SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff ConcernsWhat’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
OtherJul 29, 2014
Appointments: Diamond exchange names director
The Panama Diamond Exchange has appointed industry veteran Dirk Blommaert, who has held positions in the Antwerp diamond industry and with the Baselworld fair, as its business development director.
New York--The Panama Diamond Exchange has appointed industry veteran Dirk Blommaert, who has held positions in the Antwerp diamond industry and with the Baselworld fair, as its business development director.
In his new role, Blommaert will be responsible for advancing the position of the Panama Gem & Jewelry Center across the globe, and especially in the Latin American markets, as the region’s principal trading center for diamonds, colored gems and jewelry.
He already has trips scheduled to Brazil from Aug. 4 to 10 and to Argentina from Aug. 11 to 14, as well as trips scheduled for Colombia in September, Mexico in October, and Bolivia in November, among others.
He previously served as international events manager of what’s now known as the Antwerp World Diamond Council, during which time he introduced the Antwerp Diamond Pavilions at jewelry trade shows around the world.
After setting up his own company, Blommaert served for 10 years as the business development consultant for Baselworld, and also has served as a consultant on various projects including the International Gem Tower in New York.
More recently, his focus has been on developing business-to-business events for Antwerp diamond companies under the “Antwerp Comes To You First” umbrella.
--------
D’Orazio & Associates has announced that it is now representing fine jewelry brands Lydia Courteille and Pasquale Bruni.
After years of being an antiques dealer, Paris-based designer Lydia Courteille started redesigning the heirloom cameos of her friends as rings, embellished with the 18th century gemstones that she had collected. After gaining in popularity both in Paris and abroad, Courteille launched her own label of intricately designed pieces.
Pasquale Bruni, meanwhile, started his company in 1976 and since has added his children Eugenia and Daniele Bruni as creative director of the brand and company gemologist, respectively. The brand creates a distinctive, unconventional look through the use of diamonds, sapphires, rubies, topaz and tourmaline.
--------
The Occupational Health & Safety Advisory Services recently granted Advanced Chemical the OHSAS 18001 status, a process which the OHS system to control occupational health and safety risks.
From now through 2017, the OHSAS certification confirms the company’s mission to provide a safe and supportive environment for its employees and visitors at its full-service previous metals refinery. Advanced Chemical said that the certificate also gives them a competitive advantage as its increases customer confidence and sets and industry standard for health and safety.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
With OHSAS 18001 systems, Advanced Chemical achieves safety management, avoids health and safety risks, improves Health, Safety, and Environment performance, and lowers costs by reducing incidents and employee downtime due to injury or illness.
More on Other
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and FocusNow called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian EmeraldsIt includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue BookThe “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
