IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New CampaignThe retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.
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
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald ReportsLab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
