The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
With grant, DDI will manage KP technical assistance
After receiving a grant from Signet Jewelers Ltd., the Diamond Development Initiative now is coordinating the technical assistance function of the Kimberley Process’ administrative arm.
Ottawa, Ontario--After receiving a grant from Signet Jewelers Ltd., the Diamond Development Initiative now is coordinating the technical assistance function of the Kimberley Process’ administrative arm.
The KP’s Administrative Support Mechanism provides a variety of support services to the KP, including the maintenance of an online electronic archive, the provision of communication services, logistical support for the KP Chair, chairs of KP Working Groups and ad hoc committees, and follow-through on training, data and requests for technical assistance.
The task of managing the ASM body has been divided among World Diamond Council members: the Antwerp World Diamond Center, the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, and now DDI, the Ottawa-based organization that works to improve the working conditions and lives of artisanal diamond diggers.
The organization’s role will be to coordinate support among KP members to both enhance compliance and improve developmental potential in countries where diamonds are mined artisanally.
A Signet spokesperson declined to release the dollar amount of the grant.
Signet CEO Mark Light said, “As perhaps the largest purchaser of polished diamonds in the world, this is an excellent match for us. The Kimberley Process can and should be about more than regulation. It must also add value to diamonds and to the communities and countries where they are mined and polished. We believe that improved technical assistance, coordinated by DDI, is one way toward helping accomplish that.”
The company estimates that 16 percent of global annual rough diamond production comes from artisanal sources, involving between 1 and 1.5 million diggers.
Light added, “Some of those diamonds find their way into jewelry counters around the world, including those in our stores. We believe retailers have a special responsibility to help, when possible, and that’s why we support the work of DDI with technical assistance to the KPCS and in artisanal mining communities is critical.”
The Latest

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.


Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

The Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.

Bring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.

The deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.

The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.

The “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.

The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.

Everett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.

Fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.

The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.

The NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.

Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.

The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.

Former Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.


























