Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
UAE Appoints Chair for Kimberley Process
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Economy has selected Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority, for the position.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Economy has officially appointed Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who is the executive chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC), as the UAE’s chair for the Kimberley Process in 2016.
Sulayem takes over for Bernardo Campos, who served on behalf of Angola in 2015.
Among Sulayem’s stated goals for 2016 including assisting newly admitted countries and countries that want to join the KP with technical assistance, training and consensus building via seminars and conferences, and strengthening ties between government, diamond industry decision-makers and with the KP’s civil society.
The KP’s Civil Society Coalition has vowed to boycott the KP in 2016 over their objections to the appointment of UAE as chair. The 11 organizations that comprise the coalition contend that the UAE should not lead the KP because it is too lax in its controls when it comes to diamonds that come from conflict-stricken areas of the world. It also claims that companies based in the UAE participate in transfer pricing, the practice of undervaluing a resource to reduce tax liabilities and make more money.
For its part, the UAE has called the coalition’s claims about its activities “baseless and factually flawed,” and said upon its election as chair in November that it remains open to working with any civil society organization that wants to “fairly and transparently” participate in the KP.
Commenting on Sulayem’s appointment, UAE Ministry of Economy Under-Secretary Abdullah Al Saleh said, “The UAE is honored to have been elected KP chair by its fellow members. It was a practical and straightforward decision to appoint Ahmed Bin Sulayem as chair. He has led Dubai’s drive to become a global commodities hub for over a decade and has a deep understanding of the diamond industry.”
The KP now has a total of 54 participants representing 81 countries worldwide. The UAE has been a member of the KP since 2003, and was the first Arab country to join.
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.





















