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
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
