Author: Ruchi Singla

On 12 June, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) began its “We Protect a Legacy” campaign with a vending machine activation at a Belgian shopping mall, providing members of the public with the opportunity to purchase a lab‑grown diamond for €5, aiming to illustrate the price difference between synthetic and natural diamonds.AWDC president Isidore Morsel said: “With this campaign, we draw a clear line and inform the public in a transparent and accurate way. Only a well‑informed consumer can make conscious choices and avoid being misled.”Market Pricing and Consumer ClarityMorsel also noted that synthetic diamond prices have seen a significant…

De Beers Group has introduced two new downstream initiatives at the JCK Las Vegas Show, aimed at supporting demand for natural diamonds and strengthening transparency through traceability and digital tools.Ombré Desert Diamonds Marketing ConceptDe Beers has introduced its first new ‘beacon’ concept in over a decade, titled Ombré Desert Diamonds. The beacon is a category marketing initiative aimed at promoting natural diamond jewellery through coordinated design themes.The Ombré Desert Diamonds concept is inspired by desert landscapes in diamond-producing areas, with designs incorporating colour gradations such as whites, champagnes and ambers. Multi-stone designs were previewed at the show, and De Beers…

Registration is now open for the 2025 CIBJO Congress, which will take place in Paris from Monday 27 October to Wednesday 29 October 2025. The congress will coincide with the start of CIBJO’s centenary year. The organisation was founded in Paris in 1926 as a pan-European association and now operates as an international industry standards body for jewellery, gemstones and precious metals.Host and ProgrammeThis year’s event will be hosted by the Union Française de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie, des Pierres & des Perles (UFBJOP), the representative body for the French jewellery, goldsmithing, gemstone and pearl sectors.A provisional programme is available on…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will introduce a new descriptive system for laboratory-grown diamonds later this year, replacing the traditional colour and clarity grading scales originally developed for natural diamonds. Laboratory-grown diamonds will still be accepted for evaluation and identification under the revised system.The new framework will categorise qualifying laboratory-grown diamonds as either ‘premium’ or ‘standard’, based on a combination of characteristics including colour, clarity and finish. Diamonds that do not meet the minimum threshold will not receive a classification. Until the new system is in place, current services for laboratory-grown diamond reports will remain available.Reflecting Narrow Quality RangeAccording…

President Duma Boko has announced plans to change how Botswana manages its mineral sector, stating that all diamonds mined in the country must be cut and polished locally. The policy is part of a government effort to expand local processing of minerals, including diamonds, copper, and nickel, before export.Shift to Domestic Diamond ManufacturingSpeaking at a public meeting in Ramotswa, President Boko said: “No diamond will leave this country raw — all will be cut and polished here.” He added, “We are moving to a point where no mineral will leave this country without being processed. We will bring the laws…

Olympia Auctions has reported its largest Jewellery and Watches sale to date, with results reflecting sustained international interest in antique and period jewellery. Top lots included early 20th-century, 19th-century, and 18th-century pieces, acquired by trade and private buyers across the UK, Europe, Asia, and North America. This was Olympia’s second jewellery auction of the year, with additional sales scheduled for September and November.Demand for Period Jewellery Evident in Top ResultsThe highest result of the sale was achieved by a 1920s natural pearl and diamond necklace by Cartier. Comprising 87 graduated natural pearls, ranging from 8.6mm to 3.8mm, and a natural pearl…

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) hosted its annual Retail Congress on Tuesday, 3rd June, at Drayton Manor Resort. The one-day event brought together independent jewellery retailers and invited guests to discuss business strategies and challenges identified through the JET Business Network (JBN), the NAJ’s peer-to-peer support group for retail jewellers.This year’s theme, “Lessons from the Best in Class”, examined operational strategies from business owners within and outside the jewellery industry. Topics included team development, marketing, ethical sourcing, and managing uncertainty.Speaker SessionsWhat it Takes to be Voted the Best in TownJaysal Pattni, Director at Minar Jewellers, discussed how consistent performance…

Students from the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) developed wearable car key designs as part of a collaboration with Birmingham-based Vaughtons Automotive. The competition asked second-year BA (Hons) students to create functional jewellery pieces inspired by Ferrari.Industry Collaboration with VaughtonsNick Hobbis, Managing Director at Vaughtons, visited BAJ’s Camden Town campus on 4 April to judge the submissions and announce the winners.“I was honoured to be invited to judge the design challenge for the BA (Hons) second-year students. There is clearly a lot of talent coming through and I look forward to seeing them in the industry one day in the future.…

Gemological Science International (GSI) has opened a new laboratory in Bangkok, Thailand—its 14th globally. The facility is located in the city’s gem and jewellery district, a key centre for international coloured gemstone trading.The laboratory will serve both local and international clients and offers testing and certification services for coloured gemstones, natural and lab-grown diamonds, pearls, and finished jewellery.Range of ServicesThe Bangkok facility provides comprehensive testing, analysis, and certification services across a wide array of product categories, including coloured gemstones, natural and lab-grown diamonds, finished jewellery, and pearls. The lab also specialises in the screening and detection of undisclosed lab-grown diamonds…

Jay McGinty, 37, has been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to steal jewellery worth approximately £190,000 from a display at Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, London. He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary following an incident involving smoke grenades and a sledgehammer in March this year.Incident OverviewMcGinty arrived at the hotel’s Davies Street side entrance as a passenger on a Vespa scooter, wearing a balaclava under his crash helmet. He entered the building carrying smoke grenades and a sledgehammer.He released the grenades in the hallway, producing thick smoke, before breaking a display case containing jewellery with the sledgehammer. CCTV footage…

During a recent visit to Canada, Queen Camilla wore the Canadian Maple Leaf brooch, a piece historically associated with royal visits to Canada. The brooch, crafted in platinum and diamonds, has long been used to reflect the monarchy’s relationship with the Commonwealth nation and featured prominently during the tour in Ottawa alongside King Charles III.A Brooch with Royal ProvenanceThe Canadian Maple Leaf brooch was originally commissioned by King George VI in 1939 for Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) ahead of their royal tour to Canada. Created by Asprey, the piece is designed in the shape of a maple leaf, the…

The forthcoming India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to remove nearly all tariffs on Indian jewellery exports to the UK. According to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the agreement could see exports of Indian jewellery to the UK increase from approximately £297 million to £742 million, with total gem and jewellery exports reaching £1.85 billion within two years of implementation.Product Categories and Market FocusGold and diamond jewellery are expected to remain the primary categories of interest for the UK market. “Gold and diamond-studded jewellery are expected to gain more traction, driven by strong consumer demand and established…

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) will hold its annual Presidents’ Meeting in New York from 10–11 June. The event will feature participation from government representatives and senior figures across the diamond supply chain to discuss current issues affecting the natural diamond sector.Hosted by the Diamond Dealers Club of New York and led by President Elliot Krisched, the meeting is centred on the theme “Tariffs and Supporting Natural Diamonds”. It will include a series of expert panels and discussions focused on current challenges and policy considerations within the industry.Government RepresentationSpeakers will include Botswana President Duma Boko and U.S. Secretary of…

Susan Jacques, President and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has received the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented during a gala dinner at the conclusion of the ICA Congress held in Brasília, Brazil, from 19–22 May 2025.The award acknowledges Jacques’ long-standing service and leadership within the gem and jewellery industry. ICA President Damien Cody said: “Susan has contributed to our industry in many roles, always with exceptional dedication and professionalism.”ICA CEO Doug Hucker said: “Susan is a prime example of generational leadership excellence. While she may step away from her role at…

Chelsea FC Women has announced D.Louise as the club’s first official jewellery partner. The collaboration will begin with the 2025/26 season and will include co-branded jewellery collections and fan engagement initiatives.The British jewellery brand will produce co-branded items in conjunction with the start of the new season. The partnership will also involve the brand’s presence at Chelsea Women events, including player arrivals at Stamford Bridge and the annual Player of the Year Awards.Product Integration and Fan EngagementD.Louise jewellery is produced using materials marketed as waterproof and tarnish-resistant. The partnership includes co-hosted watch parties and the release of branded collections aimed…

Finnish designer Jenni Ahtiainen’s hearing aid jewellery brand, Deafmetal, has been selected for inclusion in the Design and Disability exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). Opening on 7 June 2025, the exhibition examines the contributions of disabled, deaf, and neurodivergent designers to global design and culture from the 1940s to the present day.From Personal Experience to Product InnovationAhtiainen began using hearing aids in 2018 after experiencing sudden hearing loss. Drawing on her background in jewellery and fashion design, she created pieces that transformed the appearance of her hearing devices into personal and expressive accessories. Her initial design, made using…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has revised its pearl classification system to include a more detailed nacre grading scale, which will now be applied to all GIA pearl classification reports. The update introduces a five-tiered nacre grading system, replacing the previous binary classification of “Acceptable” and “Unacceptable.” GIA states that the change reflects feedback from pearl industry stakeholders seeking more alignment with other quality factors.From Binary to Graduated AssessmentPreviously, GIA’s nacre evaluation classified pearls as either “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable” based on factors such as thickness, layering, and visible surface damage. The revised system now categorises nacre quality as Excellent, Very…

Dr Gaetano Cavalieri, President of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA). The award was conferred during the ICA Congress held in Brasilia from 19 to 22 May.The ICA award was presented to Dr Cavalieri in recognition of his work supporting standard-setting and international cooperation within the coloured gemstone sector.Statements from ICA LeadershipDamien Cody, President of the ICA, said:“Gaetano Cavalieri stands today as one of the most respected and influential figures in the global jewellery community. His dedication spans decades, and we, as an industry, owe him…

Progress made during 2025 Intersessional in Dubai as African Diamond Producers Association proposes revised languageThe Kimberley Process (KP) has taken a notable step forward toward expanding its definition of “conflict diamonds,” following developments at its 2025 Intersessional meeting held in Dubai from 12–16 May. The advancement stems from a proposal submitted by the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), which represents 15 member countries and five observers. This represents a notable step forward in the KP’s ongoing review and reform efforts.Current and Proposed DefinitionThe current definition of conflict diamonds—unchanged since the KP’s inception in 2000—refers only to rough diamonds used by…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has launched GemKit by GemKids, a free digital education resource designed to introduce primary-level students to gemmology. Aimed at pupils in years equivalent to US grades four to six, the programme includes lesson plans, worksheets, videos and activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).Curriculum-Aligned Gemmology ContentGemKit is structured to support earth science education and is available for use in classrooms and homeschool settings. The digital programme includes modular unit plans that can be used in full or in part, offering flexibility for educators.Cathryn Ramirez, Chief Learning Officer at GIA, stated: “By bringing the…

De Beers has reportedly been offering rough diamonds at reduced prices to a limited number of trading partners, according to buyers familiar with the matter. These transactions, which fall outside the company’s standard sales framework, are said to involve discounts ranging from 10% to 20% off official prices. De Beers has not publicly confirmed the details of these arrangements and declined to comment when approached.Under usual practice, De Beers conducts ten scheduled sales each year in Botswana for a group of approximately 70 authorised customers, known as sightholders. Prices at these events are fixed, and while purchases are not mandatory,…

Alrosa has recovered a 468.30-carat amber-coloured diamond from the Mir mine in Yakutia, the largest gem-quality stone recorded in Russia to date. It has been named “80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War”, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s World War II victory.Recovery at Reopened Mir MineMeasuring 56mm by 54mm by 22mm, the diamond surpasses the previous Russian record of 401 carats set in 2013. It was recovered from the Mir mine, which resumed operations after being closed in 2017 following a fatal flood that resulted in eight deaths.The Mir mine, active since the Soviet period,…

De Beers Group has announced its intention to close Lightbox, its lab-grown diamond (LGD) jewellery brand, as part of a broader strategy to refocus its operations around natural diamonds. The decision is described as a step in executing the group’s “Origins Strategy”, which was unveiled in May 2024, aimed at simplifying operations and redirecting investment towards core segments.As part of the wind-down, De Beers is in discussions with potential buyers regarding certain Lightbox assets, including inventory. The group confirmed that it will continue to support customers through warranties and after-sales service during the closure process.Declining Lab-Grown Prices Prompt ExitLaunched in…

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has formally expressed support for an industry-wide request to the U.S. Government, urging the exemption of natural diamonds from proposed import tariffs. The appeal centres around the economic impact that such duties could have on the U.S. jewellery sector and was initiated by the World Diamond Council (WDC).The WDC statement, released earlier this week, calls for natural diamonds (HS Codes 7102.10 and 7102.31) to be included on Annex II, exempting them from the proposed tariffs. The WDC has received backing from multiple trade bodies, including the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the International…

The newly concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom and India is expected to impact trade in the gem and jewellery sector, with potential effects for manufacturers, exporters, and retailers in both countries. According to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the deal could see India’s jewellery exports to the UK double to $1 billion within a year of implementation, with broader bilateral trade in the sector projected to reach $7 billion in the coming years.A Framework for GrowthThe FTA is part of a wider comprehensive strategic partnership between the UK and India, aimed at enhancing…

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has introduced an online tool to help track U.S. tariff changes relevant to the jewellery industry. The Tariff Tracker is now live and provides information on import duties for jewellery, gemstones, and precious metals.Purpose and ScopeAccording to the JVC, the tool outlines how these tariffs may affect import costs, customs compliance, and supply chain planning. It will be updated when changes are announced and serves as a reference point for industry members. The resource is not a substitute for legal advice, and users are encouraged to consult legal professionals for compliance issues.Development and SupportThe tool…

Emmet Cummins will step down as Managing Director of the Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ), the UK’s largest jewellery buying group, after five years in the role. The decision was confirmed in a statement issued by CMJ, which is headquartered in Rugby.Five-Year Term Included Strategic OversightCummins was Managing Director during a period that included the COVID-19 pandemic and broader economic pressures. According to CMJ, he “developed and delivered a five-year strategy that unified and stabilised the CMJ through both the pandemic and the economic crisis.”While no further details of his next role have been disclosed, CMJ noted that Cummins felt…

De Beers Group has recommenced its diamond auction operations in Botswana following the relocation of its Auctions business from Singapore to Gaborone. The move consolidates the Group’s global diamond trading activities in Botswana, completing the transfer of its auction operations.The Auctions business is now operating alongside the Group’s Sightholder sales activities already based in Gaborone, which distribute rough diamonds through term contracts and auctions.Pilot Auction Conducted During Cycle 3Sales resumed with a small-scale trial auction during Sales Cycle 3, directed at Sightholder customers. De Beers reported a high level of participation from Sightholder customers during the trial event. The majority of…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has confirmed the reinstatement of its global laboratory operations, including the acceptance of goods requiring shipment to the United States. The update follows a recent suspension of international shipments linked to changes in US import tariffs.International Shipping to the US ReinstatedGIA laboratories outside the United States, including those in Hong Kong and Dubai, have resumed standard service procedures. The organisation is once again accepting items that need to be sent to the US for analysis or certification.“All GIA laboratories have resumed accepting goods according to their local service criteria,” the organisation confirmed in a…

Diamonds Do Good has completed its first “Diamonds Do Good in Action” trip to Botswana. The initiative was designed to provide jewellery industry participants with on-site exposure to natural diamond mining operations and related community projects.The itinerary included visits to the Jwaneng diamond mine and a local diamond cutting and polishing facility. Attendees observed various stages of the supply chain and met employees, including individuals with disabilities, working within the sector.The delegation also met with government representatives to learn how diamond revenues have contributed to infrastructure development, including roads, schools, and hospitals. The visit also included time in the Okavango…