CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SourcingJun 09, 2016
Kimberley Process OKs Exports from One Area of CAR
Shipments of rough diamonds from the Berbérati area of the Central African Republic have resumed on the recommendation of a KP monitoring team.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--The Kimberley Process has OK’ed the resumption of rough diamond exports from one area of the Central African Republic.
Decided at the recently concluded KP intersessional in Dubai and formally announced by the KP Wednesday, the resumption comes at the recommendation of a KP monitoring team and is only for Berbérati, a mining area located in the southwestern part of the country.
The KP banned exports of rough diamonds from the entire Central African Republic back in May 2013 after rebels seized control of the country from then-President François Bozizé and evidence surfaced that these rebels were using sales of diamonds to fund their activities. Diamond mining, particularly alluvial (small-scale) operations, is one of the country’s main sources of revenue.
In July 2015, the KP agreed in principal that the Central African Republic could resume exports as long as it established “green zones” and put in place procedures to ensure their diamonds could be traced to areas defined as compliant zones. A green or compliant zone is one that is free of conflict and, moreover, one where it is known that diamond revenues are not being funneled into the hands of rebel groups.
Earlier this spring, a KP monitoring team conducted an on-ground-assessment of the Berbérati zone. There, they found that the area was conflict free and that rebels were not in control of any part of the diamond production or trade.
“I am pleased to announce that our combined efforts have resulted in CAR resuming its diamond exports through its first ‘green zone’ in Berbérati,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who is chairing the KP for the United Arab Emirates, the nation tapped to lead the process in 2016. “We must also thank the CAR monitoring team, CAR authorities and industry participants for their cooperation as this will ensure that traceable, conflict-free diamonds enter the supply chain, as well as ultimately enhance the livelihood of the country’s 4 million people, of whom 500,000 are directly involved in mining.”
Alan Martin of Partnership Africa Canada, the organization that serves as the coordinating body for the KP’s Civil Society Coalition, said the coalition was part of the KP’s monitoring team and agreed to the partial lifting after one of its members participated in the on-the-ground assessment.
However, he noted that the coalition will “continue to remain vigilant that diamonds from other non-compliant zones do not contaminate the Berbérati exports.” Brad
Brooks-Rubin expressed the same concern in an editorial on the Central African Republic published on National Jeweler in April.
The KP’s civil society coalition, which is comprised of a total of 11 organizations, is boycotting formal KP meetings in the UAE this year over its objection to the UAE’s election as KP chair, but it has not stepped away from involvement in the process entirely.
The KP’s civil society coalition, which is comprised of a total of 11 organizations, is boycotting formal KP meetings in the UAE this year over its objection to the UAE’s election as KP chair, but it has not stepped away from involvement in the process entirely.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
