Policies & IssuesJul 25, 2023
Alrosa’s New CEO Lands on US Sanctions List Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2023
Grib Diamonds Among Companies Named in Latest Round of Sanctions
Grib is the Belgium-based subsidiary of Russian company JSC AGD Diamonds, which also was sanctioned.
JSC AGD Diamonds and its Belgian subsidiary, Grib Diamonds, are the latest diamond companies with Russian ties to appear on an OFAC list of sanctioned entities.
Washington, D.C.—Two diamond companies and a Wagner Group official in the Central African Republic with ties to the gold trade are among the entities included in the latest round of Russian sanctions.
On Sept. 14, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions on more than 100 additional Russian companies and individuals, part of an ongoing effort to cut off Russia’s sources of funding for the war in Ukraine.
In a member alert issued last week, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee noted that two more diamond companies are among the sanctioned entities: JSC AGD Diamonds, also known as AGD Diamonds, and Grib Diamonds.
AGD Diamonds is a diamond exploration, production and mining company that’s based in Russia while Grib Diamonds is its Belgium-based subsidiary.
AGD was designated under Executive Order 14024, which pre-dates the war in Ukraine, for operating in the metals and mining sector of the Russian Federation’s economy.
Related stories will be right here …
On Sept. 14, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions on more than 100 additional Russian companies and individuals, part of an ongoing effort to cut off Russia’s sources of funding for the war in Ukraine.
In a member alert issued last week, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee noted that two more diamond companies are among the sanctioned entities: JSC AGD Diamonds, also known as AGD Diamonds, and Grib Diamonds.
AGD Diamonds is a diamond exploration, production and mining company that’s based in Russia while Grib Diamonds is its Belgium-based subsidiary.
AGD was designated under Executive Order 14024, which pre-dates the war in Ukraine, for operating in the metals and mining sector of the Russian Federation’s economy.
In the alert, JVC reminded members of what it has said repeatedly since the U.S. began sanctioning Russian companies immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022—they need to understand where their diamonds are coming from.
The latest member alert stated: “Jewelry businesses are encouraged to continue the risk-evaluation process they have already been undertaking, including using their AML [Anti-Money Laundering]/KYC [Know Your Customer] framework to step back into the supply chain and ensure they fully understand the scope of their diamond sourcing.
“U.S. businesses should continue to review their sourcing protocols, discuss requirements with suppliers, and evaluate their supply chains using due diligence guidance.”
Also included in this fresh round of sanctions was Russian national Vitalij Victorovich Perfilev, a Wagner Group official currently serving as national security advisor to the president of the Central African Republic.
Perfilev was designated because of his ties to the Wagner Group, the Russian government-based network of mercenaries that already is blocked under E.O. 14024; he has been under sanction by the European Union since June.
The JVC said his designation is germane to the industry because of the links between the Wagner Group and the gold trade in sub-Saharan Africa.
In June, a group of federal agencies made the unusual move of issuing a joint advisory calling attention to “malign actors” like the Wagner Group that continue to exploit vulnerabilities in the gold supply chain there.
JVC said any jewelry companies that are doing business with AGD Diamonds, Grib Diamonds and/or Perfilev should sever ties immediately.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
