From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Tender of Marange goods possible this year
Representatives from Zimbabwe paid a visit to Antwerp this week to discuss organizing a sale of rough diamonds from the country’s Marange region before the end of 2013.
Antwerp--Representatives from Zimbabwe paid a visit to Antwerp this week to discuss organizing a sale of rough diamonds from the country’s Marange region before the end of 2013.
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) reported Tuesday that it is hosting a delegation of representatives from the Zimbabwean government and two mining companies, the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) and the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), in Antwerp.
The visit is the result of meetings between Zimbabwean ministers, representatives of the local diamond mining industry and an AWDC delegation that took place in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare two weeks ago.
Among other issues, the AWDC, ZMDC and MMCZ are discussing the organization of the first Marange diamond tender, with plans on holding the sale in the next two months.
Debate over diamonds from Zimbabwe’s Marange region is the issue that deadlocked the Kimberley Process (KP) for two years. Trade in rough from the region was banned in November 2009 after reports of smuggling and human rights abuses emerged and remained so until November 2011.
Even after the KP ban was lifted, diamonds mined by the companies that operate in this region still were under sanction by the European Union (EU) and the United States.
Urged by representatives from Belgium, the EU opted to lift its sanctions on the ZMDC in September.
The AWDC said the trading of Marange diamonds on the European market, which now is legal, is a positive step, noting that the “combination of solid transparency, accountability and potentially increased mining revenues will contribute to the sustainable social and economic development of Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe Minister of Mines and Mining Development Walter Chidhakwa said during a speech at the AWDC event in Harare that, beyond meeting KP’s requirements, he wants Zimbabwe diamonds to have the same level of transparency as those mined elsewhere in the world.
While the EU lifted its sanctions on Zimbabwe, trade in Marange diamonds remains banned in the U.S. due to sanctions enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Jewelers of America urges retailers to exercise due diligence with their suppliers to ensure they are not dealing in Marange stones.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.





















