Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2022
UK Sanctions Russian Diamond Miner Alrosa Policies & IssuesMar 28, 2022
Tiffany Suspends Use of Russian Diamonds
The retailer joins Signet Jewelers and Brilliant Earth in refusing to purchase Russian diamonds.
Tiffany & Co. announced Friday that it would no longer buy diamonds mined in Russia, a policy effective as of March 21. (Image courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)
New York—Tiffany & Co. will no longer buy diamonds mined in Russia following the country’s late February invasion of Ukraine, the retailer announced in a statement Friday.
“As of March 21, Tiffany has paused the sourcing of all rough diamonds from Russia, as well as serialized diamonds of Russian origin regardless of where they are cut and polished,” said Tiffany in a statement shared via Twitter.
The U.S. banned the import of non-industrial diamonds mined in Russia earlier this month, but, as of press time, a loophole exists that allows for the import of Russian diamonds that are cut and polished in another country.
Tiffany’s ban only applies to diamonds mined in Russia as of March 21, so Russian diamonds are expected to still be in stores for at least several months as Tiffany sells through existing inventory, according to a Bloomberg report.
The LVMH-owned company also said it has directed its suppliers to stop buying rough diamonds from Russia on its behalf, according to a Barron’s report.
Melee diamonds are also being separated based on their country of origin, said the report.
Related stories will be right here …
“As of March 21, Tiffany has paused the sourcing of all rough diamonds from Russia, as well as serialized diamonds of Russian origin regardless of where they are cut and polished,” said Tiffany in a statement shared via Twitter.
The U.S. banned the import of non-industrial diamonds mined in Russia earlier this month, but, as of press time, a loophole exists that allows for the import of Russian diamonds that are cut and polished in another country.
Tiffany’s ban only applies to diamonds mined in Russia as of March 21, so Russian diamonds are expected to still be in stores for at least several months as Tiffany sells through existing inventory, according to a Bloomberg report.
The LVMH-owned company also said it has directed its suppliers to stop buying rough diamonds from Russia on its behalf, according to a Barron’s report.
Melee diamonds are also being separated based on their country of origin, said the report.
LVMH owns several watch and jewelry brands, including Bulgari, Chaumet, TAG Heuer and Zenith. The company did not respond when asked if any of these brands have taken a similar stance.
Tiffany joins Signet Jewelers and Brilliant Earth, which have set similar sourcing restrictions.
“Russian diamonds, which we have suspended, were really a small impact for us, but we’re taking a bigger stand on this issue because we think that it’s so important,” Signet CEO Virginia C. Drosos said on an earnings call earlier this month.
She noted that Signet is a founder of the Responsible Jewellery Council and a member of the World Diamond Council, and has its own in-house sourcing protocol, which allows it to take greater control of the process.
“This helps us dig back into the supply chain, not only to know that our vendors are operating ethically but that everyone on the supply chain from mine to market is operating on the standards that we require,” she said.
Brilliant Earth was one of the first jewelers to make a statement on the issue, announcing it had removed all Russian diamonds from its website.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood AuctionThe Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail OperationsMassimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock SummitAGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.
Weekly QuizMar 23, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail EnvironmentThe watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COOAdam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a LookThe watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary CutsPatented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2023
Diamonds Do Good Names 2023 Award Recipients The organization said it will recognize those who exemplify the idea that doing good is good business.
CollectionsMar 22, 2023
Messika’s 2023 Campaign Pairs New Jewelry With Vintage CarsKendall Jenner once again is fronting the French brand’s campaign, joined by model and dancer Alton Mason.
Events & AwardsMar 22, 2023
Hari Krishna Exports Hosts Gala Amid UN Water ConferenceThe CEOs of Signet, Helzberg, and GIA spoke on a water conservation panel, and had lakes named in their companies’ honor.
AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for AuctionExpected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.
ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.
Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry CompaniesJewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.
IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson RetiresJohnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.
Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and FamilyThe industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.
CrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA SaysAt JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.
CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s DreamIt highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.
Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From GemsJewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant RecipientsHere’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.
TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready EarringsThe designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.
