ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
EditorsOct 23, 2012
Getting it done
As has already been widely reported, the newly introduced Diamond Source Warranty Protocol (which I assume eventually we’ll call the DSWP) wasn’t exactly met with widespread applause at the recent World Diamond Congress held in Mumbai.
Some of the criticisms lobbed at the protocol--the difficulty of segregating production, the extra costs, its potential impact on artisanal miners and the three-year lawsuit clause--are not invalid points. I am inclined, though, to see how the protocol plays out over time, including how many jewelers actually adopt it, before passing judgment on these issues.The protocol, at the end of the day, is voluntary. If you are the type of jeweler that does not want to deal in goods from a specific entity or country, let’s just say for example Zimbabwe (strictly a completely random example, of course), then you can use the protocol to receive legal assurance that your diamonds did not originate there and you will work to find suppliers who are willing to play along.
If you don’t care, feel that your business can’t bear the extra costs or don’t have time for the added hassle, then don’t use the protocol or don’t deal with retailers that want to use it. It’s as simple as that.
Outside of the critiques of the protocol listed above, there was another that popped up in post-event coverage that I think can be answered more easily right now. And that is: why weren’t industry parties outside of JA, the DMIA and the JVC consulted in the development of the protocol?
The answer, I believe, is pretty obvious: the industry collectively struggles to come together and make decisions in a timely manner.
Let’s look at one example from the recent congress.
For months leading up to the event, it was obvious that the industry felt that it had to do something about the dearth of generic marketing for diamonds. I observed as much in a past blog, and a number of players at the congress actually labeled the lack of promotion, and resulting drop in consumer demand, as the industry’s single biggest problem right now.
To this end, at the congress the World Federation of Diamond Bourses announced a new “partnership initiative” called the World Diamond Mark.
According to a release on the mark (though I could wallpaper my apartment with the volume of congress press releases I received, I somehow missed this one), it will be based in Hong Kong and is “the new marketing arm of the entire diamond and diamond jewelry industry.” More details on the mark apparently are forthcoming, as is its website,
which officially is slated to launch in January.
The creation of the mark comes a few years after the failure of a marketing body called the International Diamond Board (IDB), the industry’s 2009 attempt at creating a worldwide generic marketing campaign for diamonds.
The IDB died a slow death over many months, and here we are three years later, starting at square one again with this new World Diamond Mark.
Given the industry’s track record on coming to agreements, it’s no wonder why JA, the DMIA and the JVC didn’t want to bring the protocol to the broader global table. It would have been bogged down in endless political wrangling for years, and even may have eventually just died on the vine. And perhaps these organizations feel that they didn’t have that kind of time to waste, especially considering the possibility that diamonds could be added to the portion of the U.S.’s Dodd-Frank Act that regulates sourcing of "conflict" minerals.
As the saying goes, sometimes it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask permission.
The creation of the mark comes a few years after the failure of a marketing body called the International Diamond Board (IDB), the industry’s 2009 attempt at creating a worldwide generic marketing campaign for diamonds.
The IDB died a slow death over many months, and here we are three years later, starting at square one again with this new World Diamond Mark.
Given the industry’s track record on coming to agreements, it’s no wonder why JA, the DMIA and the JVC didn’t want to bring the protocol to the broader global table. It would have been bogged down in endless political wrangling for years, and even may have eventually just died on the vine. And perhaps these organizations feel that they didn’t have that kind of time to waste, especially considering the possibility that diamonds could be added to the portion of the U.S.’s Dodd-Frank Act that regulates sourcing of "conflict" minerals.
As the saying goes, sometimes it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask permission.
More on Editors
The Latest
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
