Pandora has partnered with Amazon to take action against a network involved in the sale of counterfeit jewellery, resulting in a criminal prosecution in China. The collaboration followed a multi-year investigation by Pandora’s Intellectual Property and Brand Protection team, supported by Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit. Chinese law enforcement, acting on the information gathered, conducted a raid leading to the seizure of counterfeit Pandora items. Investigation and Legal Proceedings The inquiry was launched in 2020 after customs authorities intercepted shipments suspected of containing counterfeit goods. Pandora and Amazon linked the activity to two sellers based in China operating at scale across…
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.
London Trading Standards has received the British Hallmarking Council’s Touchstone Award 2025 in recognition of its enforcement and educational work through Operation Stamping It Out, a programme aimed at improving compliance with the Hallmarking Act 1973. The operation, launched in 2023, is funded by the London Assay Office and delivered by WRi Group. Targeted Enforcement Across London Operation Stamping It Out brings together Trading Standards teams from eight London boroughs and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The initiative combines retailer education, intelligence-led inspections, and enforcement measures to uphold hallmarking requirements. Since its inception, the programme has generated 132…
Russia remained the leading country for rough diamond production by value in 2024, holding its position for a second consecutive year. According to data released by the Kimberley Process, the Russian Federation produced 37.3 million carats of rough diamonds, valued at $3.34 billion, despite continued international sanctions and a subdued global market. Production Trends and Market Conditions Global rough diamond production increased by 6% in volume to 118 million carats. However, the total value declined by 10% year-on-year to $11.48 billion, reflecting weaker consumer demand and lower average prices across key producing countries. Russia’s output matched the previous year’s volume…
Online diamond retailer 77 Diamonds will open a new appointment-only showroom in Paris on 2 July in Place Vendôme, the luxury jewellery hub. Expansion Strategy The Paris showroom forms part of 77 Diamonds’ wider expansion across Europe and the Middle East. The company, which primarily operates online, will use the new space to offer private consultations and in-person services by appointment. Statement from 77 Diamonds Tobias Kormind, Co-founder and Managing Director of 77 Diamonds, commented on the launch: “We are thrilled to be opening our doors in Place Vendôme in Paris, arguably the world’s most famous jewellery address. “Bringing an…
Governments of major diamond-producing countries and industry leaders have signed the Luanda Accord, committing to allocate 1% of annual revenues from rough diamond sales to support the marketing of natural diamonds through the Natural Diamond Council (NDC). Backing for Natural Diamond Promotion The agreement was signed during a Ministerial Round Table in Luanda, Angola, where participating countries and companies expressed a unified approach to enhancing global consumer awareness of natural diamonds. This initiative aims to address a decline in category marketing investment and respond to the impact of synthetic alternatives on consumer perceptions. Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and…
HRD Antwerp, the diamond grading laboratory subsidiary of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), has announced it will cease issuing quality certificates for loose laboratory-grown diamonds from 2026. The decision is part of an effort to reinforce the distinction between natural and synthetic diamonds. Scope of the Change The laboratory will stop grading loose lab-grown diamonds intended for commercial sale, but will continue to certify jewellery that contains synthetic diamonds. HRD will also continue to analyse synthetic diamonds for research and technical purposes, but not for grading or commercial use. Ellen Joncheere, CEO of HRD Antwerp, stated: “As of 2026,…
Rio Tinto has recovered a 0.45-carat purple diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, marking the first discovery of a purple stone of this size at the site since mining commenced in 2003. Unusual Find at a Predominantly White Diamond Deposit Diavik, Rio Tinto’s last operational diamond mine following the closure of the Argyle mine in Australia, has traditionally yielded primarily white diamonds, with yellow diamonds accounting for less than one per cent of production. The recent recovery of the purple diamond is therefore a significant geological outlier. In a public statement, Rio Tinto said: “We recently had…
Botswana, Angola and Qatar have expressed their intent to join the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), as announced during the organisation’s 2025 Presidents’ Meeting held in New York. The high-level gathering, hosted in collaboration with the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, brought together global stakeholders for discussions focused on the future of the natural diamond sector. WFDB Emphasises Unified Global Voice The event commenced with WFDB President Yoram Dvash underscoring the organisation’s mission to secure the future of the natural diamond industry through ethical leadership, transparency, and unity. “We are not just preserving the diamond industry — we…
De Beers Group has appointed Emmanuelle Nodale as brand CEO of De Beers London, effective immediately, as the business enters a phase of strategic change and planned international expansion. Leadership Role Tied to Retail Strategy Nodale will lead the brand as it prepares to open a flagship boutique on Rue de la Paix in Paris later this year. The store will be the first to present De Beers London’s new retail concept, intended to reflect the company’s design direction and its heritage in natural diamonds. Her appointment follows the recent rebrand from De Beers Jewellers to De Beers London. This…
The 36th annual Valuers’ Conference, organised by the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) with support from the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), took place on 7–8 June in Birmingham. The event included presentations and training sessions attended by valuers, students and members of the jewellery trade. Technical presentations and industry insights Saturday’s programme included talks by experts from the UK and overseas, covering current issues in gemmology, auction trends and valuation practice. Kate Flitcroft discussed her experience at Bonhams and how shifts in the auction market affect jewellery valuation. Dr Aaron Palke presented the latest research from the Gemological Institute…
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has published a report examining key developments in the laboratory-grown diamond sector focusing on trends in production, pricing, sustainability claims, and product disclosure, drawing on research from independent analysts Edahn Golan and Paul Zimnisky. Production and Environmental Profile The report states that more than 70% of laboratory-grown diamonds are mass-produced in factories in China and India, where coal remains a primary energy source. The production processes—High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)—require sustained high temperatures of around 1,093°C and substantial volumes of water for cooling. Pricing Trends and Margins The report outlines a sharp…
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 Clarity Morsel also noted that synthetic diamond prices have…
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 Concept De 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,…
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 Programme This 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…
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…
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 Manufacturing Speaking 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…
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 Results The 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…
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 Sessions What it Takes to be Voted the Best in Town Jaysal Pattni, Director at Minar Jewellers,…
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 Vaughtons Nick 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…
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 Services The 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…
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 Overview McGinty 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…
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 Provenance The 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…
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 Focus Gold 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…
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 Representation Speakers will include Botswana President Duma Boko…
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…
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 Engagement D.Louise jewellery is produced using materials marketed as waterproof and tarnish-resistant. The partnership includes co-hosted watch parties and the release of…
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 Innovation Ahtiainen 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…
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 Assessment Previously, 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…
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 Leadership Damien 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…
Progress made during 2025 Intersessional in Dubai as African Diamond Producers Association proposes revised language The 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 Definition The current definition of conflict diamonds—unchanged since the KP’s inception in 2000—refers only to rough…