Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationPolicies & IssuesJun 18, 2024
JA, Industry Leaders Take Russian Diamond Import Concerns to D.C.
The group met with lawmakers to raise awareness about the financial, operational, and supply chain harms posed by an EU proposal.
From left to right, industry leaders Ronnie VanderLinden, David Bonaparte, Matthew Swibel, Dave Meleski, and Jon Bridge (not pictured), visited the U.S. Capitol last week to meet with lawmakers to discuss import restrictions on Russian diamonds.
Editor's Note: This story was altered post-publication to clarify Ronnie VanderLinden's role at the International Diamond Manufacturers Association. He is the president, not the immediate past president as previously reported.
New York—Jewelers of America hosted a trip to Washington, D.C., last week, leading a group of industry stakeholders to discuss the implementation plans for U.S. import restrictions on Russian diamonds with lawmakers.
Their concerns centered on an EU proposal that would force all Group of Seven nations-bound rough diamonds of 0.5 carats and above through a single import channel in Belgium, starting Sept. 1.
JA President & CEO David Bonaparte represented the organization and led the group consisting of Jon Bridge, chair/counsel emeritus of Ben Bridge Jeweler; Dave Meleski, president and CEO of Richline Group; Matthew Swibel, vice president of sustainability and social impact at Signet Jewelers; and Ronnie VanderLinden, immediate past president of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America and president of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association.
The group met with a dozen Democratic and Republican lawmakers in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate who serve on committees that oversee trade-related issues.
Their message was this—the proposed adoption of an exclusive physical verification and certification system in Belgium for all rough diamonds would cause “maximum damage to the global diamond and jewelry supply chain, while having minimal effect on Russia’s diamond revenues.”
On March 1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued guidance on importing polished diamonds weighing 1 carat or more into the U.S. just as the G7’s new restrictions on diamonds mined but not cut in Russia took effect.
Expanded regulations are set to take effect Sept. 1, when the size threshold will drop to 0.5 carats and the import rules will extend to finished jewelry, lab-grown diamonds, and watches.
Until then, the G7 technical committee is working on a traceability plan to further monitor and restrict the circulation of Russian rough diamonds, which is where Belgium comes into play.
According to the Sanctions resource page launched in March on the Jewelers Vigilance Committee website, one method of tracking would require rough diamonds to enter G7 countries via specific “nodes”—the EU has proposed Antwerp, Belgium be the node—for uploading onto a blockchain to ensure source verification.
The FAQ adds, “We don’t yet fully know what this looks like or how expeditiously goods will move from source countries to the node for registration to cutting factories.”
Related stories will be right here …
New York—Jewelers of America hosted a trip to Washington, D.C., last week, leading a group of industry stakeholders to discuss the implementation plans for U.S. import restrictions on Russian diamonds with lawmakers.
Their concerns centered on an EU proposal that would force all Group of Seven nations-bound rough diamonds of 0.5 carats and above through a single import channel in Belgium, starting Sept. 1.
JA President & CEO David Bonaparte represented the organization and led the group consisting of Jon Bridge, chair/counsel emeritus of Ben Bridge Jeweler; Dave Meleski, president and CEO of Richline Group; Matthew Swibel, vice president of sustainability and social impact at Signet Jewelers; and Ronnie VanderLinden, immediate past president of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America and president of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association.
The group met with a dozen Democratic and Republican lawmakers in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate who serve on committees that oversee trade-related issues.
Their message was this—the proposed adoption of an exclusive physical verification and certification system in Belgium for all rough diamonds would cause “maximum damage to the global diamond and jewelry supply chain, while having minimal effect on Russia’s diamond revenues.”
On March 1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued guidance on importing polished diamonds weighing 1 carat or more into the U.S. just as the G7’s new restrictions on diamonds mined but not cut in Russia took effect.
Expanded regulations are set to take effect Sept. 1, when the size threshold will drop to 0.5 carats and the import rules will extend to finished jewelry, lab-grown diamonds, and watches.
Until then, the G7 technical committee is working on a traceability plan to further monitor and restrict the circulation of Russian rough diamonds, which is where Belgium comes into play.
According to the Sanctions resource page launched in March on the Jewelers Vigilance Committee website, one method of tracking would require rough diamonds to enter G7 countries via specific “nodes”—the EU has proposed Antwerp, Belgium be the node—for uploading onto a blockchain to ensure source verification.
The FAQ adds, “We don’t yet fully know what this looks like or how expeditiously goods will move from source countries to the node for registration to cutting factories.”
JA and the other advocates who met with lawmakers last week stated that the financial, operational and supply chain harms posed by the EU’s proposal is “too great for the U.S. government to accept.”
The group’s discussions at the Capitol highlighted supply chain disruptions that stem from the proposed import requirements and the resulting increased cost to American jewelry consumers.
“JA has been working tirelessly behind the scenes and this visit to Washington, D.C., was a critical step to ensure we minimize unnecessary disruptions to the U.S. diamond industry,” Bonaparte said.
“We are very concerned about the additional requirements that could take effect on Sept. 1, including adopting a European Union proposal that would force all G7/U.S.-bound diamonds of a half a carat and above through a single import channel in Belgium.”
The group also lobbied for a “grandfathering” clause that would apply to all diamonds and diamond jewelry imported into the U.S. prior to March 1, 2024.
JA said this step is necessary for protecting the value of the trillions of dollars of diamonds and diamond jewelry held by the U.S. consumers, as well as the inventories of the U.S. diamond jewelry industry.
Also in D.C., the group shared the benefits of maintaining attestation of rough and loose diamonds imported into the U.S. and the current certification systems in place at producer-country level.
The advocates stressed the value of issuing additional guidance that would make it clearer, to both the industry and CBP officials, that the current 1-carat import restrictions apply only to individual, loose diamonds and not the total weight of all diamonds in finished jewelry.
“JA continues to staunchly support efforts that will keep diamonds of Russian origin out of the supply chain, including the more stringent U.S. Customs and Border Patrol requirements that went into effect on March 1,” JA said.
“Jewelers of America calls on all JA members to support this effort by using JA’s Legislative Action Center to tell Congress that the proposed restrictions slated for Sept. 1 go too far and will hurt jewelry businesses.”
On Sept. 18, JA will host its annual fly-in, which offers JA members an opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives to discuss Russia and other key issues.
The day prior to the fly-in, Sept. 17, JA will host one of its Multifaceted Learning Workshops at The Army & Navy Club.
To learn more about JA’s advocacy efforts, visit the organization’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising ProgramRetailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
SourcingJan 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House To Debut Lightning Ridge Opal CollectionThe wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
