SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon
Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s annual luncheon will be held on Friday at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.
New York—The Jewelers Vigilance Committee will welcome the Honorable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, as its headline speaker at its annual luncheon.
The JVC luncheon will be held on Friday at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.
Minister Kenewendo will discuss the future of diamonds in a fireside chat format with JVC President, CEO, and General Counsel Sara Yood.
Kenewendo played an important role in shaping the 10-year diamond sales agreement between De Beers and the government of Botswana.
After years of back and forth, the two parties recently came to an agreement on how they will split up the country’s diamond production for the next decade, and will soon ink the new deal.
Kenewendo will share her insight into Botswana’s role in the diamond industry, the future of diamond sourcing, and what the U.S. jewelry industry should expect as Botswana increases its direct diamond sales.
“We are honored to host Minister Kenewendo for this critical discussion on the future of diamonds and Botswana’s growing influence in our industry,” said Yood.
“This agreement marks a new era in diamond sourcing, and it’s essential for U.S. jewelry executives to understand the long-term implications. Minister Kenewendo’s firsthand knowledge and strategic insights will provide unparalleled value to our audience.”
Related stories will be right here …
The JVC luncheon will be held on Friday at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.
Minister Kenewendo will discuss the future of diamonds in a fireside chat format with JVC President, CEO, and General Counsel Sara Yood.
Kenewendo played an important role in shaping the 10-year diamond sales agreement between De Beers and the government of Botswana.
After years of back and forth, the two parties recently came to an agreement on how they will split up the country’s diamond production for the next decade, and will soon ink the new deal.
Kenewendo will share her insight into Botswana’s role in the diamond industry, the future of diamond sourcing, and what the U.S. jewelry industry should expect as Botswana increases its direct diamond sales.
“We are honored to host Minister Kenewendo for this critical discussion on the future of diamonds and Botswana’s growing influence in our industry,” said Yood.
“This agreement marks a new era in diamond sourcing, and it’s essential for U.S. jewelry executives to understand the long-term implications. Minister Kenewendo’s firsthand knowledge and strategic insights will provide unparalleled value to our audience.”
Kenewendo is regarded as one of Africa’s most influential economic leaders, said JVC, due to her impact on global trade and development.
She was named a “Time100 Next” honoree in 2022, lauded as an emerging leader “shaping the future of global policy and commerce.”
Kenewendo has led negotiations in several high-profile agreements, including the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, the United Kingdom Post-Brexit Agreement, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
She has held a number of leadership roles, including chairperson of Bank Gaborone, non-executive director of the Africa Free Trade Area Adjustment Fund Corporation, board member of Ice Benchmark, and as an advisor to governments and international institutions on trade, economic development policy, and climate finance.
Kenewendo has also served on the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, the United Nations Secretary-General’s high-level panel on digital cooperation, and the World Economic Forum’s Trade Advisory Group.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee GroupFounder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JAGizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEOLuca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las VegasFollowing visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ CouplesThe “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTake a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella SophieThe California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins BonhamsAssimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
