FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
SourcingNov 08, 2018
Diamond Associations Consider Consolidation
The International Diamond Manufacturers Association and World Federation of Diamond Bourses are in talks to team up.
Mumbai—The International Diamond Manufacturers Association and World Federation of Diamond Bourses are in talks to team up, IDMA announced.
The two organizations, both of which represent the midstream sector of the market, recently concluded the biennial World Diamond Congress in Mumbai.
At the meeting, IDMA President Ronnie VanderLinden noted that diamond manufacturing facilities are closing in countries likes Namibia, South Africa, Russia, Thailand and even China, which once employed more than 40,000 cutters is now down to fewer than 5,000. The only country not losing significant numbers of factories is India.
The loss of manufacturers has hurt IDMA’s membership rolls and this, coupled with other challenges like the loss of financing for the midstream, means that the time may have come for IDMA and the WFDB to merge.
VanderLinden noted the success U.S. organizations have had with the United States Jewelry Council, which represents a cross-section of 16 diamond, gem and jewelry organizations; he argued there’s no reason the global diamond industry shouldn’t do the same.
“Clearly, the health of the entire industry depends on the health of the middle market, which plays an important and indispensable role in the entire supply chain. We also recognize that IDMA and WFDB share more things in common than we have differences. As such, the industry’s current difficult environment requires a more united and coordinated effort and approach.”
At the end of the congress, IDMA presented a proposal to WFDB President Ernie Blom and members of the organization’s executive committee.
The WFDB did not respond to request for comment on the proposal by deadline Thursday but Blom told JCK’s Rob Bates last week that the two organizations have been discussing consolidation for the past six months and that he thinks IDMA will become part of the WFDB.
The 38th World Diamond Congress took place Oct. 23 to 25 in Mumbai after being rescheduled from June.
During the meeting, IDMA appointed a new vice president, Prince Mbetse. He replaces Phillippe Roolant of the Thai Diamond Manufacturing Association, who resigned for personal reasons.
IDMA also welcomed a new secretary-general, Matthew Schamroth, who replaces Kim Lanny. Lanny left the industry earlier this year.
The WFDB, meanwhile, tapped Israel Diamond Exchange President Yoram Dvash to head a new strategic initiatives committee focused on communicating the good that diamonds do worldwide.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
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.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
