From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Alrosa Joins De Beers’ Blockchain Platform
This means that the world’s two largest diamond producers are now on board with “Tracr,” which aims to track diamonds from mine to market.

London—The world’s two largest diamond producers have joined forces in an effort to trace diamonds from mine to market.
De Beers Group announced this week that rival Alrosa has signed on to participate in Tracr, the end-to-end diamond industry blockchain platform currently in development by De Beers and other industry stakeholders.
Blockchain is the technology behind bitcoin that’s rapidly being applied to supply chains across numerous industries. It is a secure digital ledger that’s decentralized, meaning it exists across multiple computers and servers and is not owned by any one user or organization.
De Beers’ Tracr blockchain for diamonds launched early this year and has since recruited major players to join, such as Signet Jewelers, which was the first retailer to take part in the pilot program.
De Beers and its partners believe that the traceability accomplished with blockchain will improve consumer and trade confidence in mined diamonds, as buyers will have proof that the stones they’re purchasing are natural, authentic and come from a conflict-free area.
“We believe tracing requires industry cooperation and complementation for the sake of a common goal.” – Alrosa CEO Sergey IvanovDe Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver said in the press release announcing Alrosa’s participation: “We are delighted that Alrosa has joined the Tracr pilot, as the collective efforts of the world’s two leading diamond producers will enable more of the world’s diamonds to be tracked on their journey from mine to retail. Having a critical level of production on the platform will deliver significant benefits for consumers and diamond industry participants.”
Alrosa CEO Sergey Ivanov said Alrosa is glad to participate in testing Tracr, along with other market solutions; the Gemological Institute of America announced last week that Alrosa is piloting its M2M tracing system.
“We believe tracing requires industry cooperation and complementation for the sake of a common goal,” Ivanov said.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.






















