CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
SourcingMay 01, 2018
De Beers to Begin Selling Artisanally Mined Diamonds
It’s partnering with the Diamond Development Initiative on a program using rough stones from Sierra Leone.
Ottawa, Ontario—De Beers and the Diamond Development Initiative have launched a program where the mining company will, if all goes according to plan, sell rough diamonds from artisanal and small-scale mining sites in Sierra Leone.
The Diamond Development Initiative, or DDI, is the Ottawa, Ontario-based non-governmental organization led by Dorothée Gizenga that has spent the past decade working to formalize the artisanal mining sector of diamonds in various parts of Africa in order to improve livelihoods and working conditions for the people mining diamonds there.
Called GemFair, the DDI-De Beers program is open only to miners who are certified as having met the DDI’s Maendeleo Diamond Standards—which include protecting the health and safety of miners, respecting human rights, excluding child labor and employing practices that are environmentally sustainable—as well as additional GemFair standards, and are working at approved mining sites.
Once certified, De Beers will supply the miners with a tablet loaded with a softw
are application that incorporates GPS locations and QR-coded “bag and tag” equipment. De Beers created the software so it works both online and off, and the hardware has been designed for use in “tough rural conditions;” it can, for example, be charged using solar energy.
In addition, miners will be trained on diamond classification so they understand the value of what they are selling.
The pre-pilot phase of GemFair launched last month and involved setting up a local presence in Sierra Leone, and working with DDI and registered mining sites to ensure standards are being met, that miners are trained on how to use the technology and that they understand diamond classification.
Once everything is place, GemFair will begin buying rough diamonds from participating miners (miners, however, are not under any obligation to sell their stones) and selling those stones via De Beers’ auction sales platform.
The goal is for rough to be available at a De Beers auction later this year.
DDI Executive Director Gizenga said the organization believes GemFair has the potential to “significantly transform” the artisanal mining sector by providing a secure route to market via a leading diamond company.
Located in West Africa, Sierra Leone was embroiled in a brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002 that was funded in large part by the sale of conflict or “blood” diamonds; 1990s Sierra Leone, in fact, was the setting for the 2006 movie “Blood Diamond.”
Today, the DDI said the government of Sierra Leone has made “significant advancements” in formalizing artisanal mining.
There are a number of artisanal mining sites in the country participating in the DDI’s Maendeleo Diamond Standards program. Last year, one of the country’s artisanal mining sites produced a 709-carat stone dubbed the “Peace Diamond,” which was sold via a much-publicized auction to Graff Diamonds for $6.5 million. The profits reportedly are to be divvied up to help the people of Sierra Leone.
De Beers said if the GemFair program works, the technology developed for it will be integrated with the blockchain platform it’s developing, allowing the artisanal mining sector to become a part of blockchain.
In addition, miners will be trained on diamond classification so they understand the value of what they are selling.
The pre-pilot phase of GemFair launched last month and involved setting up a local presence in Sierra Leone, and working with DDI and registered mining sites to ensure standards are being met, that miners are trained on how to use the technology and that they understand diamond classification.
Once everything is place, GemFair will begin buying rough diamonds from participating miners (miners, however, are not under any obligation to sell their stones) and selling those stones via De Beers’ auction sales platform.
The goal is for rough to be available at a De Beers auction later this year.
DDI Executive Director Gizenga said the organization believes GemFair has the potential to “significantly transform” the artisanal mining sector by providing a secure route to market via a leading diamond company.
Located in West Africa, Sierra Leone was embroiled in a brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002 that was funded in large part by the sale of conflict or “blood” diamonds; 1990s Sierra Leone, in fact, was the setting for the 2006 movie “Blood Diamond.”
Today, the DDI said the government of Sierra Leone has made “significant advancements” in formalizing artisanal mining.
There are a number of artisanal mining sites in the country participating in the DDI’s Maendeleo Diamond Standards program. Last year, one of the country’s artisanal mining sites produced a 709-carat stone dubbed the “Peace Diamond,” which was sold via a much-publicized auction to Graff Diamonds for $6.5 million. The profits reportedly are to be divvied up to help the people of Sierra Leone.
De Beers said if the GemFair program works, the technology developed for it will be integrated with the blockchain platform it’s developing, allowing the artisanal mining sector to become a part of blockchain.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
