Policies & IssuesDec 20, 2023
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Finished Jewelry to Fall Under G7 Ban, EU Says Policies & IssuesJan 05, 2024
EU Adds Alrosa to Sanctions List
The European Union also has sanctioned the diamond mining company’s CEO, Pavel Marinychev.
On Wednesday, the European Union added PJSC Alrosa, which is partially owned by the Russian government, and its CEO Pavel Marinychev to the list of entities it has sanctioned in the wake of Russian’s invasion of Ukraine.
Brussels—The European Union has added Russian diamond miner Alrosa and its CEO Pavel Alekseevich Marinychev to its list of sanctioned entities, a move that freezes their assets in the EU, prohibits EU companies and citizens from making funds available to them, and prevents Marinychev from entering or traveling through EU territories.
Announced Wednesday, the additions follow the EU’s announcement that it would be banning the import of Russian diamonds starting Jan. 1.
An EU official said the EU waited a couple days after the ban went into effect to add Alrosa and Marinychev to the sanctioned entities to “avoid confusion,” as the import ban was announced Dec. 18 but didn’t go into effect until Jan. 1, while the individual listings are effective immediately upon publication.
“In line with the diamond ban we have introduced with the 12th package of sanctions, the EU today lists Alrosa, the largest diamond mining company in the world & its CEO,” Josep Borrell Fontelles, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, said on X Wednesday.
“This is part of our coordinated efforts at G7 level to deprive Russia of this important revenue source.”
The Group of Seven nations (G7) announced last February that they would be working together to cut off the Russian government’s sources of revenue, including via tighter sanctions on diamonds.
The G7 nations are the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
In early December, following nearly a year of discussions around proposals from multiple industry organizations, the G7 issued a statement announcing all of its member nations that hadn’t done so already would ban the import of Russian diamonds beginning Jan. 1.
Related stories will be right here …
Announced Wednesday, the additions follow the EU’s announcement that it would be banning the import of Russian diamonds starting Jan. 1.
An EU official said the EU waited a couple days after the ban went into effect to add Alrosa and Marinychev to the sanctioned entities to “avoid confusion,” as the import ban was announced Dec. 18 but didn’t go into effect until Jan. 1, while the individual listings are effective immediately upon publication.
“In line with the diamond ban we have introduced with the 12th package of sanctions, the EU today lists Alrosa, the largest diamond mining company in the world & its CEO,” Josep Borrell Fontelles, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, said on X Wednesday.
“This is part of our coordinated efforts at G7 level to deprive Russia of this important revenue source.”
The Group of Seven nations (G7) announced last February that they would be working together to cut off the Russian government’s sources of revenue, including via tighter sanctions on diamonds.
The G7 nations are the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
In early December, following nearly a year of discussions around proposals from multiple industry organizations, the G7 issued a statement announcing all of its member nations that hadn’t done so already would ban the import of Russian diamonds beginning Jan. 1.
The EU, which is a non-enumerated member of the G7, announced its ban on Russian diamonds a couple weeks later.
The announcement provided details on the scope of the ban—lab-grown diamonds and finished jewelry eventually will be part of it—and how the EU plans to track diamonds through the supply pipeline to ensure they are not from Russia.
Alrosa has been under sanction in the U.S. since February 2022.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order banning the import of Russian diamonds the following month, though Russian diamonds cut and polished in other countries, like India, still are able to enter the U.S. because they are considered products of the country where they are “substantially transformed.”
The substantial transformation pathway is slated to close March 1, per the G7’s statement.
Marinychev was sanctioned by the U.S. in July, two months after he was named Sergey Ivanov Jr.’s successor.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
