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
EditorsMar 30, 2026
Tom Moses Looks Back on His Decades at GIA Moses, who will leave the lab in May after nearly 50 years, discusses his start in the business, gemstones that stand out, and what’s next.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
