AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsMay 03, 2018
These Rings Were Tracked Through Blockchain
The diamond engagement rings are the product of an initiative called TrustChain, the result of a collaboration between a group of jewelry companies and IBM.
This is one of the six TrustChain engagement ring styles, all of which feature 14-karat white or yellow gold mined in South Dakota and diamonds from Rio Tinto. The ring will be sold at select Helzberg Diamonds stores beginning this fall.
New York—A group of Berkshire Hathaway-owned jewelry companies has partnered with UL, IBM and Asahi Refining to produce what they say is the first cross-industry initiative to produce finished pieces of jewelry traced from mine to market using blockchain.
The initiative, announced last week, is called TrustChain and is being launched with six gold and diamond engagement rings tracked via the IBM Blockchain Platform, which is delivered via the IBM Cloud.
Blockchains are digital ledgers that are decentralized, meaning they exist across multiple computers and servers; they’re not housed on any one computer or server, or owned by any one user or organization.
They are used by companies or groups of companies to record the history of transactions in a manner said to be more secure and allow for complete transparency. Transactions are recorded as individual “blocks” that are then “chained” together to show the complete record of transactions.
Each blockchain, whether it’s for UPS, Walmart or British Airways, is accessible only by permitted parties, and each block must be validated by the parties before it is added to the digital ledger.
De Beers is working with Boston Consulting Group on a blockchain initiative for tracing diamonds from mine to market, while Gübelin Gem Lab has partnered with Everledger to develop one for colored gemstones.
The TrustChain initiative, however, is the only one so far for a finished piece of jewelry with multiple components.
Mark Hanna, chief marketing officer for The Richline Group, which is manufacturing and distributing the initial TrustChain rings, said the initiative is important for the industry as it seeks to “raise the collective responsibility and provenance practices to new heights.”
The diamonds provided for the proof of concept came from Rio Tinto’s mines in Australia and Canada, and the gold from the Coeur Wharf Mine in South Dakota.
The raw gold was processed and refined at Asahi Refining in Salt Lake City, Utah, with LeachGarner transforming the gold bars into 14-karat white and yellow gold casting grain and sending it to Richline’s manufacturing facility in India.
The finished rings were returned to the United States via the Richline distribution center in Florida before being shipped to North Kansas City, Missouri-based Helzberg Diamonds. (Richline, LeachGarner and Helzberg are all owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s holding company.)
UL provided third-party verification of each transaction along the way.
Hanna said while they started with Canadian diamonds, U.S. gold and manufacturing at Richline’s facility in India for proof of concept, plans call for expansion of TrustChain in the future, incorporating more mines and manufacturers and making the jewelry available to additional retailers.
The initiative, announced last week, is called TrustChain and is being launched with six gold and diamond engagement rings tracked via the IBM Blockchain Platform, which is delivered via the IBM Cloud.
Blockchains are digital ledgers that are decentralized, meaning they exist across multiple computers and servers; they’re not housed on any one computer or server, or owned by any one user or organization.
They are used by companies or groups of companies to record the history of transactions in a manner said to be more secure and allow for complete transparency. Transactions are recorded as individual “blocks” that are then “chained” together to show the complete record of transactions.
Each blockchain, whether it’s for UPS, Walmart or British Airways, is accessible only by permitted parties, and each block must be validated by the parties before it is added to the digital ledger.
De Beers is working with Boston Consulting Group on a blockchain initiative for tracing diamonds from mine to market, while Gübelin Gem Lab has partnered with Everledger to develop one for colored gemstones.
The TrustChain initiative, however, is the only one so far for a finished piece of jewelry with multiple components.
Mark Hanna, chief marketing officer for The Richline Group, which is manufacturing and distributing the initial TrustChain rings, said the initiative is important for the industry as it seeks to “raise the collective responsibility and provenance practices to new heights.”
The diamonds provided for the proof of concept came from Rio Tinto’s mines in Australia and Canada, and the gold from the Coeur Wharf Mine in South Dakota.
The raw gold was processed and refined at Asahi Refining in Salt Lake City, Utah, with LeachGarner transforming the gold bars into 14-karat white and yellow gold casting grain and sending it to Richline’s manufacturing facility in India.
The finished rings were returned to the United States via the Richline distribution center in Florida before being shipped to North Kansas City, Missouri-based Helzberg Diamonds. (Richline, LeachGarner and Helzberg are all owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s holding company.)
UL provided third-party verification of each transaction along the way.
Hanna said while they started with Canadian diamonds, U.S. gold and manufacturing at Richline’s facility in India for proof of concept, plans call for expansion of TrustChain in the future, incorporating more mines and manufacturers and making the jewelry available to additional retailers.
“This pilot was done particularly to try to move product globally and … create a worldwide model that we could follow,” he said.
The Berkshire Hathaway companies, along with Asahi and UL, have been working with IBM on the TrustChain project since the beginning of 2017.
The TrustChain rings are set to go on sale at Helzberg in the fall, with the exact number of stores that will carry the rings still being determined.
Also still up in the air is how it will be marketed, packaged, presented in stores and explained by sales associates to the end consumer.
The Berkshire Hathaway companies, along with Asahi and UL, have been working with IBM on the TrustChain project since the beginning of 2017.
The TrustChain rings are set to go on sale at Helzberg in the fall, with the exact number of stores that will carry the rings still being determined.
Also still up in the air is how it will be marketed, packaged, presented in stores and explained by sales associates to the end consumer.
All six ring styles created for the TrustChain initiative
As far as pricing on the rings goes, Helzberg Diamonds Chief Merchandising Officer Julie Yoakum said the retailer “does not anticipate putting a premium on TrustChain product,” meaning that the rings tracked through blockchain are not expected to be more expensive for consumers than comparable pieces.
The FAQ section of the TrustChain website says when consumers buy a TrustChain ring, they will receive a “permanent digital record” of that ring’s journey through the supply chain. If that sounds like a familiar concept, it’s because Richline has done a program like TrustChain before.
More than a decade ago, Aurafin (and, later, Richline) worked with Walmart and Pam Mortensen, who then was heading the retailer’s fine jewelry department, to launch a line called “Love, Earth.”
Each person who bought a piece could go to a now-defunct website, LoveEarthInfo.com, to see on a map where the gold was mined and the piece was manufactured.
It was a pioneering program in jewelry traceability, predating the formation of the Responsible Jewellery Council, Forevermark’s launch in the United States and most certainly blockchain.
“This is how we (Richline) got to blockchain, from Love, Earth,” Hanna said, though he noted the technology used for Love, Earth back in 2006, called string, was much less sophisticated and more manual.
“We’re really going to be bringing back the program with a lot more documentation and a lot more touchpoints. The blockchain is kind of string on steroids.”
Hanna said from Richline’s perspective, there are additional costs involved in using blockchain in the short term, but the company anticipates those will be offset in the long term by the efficiencies it will create.
He also said he expects that in a year or two, the TrustChain initiative and the other blockchain pilots currently underway in the industry, from De Beers/Boston Consulting to Gübelin/Everledger, will be able to communicate and work together.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
