Sourcing

KP Chair Visits the Central African Republic

SourcingJun 21, 2016

KP Chair Visits the Central African Republic

Ahmed Bin Sulayem is reportedly the first acting KP chairman to pay a visit to the nation, which only recently was allowed to begin exporting diamonds again.


Dubai, United Arab Emirates--Kimberley Process Chair Ahmed Bin Sulayem recently paid an in-person visit to the Central African Republic, the nation that was just allowed to resume rough diamond exports.

During his trip, Bin Sulayem, who represents Dubai in the KP, visited the diamond-producing areas of Carnot (in the prefecture of Mambéré-Kadéï), Boda (in the prefecture of Lobaye) and Nola (in the prefecture of Sangha-Mbaéré), all located in the south of the country.

He also met with both CAR’s newly elected president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, and Leopold Mboli Fratran, the country’s newly appointed minister of mines.

In a KP news release on the visit, Touadéra praised Bin Sulayem’s efforts as KP chair, noting that his visit “brings hope to our long-suffering diamond industry.”

He also said that the Central African Republic looks to fully reintegrate itself into the international diamond trade as soon as possible.

After a three-year hiatus due to rebel violence, the KP recently OK’ed the resumption of diamond exports from Berbérati, one area of the Central African Republic, which is among the poorest countries in the world and depends heavily on revenues from rough diamond sales. The first shipment totaled approximately 3,700 carats.

Exports from other areas of the country have not yet been given the green light, and the KP said in the release that they will resume only if those areas can be considered KP compliant, though Bin Sulayem noted that the effective resumption of exports from CAR is one of the “main priorities” of his KP chairmanship.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for Italy Olympic Winter Games
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

vimeo screenshot.png
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up!

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Guinness
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGov

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Gina Ferranti
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America Learning Workship Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This Fall

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

Gold bracelets and bangles
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Buccellati Opera high jewelry bracelet
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

Rolex Datejust ref. 16233
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

Jean Dinh Van Orgue Ring
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With Exhibition

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth Generation

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

Boucheron Impermanence Boucheron Dragonfly Earrings and Wisteria Hair Piece
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s Impermanence

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

James Avery Cedar Park
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More States

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford, Couture’s new brand director and former fine jewelry buyer at Neiman Marcus
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

Bench jeweler holding a ring and a tool
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic Manufacturing

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

Guzema Celestial Blue
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone Jewelry

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

Nanis Mykonos Store Exterior and Interior
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First Store

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

Long’s Jewelers Summer of Love promo
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s Jewelers

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The Edge and The Edge Retail Academy Logos
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in September

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

Miseno Arco Earrings
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ Earrings

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

James Avery Texas charm
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief Efforts

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Kelly Osbourne Engagement Ring
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as Honey

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

Penny Preville Anniversary Bangles and Penny Preville
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry Design

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Exterior shot of Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler in Bellevue, Washington
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

LVMH chairman and CEO of the Americas Michael Burke
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the Americas

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

A calligraphy sculptural ring made in 18-karat Fairtrade gold (Photo by: Jamie Trounce)
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy