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.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
