AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingJun 09, 2016
Kimberley Process OKs Exports from One Area of CAR
Shipments of rough diamonds from the Berbérati area of the Central African Republic have resumed on the recommendation of a KP monitoring team.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--The Kimberley Process has OK’ed the resumption of rough diamond exports from one area of the Central African Republic.
Decided at the recently concluded KP intersessional in Dubai and formally announced by the KP Wednesday, the resumption comes at the recommendation of a KP monitoring team and is only for Berbérati, a mining area located in the southwestern part of the country.
The KP banned exports of rough diamonds from the entire Central African Republic back in May 2013 after rebels seized control of the country from then-President François Bozizé and evidence surfaced that these rebels were using sales of diamonds to fund their activities. Diamond mining, particularly alluvial (small-scale) operations, is one of the country’s main sources of revenue.
In July 2015, the KP agreed in principal that the Central African Republic could resume exports as long as it established “green zones” and put in place procedures to ensure their diamonds could be traced to areas defined as compliant zones. A green or compliant zone is one that is free of conflict and, moreover, one where it is known that diamond revenues are not being funneled into the hands of rebel groups.
Earlier this spring, a KP monitoring team conducted an on-ground-assessment of the Berbérati zone. There, they found that the area was conflict free and that rebels were not in control of any part of the diamond production or trade.
“I am pleased to announce that our combined efforts have resulted in CAR resuming its diamond exports through its first ‘green zone’ in Berbérati,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who is chairing the KP for the United Arab Emirates, the nation tapped to lead the process in 2016. “We must also thank the CAR monitoring team, CAR authorities and industry participants for their cooperation as this will ensure that traceable, conflict-free diamonds enter the supply chain, as well as ultimately enhance the livelihood of the country’s 4 million people, of whom 500,000 are directly involved in mining.”
Alan Martin of Partnership Africa Canada, the organization that serves as the coordinating body for the KP’s Civil Society Coalition, said the coalition was part of the KP’s monitoring team and agreed to the partial lifting after one of its members participated in the on-the-ground assessment.
However, he noted that the coalition will “continue to remain vigilant that diamonds from other non-compliant zones do not contaminate the Berbérati exports.” Brad
Brooks-Rubin expressed the same concern in an editorial on the Central African Republic published on National Jeweler in April.
The KP’s civil society coalition, which is comprised of a total of 11 organizations, is boycotting formal KP meetings in the UAE this year over its objection to the UAE’s election as KP chair, but it has not stepped away from involvement in the process entirely.
The KP’s civil society coalition, which is comprised of a total of 11 organizations, is boycotting formal KP meetings in the UAE this year over its objection to the UAE’s election as KP chair, but it has not stepped away from involvement in the process entirely.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
