CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
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.
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
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
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.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
EditorsMar 30, 2026
Tom Moses Looks Back on His Decades at GIA Moses, who will leave the lab in May after nearly 50 years, discusses his start in the business, gemstones that stand out, and what’s next.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
