Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon
Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

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.
The Latest

From tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.

The “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.

The catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

The chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”


The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.

Any gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

The Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”

The new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.

In his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.

The index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.

The new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.

The brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.

The collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.

The initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.

The new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.

The retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.

The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.

The jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.

The new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

























