Policies & IssuesAug 27, 2024
US to Allow Import of ‘Legacy’ Diamonds From RussiaPolicies & IssuesNov 27, 2024
G7 Announces Botswana as Second Verification ‘Node’ for Rough Diamonds
Botswana joins Antwerp as a certification center for rough under the G7 ban on Russian diamonds.
The G7 said Wednesday that it has added a second certification point for rough diamonds—Botswana. The world’s largest diamond producer by value and the sorting center for all De Beers Group’s goods, the southern African country’s rough verification operations will be up and running “as soon as possible” in 2025.
Antwerp, Belgium—Botswana will join Antwerp as a certification “node” for rough diamonds, a critical addition to the G7’s efforts to keep diamonds mined in Russia from entering any of the Group of Seven nations.
The G7’s diamond technical team and Botswana jointly announced the news Wednesday, the second day of the annual Facets diamond conference in Antwerp.
The new president of Botswana, His Excellency Duma G. Boko, made his diamond industry debut at the conference Tuesday, speaking about his country’s role in enhancing transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
“Botswana is committed to pioneering traceability and responsible mining practices, ensuring that our diamonds not only shine in beauty but also embody integrity and ethical stewardship,” Boko said.
The G7’s diamond technical team and Botswana jointly announced the news Wednesday, the second day of the annual Facets diamond conference in Antwerp.
The new president of Botswana, His Excellency Duma G. Boko, made his diamond industry debut at the conference Tuesday, speaking about his country’s role in enhancing transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
“Botswana is committed to pioneering traceability and responsible mining practices, ensuring that our diamonds not only shine in beauty but also embody integrity and ethical stewardship,” Boko said.
The G7 import ban on non-industrial diamonds “mined, processed, or produced” in Russia went into effect on Jan. 1 of this year, nearly two years after the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Diamonds were part of a broader swath of measures G7 members said they would be undertaking in order to make it more difficult for Russia to fund its war in Ukraine.
The G7 is comprised of the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Germany, Canada, and France. The European Union is a non-enumerated member.
On March 1, the ban expanded to include diamonds mined in Russia but cut and polished in other countries, and a verification “node”—an office that could certify the origin of rough diamonds and issue G7 certificates—opened in Antwerp.
But the office was plagued with delays and there was near-universal objection in the diamond industry to there being a single checkpoint for all diamonds entering G7 nations.
Players including Jewelers of America, De Beers Group, India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, the African Diamond Producers Association, and even the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) voiced their opposition to a single-node system.
Less than two months after the March 1 ban went into effect, AWDC CEO Ari Epstein stepped down after 13 years in the position and 19 years with the organization.
Karen Rentmeesters took over and since has publicly expressed support for the establishment of additional rough diamond certification centers outside Antwerp.
Supporters of opening additional verification centers scored another victory in June when Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, whose government backed the single-node system, resigned after his party suffered heavy losses in the general election.
On Wednesday, AWDC issued a statement on the addition of Botswana as a verification “node,” with Rentmeesters stating, “The Belgian Diamond Office, the import and export body that implements the most rigorous physical and administrative controls, is globally recognized as the benchmark for transparency—a role we take immense pride in.
“We are now sharing this carefully built knowledge and technical expertise with other countries like Botswana. Essentially, we are offering a blueprint that meets today’s requirements for compliance and transparency.”
The G7 said the teams in Belgium and Botswana conducted a comprehensive gap analysis of the framework in place in Botswana to certify the origin of rough diamonds.
Botswana is now working with the G7’s diamond technical team to address any identified gaps.
The goal is for the country’s export certification node to be operational “as soon as possible” in 2025.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
