EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, MontanaAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
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
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite EarringsFordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley AwardGilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.
Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-ShopLocated in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to AccountAs the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New YorkThe industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersThe nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.
IndependentsSep 08, 2025
Take a Look Inside the New Korman Store in AustinThe Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s UmbrellaThe two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron JewelsThe single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.
Events & AwardsSep 08, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
