EU Adds Alrosa to Sanctions List
The European Union also has sanctioned the diamond mining company’s CEO, Pavel Marinychev.

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.
The Latest

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

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

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.


Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

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

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.