The DNA was recovered from flex cuffs found at the scene of the Nov. 29 murder of Peter Damian Arguello.
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

The Austin, Texas, jeweler was murdered in his home in 2018, and his son later pleaded guilty to hiring a man to kill him.

The ring is part of the brand’s Classic Diamond Fireworks collection.

Without the ability to instill confidence within the industry and directly to the consumer, a diamond holds very little value.

Ox is accusing the fast-fashion retailer of patent infringement, trade dress infringement, and unfair competition.


The labs will verify if a diamond is lab-grown or natural in less than 24 hours.

The nonprofit, which works to support and give back to gem mining communities in East Africa, has added seven new members to the council.

Without the ability to instill confidence within the industry and directly to the consumer, a diamond holds very little value.

The facility is located in Sarine’s office building in Surat.

Symposium ’24 is a two-day, retailer-focused event, organized by The Plumb Club, JCK, and Jewelers Mutual.

It is making the grain available to customers via a partnership with Anglo American.

Sherry Smith breaks down the final results for the month of December as well as for the full year.

The January birthstone jewelry ranges from simple to sublime.

Now called “Loudr,” the marketing agency says it wants to rise above the noise and amplify brand voices.

To celebrate, the digital marketing agency is offering discounts on its services.

Amid the statement necklaces, Lily Gladstone’s earrings stood out, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff writes.

The new store marked the brand’s 10th opening in North America in 2023.

The company also reshuffled its watch brand executives, naming new CEOs of TAG Heuer and Zenith.

The association’s annual conference and gala will include recognition of the milestone.

The brand drew inspiration for its sweet “Golden Deer” from the goddess Artemis’ Ceryneian hind.

The gemstone cutter is remembered for his contributions to the lapidary community and his hearty laugh.

The luxury watch giant has two months to appeal the decision, which was handed down Dec. 19.

Formerly known as the Santa Fe Symposium, the event will take place this summer in Detroit.

The pear-cut stone was engraved with a GIA report number for a natural diamond of the same size and shape.

The man is charged in connection with a total of six armed robberies and two gunpoint carjackings.

This year’s free competition has new categories and a new theme.

Peter Smith has picked a dozen of his favorite expressions to help readers start the new year off right.





















