JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
Belgium aiding Ivory Coast’s return
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) recently completed a training program for three senior officials from the government of the Ivory Coast, which saw the decade-long ban on its diamond trade lifted earlier this year.
Antwerp--The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) recently completed a
training program for three senior officials from the government of the
Ivory Coast, which was cleared to reenter the diamond trade earlier this
year.
Belgium’s Federal Public Services (FPS) Foreign Affairs
funded the eight-week program, with the hopes of expediting the Ivory
Coast’s reentry into the trade.
The United Nations banned the
Ivory Coast from trading in diamonds in 2003 following the country’s
civil war. It was the only country in the world with a UN-imposed ban on
trading diamonds, and it remained in place until this past spring.
The UN Security Council opted to lift the decade-long ban in April after the members of the Kimberley Process agreed at their plenary meeting in November 2013 that the Ivory Coast was KP compliant.
The AWDC said it hopes that the training will ensure the country’s strict adherence to the conditions of the KP.
“The
sanctions were put in place because the risk of conflict diamonds
entering the regular circuit would have been too great otherwise,” said
AWDC spokeswoman Margaux Donckier. “As Belgium has been one of the
driving forces behind the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme since
the very beginning, Ivory Coast has appealed to us to help them set up a
supervisory body.”
According to the AWDC, Ivory Coast has the
potential to produce up to 200,000 carats of rough diamonds annually in
the years ahead, representing a value of $25 million.
Ivory
Coast plans to launch a diamond trade control panel on Jan. 1, and the
U.N. will publish an assessment report every six months. In addition,
the KP’s own control panel will visit Ivory Coast to monitor conditions,
and to formulate recommendations if necessary.
The AWDC is the coordinating body and the official representative of the Antwerp diamond community.
The Latest

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.