SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownSourcingFeb 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.
Luanda Accord signatories at a meeting held Monday in Cape Town, South Africa. Namibia has now signed the accord, while India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre have agreed to become members of the Natural Diamond Council. (Photo courtesy of NDC)
Cape Town, South Africa—Namibia, a diamond-producing nation in southern Africa, has signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations have pledged to become Natural Diamond Council members, NDC announced.
Namibia formally became a Luanda Accord signatory at a meeting held Monday in Cape Town, South Africa, joining three other African nations: Angola, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The nation’s signing of the accord follows completion of all required governmental authorizations, NDC said, and it commits Namibia to contributing financially to global category marketing for natural diamonds.
The Honorable Modestus Amutse, Namibia’s minster of Industries, Mines, and Energy, said signing the accord helps to ensure the value created by the country’s resources continues to benefit its people, now and in the future.
“Natural diamonds have helped shape Namibia’s economic story for more than a century, creating jobs, supporting communities, and contributing directly to national development,” he said.
“By joining the Luanda Accord, Namibia is affirming that producing countries have both a stake and a responsibility in telling the true story of natural diamonds.”
Also at Monday’s meeting, India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) signed a memorandum of understanding that creates a pathway for GJEPC to become an NDC member by May 1, a move that would allow it to contribute money to marketing natural diamonds ahead of the 2026 holiday season.
Membership is subject to agreement on the level and structure of an organization’s financial contribution, followed by completion of legal and regulatory requirements, NDC noted.
In addition, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), has signed a letter of intent reflecting its “continued commitment to advancing the objectives of the Luanda Accord,” a commitment that includes becoming a member of NDC by May 1.
Related stories will be right here …
Namibia formally became a Luanda Accord signatory at a meeting held Monday in Cape Town, South Africa, joining three other African nations: Angola, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The nation’s signing of the accord follows completion of all required governmental authorizations, NDC said, and it commits Namibia to contributing financially to global category marketing for natural diamonds.
The Honorable Modestus Amutse, Namibia’s minster of Industries, Mines, and Energy, said signing the accord helps to ensure the value created by the country’s resources continues to benefit its people, now and in the future.
“Natural diamonds have helped shape Namibia’s economic story for more than a century, creating jobs, supporting communities, and contributing directly to national development,” he said.
“By joining the Luanda Accord, Namibia is affirming that producing countries have both a stake and a responsibility in telling the true story of natural diamonds.”
Also at Monday’s meeting, India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) signed a memorandum of understanding that creates a pathway for GJEPC to become an NDC member by May 1, a move that would allow it to contribute money to marketing natural diamonds ahead of the 2026 holiday season.
Membership is subject to agreement on the level and structure of an organization’s financial contribution, followed by completion of legal and regulatory requirements, NDC noted.
In addition, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), has signed a letter of intent reflecting its “continued commitment to advancing the objectives of the Luanda Accord,” a commitment that includes becoming a member of NDC by May 1.
The pending additions of GJEPC and DMCC as NDC members follows last month’s announcement that two Angolan companies, Endiama E.P. and Sodiam E.P., have become NDC members, immediately contributing $8 million toward natural diamond marketing.
Crafted in June 2025 at a meeting held in Luanda, Angola, the Luanda Accord is an agreement among diamond-producing countries and industry stakeholders to contribute money to NDC to market natural diamonds globally.
Monday’s gathering was the second high-level meeting of the nations and organizations that signed the accord. It took place at the African Mining Indaba, which continues through Thursday in Cape Town.
It also was the first key event for the NDC’s new CEO, Amber Pepper, who started Feb. 2.
She succeeds David Kellie, a former marketing executive at Watches of Switzerland and Ralph Lauren who had been NDC’s CEO since 2019.
Kellie announced last July that he would step down at the end of 2025.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
