Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
Cecilia Gardner stepping down from the WDC
Jewelers Vigilance Committee President Cecilia Gardner is leaving her post as general counsel of the World Diamond Council, the organization that represents the diamond industry in the Kimberley Process.
Luanda, Angola--Cecilia Gardner is leaving her post as general counsel of the World Diamond Council, National Jeweler has learned.
In an email sent from Angola Friday where she was attending the Kimberley Process intersessional meeting, Gardner, who’s also president of the U.S.’s Jewelers Vigilance Committee, said “very positive reasons” fueled her decision to step down after 15 years.
“The association has matured, has professional staff (and) better engagement by the members in the substantive work of the KP,” she said.
The WDC is the body that represents the diamond industry in the KP, the process formed to stem the flow of “blood” or “conflict” diamonds into the trade. It is headed by President Edward Asscher and, late last year, hired its first full-time salaried executive director, Patricia Syvrud.
In a separate email, Asscher said that Gardner received “warm words of praise” from the KP chair at the intersessional for her work over the years with the Kimberley Process. He said the WDC plans to appoint a new counsel.
Gardner has been involved with the KP since its inception in 2000. She remains the general counsel to the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority Institute.
News of Gardner’s resignation came as the KP closed out the first of its two major annual meetings, its intersessional.
Among the issues the KP is debating this year is its leadership, as its member nations remain divided on naming a vice chair for 2015.
When the KP’s 2014 plenary meeting ended in Guangzhou, China, nations including Russia, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo backed the election of the United Arab Emirates as vice chair, while the United States, Israel, Canada and Botswana voted for Australia.
As a complete consensus is needed for the KP to make any decisions, it has been operating without a vice chair this year.
Asscher said the KP will elect a chair and vice chair for 2016 at its plenary meeting in the fall.
Other issues discussed at the intersessional, according to Asscher, include preparing a monitoring system for the Central African Republic. The Central African Republic was suspended from the KP in May 2013 when news surfaced that rebels had used proceeds from diamond sales to take control of the government.
The KP’s next major meeting, its plenary, is scheduled to take place in November in Angola.
The Latest

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.


Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.

The red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.

The manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.

The jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.

The Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.