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
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
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.
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship StoreLocated in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsThe deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff ConcernsWhat’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and FocusNow called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian EmeraldsIt includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.
