Lucara Names New VP of Mineral Resources
Lauren Freeman, a Ph.D. with more than 25 years of experience in mining, has joined the company.
Her appointment is effective July 1. She will oversee all aspects of mineral resource management for the company’s Karowe mine in Botswana and contribute to its overall development strategy.
Freeman holds a Ph.D. in economic geology and a GDE in mining engineering, both from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. She is also a registered professional natural scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.
A specialist in large Type II diamonds, she has more than 25 years of experience in the mining industry, with a focus on mineral resource estimation, diamond value management, diamond pricing, geological modelling, and strategic mine planning.
Freeman has held senior roles at several diamond mining and resource consulting companies, leading teams responsible for resource definition and underground expansion projects.
Lucara is currently in the process of going underground at Karowe, its only active mine, but announced last year that the project will take longer and cost more than expected due to unforeseen complications.
“We are delighted to welcome Lauren to the Lucara team,” Lucara CEO William Lamb said.
“Her extensive experience and technical expertise in mineral resource management will be invaluable as we continue to optimize diamond recovery from our Karowe mine and develop our mine and ore extraction plan for our underground project.”
The Latest

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.


The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.


























