US Bans Import of Russian Diamonds
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee has shared updated guidance on the executive order, which was issued Friday.

Washington, D.C.—President Joe Biden issued an executive order Friday, March 11, banning the import of non-industrial Russian diamonds into the United States.
It’s the latest from the U.S. government in response to Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
On Feb. 25, the U.S. put both diamond miner Alrosa and its CEO on a list of sanctions, though it didn’t directly prohibit buying the company’s diamonds. This new order now means no direct diamond buying from Alrosa or any other Russian company is allowed.
Alrosa mined 32.4 million carats in 2021, making it the largest producer by volume and accounting for nearly 30 percent of global supply, with sales topping $4 billion. The Russian government holds a 33 percent stake in the company.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee said Friday any U.S. business purchasing diamonds directly from Alrosa, Alrosa USA, or any other Russian company should immediately put an end to the transactions.
JVC noted early Monday the ban on importation of diamonds from Russia includes “unworked or simply sawn, cleaved, or bruted” diamonds, meaning rough diamonds, as well as those cut and polished in Russia.
U.S. Customs regulations and interpretation of the FAQs issued by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control after the ban was enacted indicate rough diamonds from Russia that are cut and polished in another country are “substantially transformed” by that process, JVC said, and thereby become a product of that country.
This means rough diamonds imported from Russia into a country that hasn’t placed sanctions or a ban on the diamonds are then legal to import to the U.S. as they fall under a different tariff code.
In additional guidance issued Monday, JVC said it is possible countries that serve as traditional cutting centers might implement a ban on the import of Russian diamonds.
The U.S. government also could decide to further limit imports of products originating in Russia that are “substantially transformed” somewhere else or add additional tariff codes to the current ban.
JVC said it recommends the trade proceed with “extreme caution” when it comes to diamond imports as the risk of additional limits in the future is high.
The organization also urges U.S. businesses to make sure their anti-money laundering programs are active and to check OFAC’s sanction lists to make sure they’re not sourcing products from places or companies they shouldn’t be.
Friday’s executive order also prohibits “the exportation, re-exportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States” of luxury goods to Russia.
JVC said this means U.S. businesses previously selling jewelry to or in Russia should stop doing so immediately.
Other Russian goods banned for import by the order are fish, seafood, and alcoholic beverages.
The Latest

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.


Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.

The “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.

Luxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.

Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.

It follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.

The announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.

Kellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.

Police officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.

The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.