IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
EditorsDec 03, 2006
'Blood Diamond' screened
Having finally seen Blood Diamond in a sold-out preview Saturday night, I think the biggest impact the film will have is to make concerned consumers raise questions. In fact, in its post-script, it urges them to make sure the diamonds...
Having finally seen Blood Diamond in a sold-out preview Saturday night, I think the biggest impact the film will have is to make concerned consumers raise questions. In fact, in its post-script, it urges them to make sure the diamonds they buy are conflict-free. The film contains plenty of violent images that without any context could be damaging to the diamond industry, most notably child soldiers and the horrors inflicted by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) during Sierra Leone's civil war, as well as a diamond industry that enabled the trading of smuggled gems through a fictionalized diamond cartel called Van De Kamp (an obvious hit at De Beers). But ultimately, this isn't a message film and doesn't have the impact of something like the far superior Hotel Rwanda. Plus, it isn't saying "don't buy diamonds"; if anything, it tells people to be conscientious about the diamonds they do purchase. The strongest statement comes from Jennifer Connelly's journalist character who says people wouldn't want a diamond ring if they knew it cost another person their hand. The plot-heavy film throws out a number of statistics and information about diamonds (it quotes the disputed figure that during the period 15 percent of diamonds were considered of conflict origin and has a mention of Global Witness). But it has such a relentless onslaught of violence (at times crossing over from compelling into video-game territory), history and fiction that the viewer is more likely to walk out feeling exhausted than suddenly enlightened about Africa and the role diamonds play, for good or ill. As one friend (someone who feels deeply about a number of global issues, but who is not in the jewelry industry) put it: "It didn't make me care." In other words, it's an action film, not a call-to-action film. In the end, it comes off as a toss-up for the industry. Rather than an indictment, it feels like a slap on the wrist for past indiscretion and a more hopeful vision of how things have changed. It includes rather incomplete notes on the Kimberley Process and the fact that there is now peace in Sierra Leone. While it does give the rather grim statistic that there are still 200,000 child soldiers in Africa, it doesn't connect that statement to the diamond industry. As for whether or not the film is good or bad, I think it's
decent but far from great. The audience response seemed semi-positive (some applause at the end and one overheard "That was great"). I'm not sure if it's just because I've been writing about it month after month, but I was probably "over it" by the time I actually got to screen it. Usually when I see a film that really hits me, however, I want to talk about it extensively and passionately afterward, even if I've been caught up in the "buzz" leading up to it. Saturday night, neither myself nor anyone in my group of friends was particularly inspired to discuss the movie.
Blood Diamond is what I'd consider a solidly made action film that's raised up a notch by terrific performances from Djimon Hounsou and Leonardo DiCaprio. In terms of its Oscar chances, I think Hounsou has the best shot at a major Academy Award nomination in the supporting actor category. I'm sticking by my earlier prediction that DiCaprio will get nominated for best actor but for The Departed. His performance in Blood Diamond will no doubt help him get the recognition he deserves for the other film.
Regardless what the critical and commercial response is (you can read a few early reviews here), it's still a must-see for retailers and those in the diamond industry. The real ongoing story on this issue is far more interesting and compelling than this fiction, and its something jewelers must be prepared to share. Because if the film asks consumers to take responsibility for what they buy, jewelers have to be sure they've taken responsibility for what they sell.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship StoreLocated in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
