Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2023
Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.
TrendsMar 08, 2016
Federal agency seeks to all but ban ivory trade
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to severely tighten regulations on the trade in African elephant ivory and, while there are a few exemptions, they may not extend to jewelry.
Reston, Va.--New regulations proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) could make it illegal under federal law to commercially sell, transfer or deliver African elephant ivory, and while exemptions are included in the proposal, they may not extend to jewelry.
In a proposal released in late July, the FWS stated that it wants to prohibit the “sale, or offer for sale, of ivory in interstate or foreign commerce and delivery, receipt, carrying, transport or shipment of ivory in interstate or foreign commerce in the course of a commercial activity.”
There are, however, exceptions to the regulations, two of which concern--but may not include--jewelry.
The de minimus exemption is for items that contain a limited amount of ivory that is not the primary driver of the item’s value. The FWS provides a list of criteria an item must meet to be included in this exemption, such as the total weight of the ivory component being less than 200 grams and the ivory not being raw in nature. Examples include objects such as knife handles, insulators on old tea pots and the ivory veneer on a piano with a full set of ivory keys.
The FWS lists examples of items it does not expect to meet the de minimus exception, among them “ivory earrings or a pendant with metal fittings” and “figurines, netsukes (small sculptural objects) and jewelry.”
Also, Sara Yood, assistant general counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, points out that, “The clause is set up as an ‘and’ clause, not an ‘or’ clause, meaning that an item must meet all of the criteria in order to qualify for an exemption. So a piece of ivory jewelry would need to meet all of the criteria in order to qualify.”
The FWS’ proposal also includes an antique exemption, which ivory jewelry may fall under if it is old enough.
This exemption pertains to “bona fide antiques,” meaning items that are 100 years old or older; are composed in whole or in part of an Endangered Species Act-listed species but have not been repaired or modified with any such species after December 27, 1973; and are being or were imported through an endangered species “antique port.”
“A seller would need to be able to affirmatively prove all of the above, with documentation, in order to sell an antique (ivory) piece,” Yood said.
The fact that the federal
government is looking to severely restrict the trade in African elephant ivory comes as no surprise. Poachers are killing off the species at an alarming rate to feed international demand for ivory, and governments worldwide are moving to protect the animals by limiting ivory sales. Ivory bans already are in place in New Jersey and New York.
The FWS currently is soliciting comments on its proposal restricting the sale of African elephant ivory. Comments can be submitted here from now through Sept. 28.
The American Society of Appraisers said it plans to file comment with the FWS regarding the proposed regulations though further details on those comments were not available by press time.
More on Trends
The Latest
MajorsMar 31, 2023
Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next YearJeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.
AuctionsMar 31, 2023
Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar NecklaceArtisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
MajorsMar 31, 2023
JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board ChairmanAs for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.
Weekly QuizMar 31, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
WatchesMar 30, 2023
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its DebutJacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.
AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at AuctionHeidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
MajorsMar 30, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major MilestoneThe jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.
SurveysMar 30, 2023
NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off WorkersThe retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter SmithAs part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel WatchAt Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS CertificationThe “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and AffirmationsA new word appears on the dial each day of the week.
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North AmericaKolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood AuctionThe Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail OperationsMassimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock SummitAGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail EnvironmentThe watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COOAdam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a LookThe watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.
