TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SourcingJan 26, 2018
De Beers Piloting Blockchain Platform for Diamonds
Blockchain is a technology that’s poised to transform industries in the coming years, and De Beers wants diamonds to be one of them.
De Beers just launched a pilot blockchain program for the diamond supply chain. Blockchain is the technology behind bitcoin and also is now being employed by banks, as well as in real estate and music streaming.
New York--Blockchain is a technology that’s poised to transform industries in the coming years, and De Beers wants diamonds to be one of them.
Last week, the diamond miner and marketer announced it has launched a pilot blockchain program for diamonds in partnership with BCG Digital Ventures, a subsidiary of Boston Consulting Group that’s investing heavily in blockchain.
Best known as the technology behind bitcoin, blockchain is a secure digital ledger that is decentralized, meaning it exists across multiple computers and servers and is not owned by any one user or organization.
For the diamond industry, De Beers’s David Prager said it will be used to register each interaction with a stone—like when it is cut at factory or graded at a lab—that then becomes part of the “block” of information about that particular diamond as it passes through the supply chain.
Each block must be validated by the blockchain community before it is added to the digital ledger.
When “chained” together, these individual blocks will form a digital record for each diamond.
Though it is being developed by De Beers, Prager said the diamond blockchain will be accessible by all industry participants, but will not include lab-grown diamonds.
“This is a diamond blockchain to record a diamond’s journey as it passes through the full value chain,” he said. “It is not for other products, whether they be lab-grown, precious metals or simulants. This means that the diamond blockchain will be able to provide the industry and consumers with clear and unambiguous assurance that their diamond is natural.”
It will be governed by an independent, nonprofit organization, the details of which are still being worked out.
A key focus of the pilot program is making the blockchain compatible for a range of operating systems for computers and phones.
When asked which companies will shoulder the extra cost blockchain will bring to the supply pipeline, Prager said De Beers is making the initial investment in blockchain because it believes it’s important for the diamond industry and that, ultimately, the efficiencies it will create in the supply chain will reduce the cost of doing business for many users.
Last week, the diamond miner and marketer announced it has launched a pilot blockchain program for diamonds in partnership with BCG Digital Ventures, a subsidiary of Boston Consulting Group that’s investing heavily in blockchain.
Best known as the technology behind bitcoin, blockchain is a secure digital ledger that is decentralized, meaning it exists across multiple computers and servers and is not owned by any one user or organization.
For the diamond industry, De Beers’s David Prager said it will be used to register each interaction with a stone—like when it is cut at factory or graded at a lab—that then becomes part of the “block” of information about that particular diamond as it passes through the supply chain.
Each block must be validated by the blockchain community before it is added to the digital ledger.
When “chained” together, these individual blocks will form a digital record for each diamond.
Though it is being developed by De Beers, Prager said the diamond blockchain will be accessible by all industry participants, but will not include lab-grown diamonds.
“This is a diamond blockchain to record a diamond’s journey as it passes through the full value chain,” he said. “It is not for other products, whether they be lab-grown, precious metals or simulants. This means that the diamond blockchain will be able to provide the industry and consumers with clear and unambiguous assurance that their diamond is natural.”
It will be governed by an independent, nonprofit organization, the details of which are still being worked out.
A key focus of the pilot program is making the blockchain compatible for a range of operating systems for computers and phones.
When asked which companies will shoulder the extra cost blockchain will bring to the supply pipeline, Prager said De Beers is making the initial investment in blockchain because it believes it’s important for the diamond industry and that, ultimately, the efficiencies it will create in the supply chain will reduce the cost of doing business for many users.
“We are very excited about this initiative and the benefits it could deliver across the diamond value chain, from producers through to retailers and consumers.”–De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver
Having a Blockchain for diamonds would serve several purposes that De Beers and other players undoubtedly see as critical to the industry at this juncture.
First, keeping track of stones from mine to market allows the people who sell them to comfortably say this diamond is what it’s being presented as—for example mined, not lab-grown—and comes from an area of the world currently free of conflict.
First, keeping track of stones from mine to market allows the people who sell them to comfortably say this diamond is what it’s being presented as—for example mined, not lab-grown—and comes from an area of the world currently free of conflict.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Secondly, having a product that is traceable is more attractive to banks, which have been exiting the industry in great numbers due to concerns about diamonds being tied to money laundering.
“We are very excited about this initiative and the benefits it could deliver across the diamond value chain, from producers through to retailers and consumers,” De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver said. “We look forward to continuing to engage with industry stakeholders as we progress development of the platform over the coming months.”
De Beers said its pilot blockchain program involves a “small number of participants.” While it isn’t disclosing company names, it said the partners “span the diamond value chain” and do include some sightholders.
A full launch is expected to take place later this year.
De Beers executives were in New York ahead of the Gem Awards and 24 Karat Club events last week pitching their blockchain project to the broader industry, including members of the U.S. Jewelry Council, a group of trade organizations that work together to ensure U.S. representation on responsible sourcing issues at the governmental and international levels.
Among those in attendance was Ronnie VanderLinden, president of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA), who said, “While this is still at an early stage of development, De Beers’s willingness to cooperate with and seek advice from all industry participants bodes well for successful development and implementation of this initiative. We look forward to continuing to work with them as it develops so we can make sure our members stand to see maximum benefit.”
De Beers has launched a website specifically for blockchain, which includes a section where visitors can sign up to receive updates as the project moves along.
While the miner and marketer works on developing a blockchain specifically for diamonds, a separate effort is underway to apply the technology to the colored gemstone supply chain.
Swiss gem lab Gübelin announced earlier this month that it is working with technology company Everledger to develop a program that will trace colored gemstones from mine to market, which it says will be the first of its kind.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
