to thank the participating companies for their support. The initiative was coordinated by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), which oversaw the purchase of urgent medical supplies for the treatment of diabetes and cardiac patients. The medical funding follows Botswana’s announcement of a severe shortage of essential medicines during the summer. The…

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has announced the appointment of Amber Pepper as its next Chief Executive Officer. She will succeed David Kellie, who will step down at the end of 2025. Role and Priorities In her new role, Pepper will lead the organisation’s efforts to strengthen consumer demand for natural diamonds and act as a central voice for the industry. The NDC stated that Pepper will prioritise work on digital engagement strategies aimed at younger consumers, supported by data-driven marketing. Her remit also includes shaping messaging around natural diamonds, with an emphasis on commercial results and reinforcing their position…

London Trading Standards has been recognised by the British Hallmarking Council (BHC) with the 2025 Touchstone Award for its work in enforcing hallmarking legislation. The award was presented at the annual Touchstone Award Training Day, held on 18 November at the London Assay Office, part of The Goldsmiths’ Company. The event was attended by officers from eight London boroughs, as well as representatives from the BHC, London Assay Office, and supporting organisations. Hallmarking Enforcement Recognised The Touchstone Award, supported by the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), acknowledges Trading Standards teams that enforce the…

De Beers Group has launched its branded polished diamond line, ORIGIN De Beers Group, in retail stores across North America – the first time the range has been made available in physical retail environments. Retail Rollout and Distribution ORIGIN De Beers Group is now available through 19 retail partners operating 30 locations across the United States and Canada. Distribution is being facilitated through two De Beers Sightholders, Grandview Klein and Mahendra Brothers. Participating retailers include Wempe, London Jewelers, Gunderson’s, Mountz Jewelers, and others. Traceability and Blockchain Integration Each ORIGIN De Beers Group diamond over 0.3 carats is traceable through Tracr,…