Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
Lucara Found 31 Diamonds Over 100 Carats Last Year
Recoveries included the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond, which it is cutting in partnership with Louis Vuitton.

Vancouver, British Columbia—Sales climbed 9 percent in 2019 for Lucara Diamond Corp. and it again recovered more than 30 stones weighing more than 100 carats from its Karowe mine in Botswana.
Total revenue for the Vancouver-based mining company for the year ended Dec. 31 totaled $192.5 million, or $468 per carat (2018: $502 per carat), topping guidance of $180 million.
Net income for the year reached $12.7 million, up from $11.7 million in 2018.
Lucara said it was a record year for production through the plant at Karowe.
Total tons mined reached 9.8 million, in line with a forecast of 9.5-10.9 million, and ore processed totaled 2.8 million tons, at the top end of its guidance, while 433,060 total carats of diamonds were recovered, exceeding its forecast of 425,000 carats.
Karowe called 2019 “another strong year” for the recovery of what it refers to as “Specials,” single diamonds in excess of 10.8 carats.
The mining company said it recovered 786 of these stones totaling 24,424 carats from direct milling ore in 2019, down 5 percent from 829 Specials in 2018. It also recovered Specials in tailings, including a 375-carat diamond in the third quarter.
Among these big stones were 31 diamonds in excess of 100 carats—on par with the 33 diamonds it found in this size range last year—including two stones weighing more than 300 carats.
The most notable among them—the 1,758-carat diamond dubbed the Sewelô, which Lucara is cutting in partnership with Louis Vuitton and Antwerp-based diamond manufacturer HB Company.
RELATED CONTENT: Louis Vuitton Wants to Turn This Dark Diamond Into Jewelry
In the news release announcing the company’s results, Lucara President and CEO Eira Thomas called the agreement with the iconic fashion house “groundbreaking.”
“In 2019, Lucara also continued to explore ways and means to maximize the value it receives for its diamonds,” she said.
“Our groundbreaking agreement with Louis Vuitton in January 2020 is another example of how we are delivering on this commitment. Through this agreement, we will demonstrate that greater collaboration within the supply chain can unlock value and increase transparency from mine to consumer.”
In addition, Clara, Lucara’s blockchain-based digital sales platform, completed its first year of operations, with a total of 15 sales, 27 customers and sales volume of $8.4 million. The company said the platform is “poised to achieve significant growth” this year, as it adds more customers and producers.
Thomas characterized
In 2020, Lucara expects diamond revenue to total $180-$210 million as the proportion of carats recovered from higher-grade units increases, and to recover between 370,000 and 410,000 carats of diamonds.
The Latest

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.





















