CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
SourcingJun 09, 2016
Civil society orgs boycotting Kimberley Process
The organizations that comprise the KP’s Civil Society Coalition confirmed Tuesday that they won’t be participating in any organized KP events as long as the United Arab Emirates is chair.
Luanda, Angola--The 11 organizations that comprise the Kimberley Process’s Civil Society Coalition confirmed Tuesday what has been inevitable for several months--that they will boycott the KP next year due to their objections over the United Arab Emirates’ impending election as chair.
Back in September, when it was announced that the UAE had been elected vice chair and thereby was in line to chair the KP in 2016, Partnership Africa Canada’s Alan Martin told National Jeweler that a boycott by the Civil Society Coalition was the most likely scenario heading into 2016.
This week, the coalition’s representative from Cameroon, Jaff Napoleon Bamenjo, confirmed it in a speech given Tuesday as the KP plenary meeting got underway in Luanda.
Calling the UAE the “go-to place for illicit gold and diamonds” and Dubai an “ethics-free haven,” Bamenjo brought up the same concerns that civil society has been expressing about the UAE for some time--that it is too lax in its controls regarding diamonds emanating from problematic areas of the world and that UAE companies engage in transfer pricing.
Transfer pricing refers to the practices of undervaluing a resource--in this case, African diamonds--in order to make more money and reduce tax liabilities while, at the same time, depriving local governments of the true value of their resources.
Bamenjo said despite the UAE’s commitment to working with civil society on at least two collaborative projects, the two haven’t had any discussions since the KP’s intersessional meeting in June.
He said the coalition doesn’t have any confidence in the UAE as chair and, if its nomination is formalized, it will be “sending a message that civil society is no longer a meaningful and respected partner [in the KP].”
The UAE fired back on Tuesday, releasing a statement calling the coalition’s public remarks “an unacceptable account of industry matters, baseless and factually flawed.”
It also produced two emails to refute the coalition’s claim that the UAE hasn’t been in touch since the intersessional, which took place June 22 to 26.
One was a request for a meeting dated Aug. 30. The second, which was about conducting a study on supply chain due diligence for diamonds, was dated June 23, meaning it was sent during the intersessional, not after it.
When asked about these emails, a UAE spokeswoman acknowledged that the study email was indeed sent during the intersessional, but said the UAE KP’s
team question is this: Why hasn’t the coalition been in touch with them to follow up on the study proposal?
The UAE said while it was disappointed that the Civil Society Coalition will be boycotting the KP in 2016, it remains open to working with civil society or any industry organization in a position to contribute “fairly and transparently” to discussions on the KP.
As KP chair next year, the UAE said it will “carry on with our mandate and focus on areas that will have the greatest impact on growth and development of the diamond industry. We remain fully committed and respect the tripartite structure of the Kimberley Process.”
The KP’s Civil Society Coalition is comprised of 11 international and community-based organizations, nine of which are based in Africa.
While the coalition plans to boycott formal KP events in 2016, it said it plans to continue to work with KP participants and members of the diamond industry on matters of mutual concern and redouble its efforts on national-level engagement with KP participants.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
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.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
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.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
