CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsAug 01, 2013
The KP remains the same
I have done less reporting this year than I did last year on the Kimberley Process because news, as they taught me at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, is the new, the different, the unusual--the “man bites dog” aphorism.
Last year, a much-needed expansion to the definition of “conflict” diamonds from just “rough stones used by rebel movements to fund wars against legitimate governments” to include “diamond-related violence in rough diamond-producing and -trading areas” failed to pass after the United States, then KP chair, spent a whole year pushing for it.
It’s a change that’s much needed as violence in Africa has shifted from rebel groups fighting legitimate governments to governments perpetrating violence against their own people.
On Monday, I attended a panel discussion at the JA New York Summer Show on the good that diamonds can do for the communities where they are mined. The discussion included a special appearance by Jose Fernandez, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for economic, energy and business affairs.
Fernandez said he is “hopeful” an expanded definition for conflict diamond will pass this year during the chairmanship of South Africa. The proposal has received a “good reaction” from a number of countries, he said. After the panel, I pressed him for more information. Is he 50 percent sure a new definition will pass? Less sure than that? More?
Fernandez refused to quantify his level of assuredness and would only say that he’s “never been a betting man.”
At that hopeful remark, panelist Martin Rapaport made a face from the stage that can best, and most politely, be described as doubtful. He later said that the KP “will cure cancer” before its members agree on expanding the definition of conflict.
Though I can’t verify this for lack of a hand mirror, I would imagine I had a similarly skeptical look on my face.
The KP is an entity that was created for a specific purpose 10 years ago. It has, without a doubt, enjoyed success in doing what it was created to do: stem the flow of so-called blood diamonds that funded the conflicts taking place at that time.
Now the political situation is different, but the process isn’t. It, in Fernandez’s words, has “outlived” its origins.
But, one piece of the KP remains the same: it takes a complete consensus to get anything passed. This is a roadblock to any substantive change.
Here’s one example of one KP member that doesn’t seem likely to vote to broaden the definition of conflict: Just a little over a
month ago, a representative of the United Arab Emirates said publicly that members of the KP should let it do what it was construed to do from the outset, and that the judgment of human rights violations should be left up to other institutions.
I know this is just one snippet from the speech of one person, but I am certain he is not the only influencer that feels this way. And, remember, one is all it takes.
I’ve never been a betting woman, but I would wager that I’m not wrong about this. Hopefully, I am.
I know this is just one snippet from the speech of one person, but I am certain he is not the only influencer that feels this way. And, remember, one is all it takes.
I’ve never been a betting woman, but I would wager that I’m not wrong about this. Hopefully, I am.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
