From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
State Dept. Warns of Possible Enhanced Sourcing Regulations
The federal government is looking to require a declaration of origin or provenance for every piece of finished jewelry or jewelry component imported into the United States.
New York—Representatives from the U.S. Department of State met with a coalition of industry leaders Monday in New York to put them on notice about possible new regulations that would impact all jewelry imports.
According to those who attended the meeting, who asked not to be named, the department is looking to require a declaration of origin or provenance for every piece of finished jewelry or jewelry component imported into the United States, including precious metals, diamonds and all colored gemstones.
As one industry leader in attendance at the meeting put it: “Whatever you can name, you can put a check mark next to it.”
The new requirements are a reaction to intelligence that indicates that minerals, including gemstones and precious metals, are being used to fund what State Department officials described as “maligned regimes” worldwide.
About 25 leaders from organizations including Jewelers of America, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the Diamond Manufactures and Importers Association of America, the American Gem Trade Association and the Diamond Dealers Club New York attended Monday’s meeting, which took place at the State Department’s request.
They said jewelry is just one industry the federal government is looking to monitor more closely for ties to money laundering and terrorism, though it has been flagged as a “high priority” for increased monitoring.
The State Department wants to “enhance” the Kimberley Process, which they view as “inadequate,” particularly in light of the fact the KP has not voted to broaden the definition of a “conflict” or “blood” diamond to include human rights abuses by governments and/or security firms.
The issue came up for a vote in 2012, the year the U.S. chaired the process, but ultimately did not pass and since has failed to regain much traction, leading some to label the process as “irrelevant.”
While such regulations would have a tremendous impact on the jewelry industry in the United States, which sources the vast of majority of its materials from overseas, there are few details available at this point, including when—or even if—the regulations will go into effect, what they will entail for jewelry importers and how they will be enforced.
Those who attended Monday’s meeting said they will share more details as they become available.
In the meantime, they recommended suppliers and jewelers ensure they follow all existing sourcing requirements, including the Clean Diamond Act, the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties and the KP, and
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.





















