Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
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
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
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.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Weekly QuizNov 13, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearThe National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’sLate collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
