Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
De Beers Sells its Oldest Diamond Mining Site
Two companies are paying $7.2 million to buy the Kimberley Mines, a site where diamond production has been taking place since the 1870s.
London--De Beers has inked an agreement to sell its oldest diamond mining site, the historic Kimberley Mines in South Africa, to a consortium of two mining companies for $7.2 million.
The acquisition includes what remains of the diamond mining operations there--a number of tailings dumps and a combined treatment plant--plus Kimberley’s employees and all other assets and liabilities. Tailings dumps consist of previously processed material that is put aside and then sifted through again, in case any diamonds were missed the first time around.
Ekapa will be the lead operator of the Kimberley Mines, with company CEO and founder Jahn Hohne, a GIA gemologist, managing the site.
Ekapa is a mid-sized tailings mineral resources (TMR) processing business that has been operating in Kimberley for more than 25 years, and already owns a share in TMRs sourced from the famous five-cluster of old Kimberley mines.
London-based Petra has an interest in a total of five producing mines, four in South Africa and one in Tanzania, which just yielded a 23.16-carat pink diamond. Its holdings already include Kimberley Underground, which consists of Dutoitspan, Wesselton and Bultfontein, the site’s three historic underground mines. It purchased them from De Beers in the early 2000s.
De Beers announced in the spring that it was looking for a buyer for the Kimberley Mines, and said upon its sale this week that it had more than 70 “expressions of interest” in the operation.
Diamond mining first began on the site where Kimberley Mines sits today about 20 years before De Beers officially was formed, in 1888. The company has been mining there for its entire history but hasn’t had underground operations on the site since selling them to Petra.
The Latest

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.


Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.





















