SourcingOct 21, 2024
De Beers to List Single Country of Origin for Some of Its Diamonds SourcingOct 23, 2024
GemFair Buys 10,000th Diamond
Launched by De Beers in 2018, the program aims to develop a responsible sourcing model for the artisanal/small-scale diamond mining sector.
A GemFair diamond toolkit. The program provides resources and education to artisanal and small-scale diamond miners.
London—GemFair has purchased its 10,000th diamond, De Beers Group announced last week.
The program, launched by the diamond miner in 2018, is focused on developing a responsible sourcing model for the artisanal and small-scale diamond mining sector.
It does this through educating miners on diamond valuation, offering to purchase any diamond offered by a registered mine site for fair value, and providing a traceability solution.
At launch, the program had 14 participating mine sites, but has grown to more than 400, supporting more than 6,000 jobs, said De Beers.
The expansion in member numbers has also supported volume growth, it said, with the number of diamonds purchased increasing 77 percent last year and 68 percent so far this year.
Though De Beers does not have artisanal diamond mining operations, it said the sector accounts for around 10 percent of global diamond supply by value and is a source of livelihood for millions of people.
“As the industry leader, I believe De Beers can play a positive role in raising standards and transparency in the artisanal diamond sector. This brings benefit to miners, their communities, and the industry at large,” said De Beers Group CEO Al Cook.
Cook shared insights from a recent visit to Sierra Leone where he met with workers and community members participating in the program.
“It was wonderful to hear how GemFair is making a real difference to their lives. I’m very proud of the program. I believe it can play an important role in transforming consumer perceptions of artisanal diamonds and transforming livelihoods across Africa,” he said.
Related stories will be right here …
The program, launched by the diamond miner in 2018, is focused on developing a responsible sourcing model for the artisanal and small-scale diamond mining sector.
It does this through educating miners on diamond valuation, offering to purchase any diamond offered by a registered mine site for fair value, and providing a traceability solution.
At launch, the program had 14 participating mine sites, but has grown to more than 400, supporting more than 6,000 jobs, said De Beers.
The expansion in member numbers has also supported volume growth, it said, with the number of diamonds purchased increasing 77 percent last year and 68 percent so far this year.
Though De Beers does not have artisanal diamond mining operations, it said the sector accounts for around 10 percent of global diamond supply by value and is a source of livelihood for millions of people.
“As the industry leader, I believe De Beers can play a positive role in raising standards and transparency in the artisanal diamond sector. This brings benefit to miners, their communities, and the industry at large,” said De Beers Group CEO Al Cook.
Cook shared insights from a recent visit to Sierra Leone where he met with workers and community members participating in the program.
“It was wonderful to hear how GemFair is making a real difference to their lives. I’m very proud of the program. I believe it can play an important role in transforming consumer perceptions of artisanal diamonds and transforming livelihoods across Africa,” he said.
Feriel Zerouki, senior vice president of provenance, ethics, and industry relations at De Beers Group, said “When we first established GemFair, we had a vision to create a model that could help formalize the artisanal small-scale mining sector while supporting transparency and responsible sourcing.”
“We’ve learned a lot over the past six years and have continued to evolve GemFair to maximize its impact for as many miners as possible. However, the most rewarding aspect has been the trust that has been built with GemFair – the confidence miners have in the program and their eagerness to work alongside our team as they see the benefit in participating.”
To learn more about GemFair and its initatives, visit the GemFair website.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable EnvironmentBetween tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ NecklaceDesigned by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs InvalidHowever, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.
Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry LineThe pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by StullerSponsored by Stuller
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description SoftwareGemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas FlagshipThe 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist TrialAging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic WinThe WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT PresidentA longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for AuctionThe platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored GemstonesGet a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
