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.
Rockwell recovers 200-carat-plus piece of rough
Rockwell Diamonds Inc., which mines alluvial deposits in South Africa, has unearthed a 287-carat rough diamond from its operations in the Middle Orange River region.
Vancouver, British Columbia--Rockwell Diamonds Inc., which mines alluvial deposits in South Africa, has unearthed a 287-carat rough diamond from its operations in the Middle Orange River region.
Rockwell will sell the diamond, which it describes as being “tinted white,” at market value into a beneficiation joint venture with manufacturer Steinmetz and also will get money once the polished diamonds produced from the rough are sold.
“This 287-carat diamond is only the second rough diamond exceeding 200 carats produced by Rockwell in its eight-year history and is one of the largest stones produced in the Middle Orange in recent times,” said president and CEO James Campbell.
Rockwell found the stone at the Saxendrift Extension property, which was acquired in March 2012. It follows the recovery of four diamonds greater than 100 carats in September.
“These results show that our plants are correctly geared for the recovery of large diamonds that characterize the Middle Orange River region,” Campbell said. “This is also a strong validation of our strategy to grow our alluvial production volumes … in order to produce large stones more regularly and improve Rockwell’s quarterly earnings performance.”
The diamond is the fifth large stone recovered in the past three months, including the four pieces of rough weighing between 116 and 169 carats unearthed in September.
Campbell also said that the Saxendrift Hill Complex bulk X-ray operation is performing well with strong results and that ramp-up operations at Niewejaarskraal are ongoing, with the implementation of an in-field screen.
The company is on track to commission a bulk X-ray system early in 2014, which was procured on a rental basis.
Vancouver-based Rockwell operates and develops alluvial deposits, with the goal of becoming a mid-tier diamond production company. It currently mines three deposits, all in South Africa, has two development projects and a pipeline of earlier-stage projects.
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.





















