IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2020
New Event to Promote African Gems Planned for Summer
The Africa Gem Exhibition and Conference is slated for July 23 to 25 in Livingstone, Zambia.
Livingstone, Zambia—A new event to promote the responsible sourcing of gemstones from Africa has been planned for the summer.
The Africa Gem Exhibition and Conference is slated for July 23 to 25 at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia.
It will bring together a range of stakeholders from various African governments, miners representing small scale and large companies, civil society, associations and academics.
They will discuss policy in the gemstone supply chain, encourage ideas to promote and incentivize value addition of gemstones, enhance Africa’s visibility as a gem-producing hub and feature discussions on the responsible sourcing of gold and diamonds from the continent.
It also will provide a marketplace for miners, dealers and jewelers to buy and sell gemstones and jewelry.
Conference Director Monica Gichuhi said event organizers are collaborating with the Zambian Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development to allow for easy importation and exportation of goods for the event.
She also noted they’ve partnered with GIA to offer an introductory course on gemology during the event as well as training on gem identification and valuation using the guidebook designed by the lab for artisanal and small-scale miners.
One day also will include basic training on jewelry making from U.S. jewelers attending the conference.
There also will be a gem cutting competition, open to all African lapidaries and gem cutters who want to showcase their expertise.
Organizers are working with the Gemstone Processing and Lapidary Training Centre in Zambia to help coordinate the competition in collaboration with Inonge Zita Jewelers, which specializes in sourcing and cutting stones from Zambia.
Gichuhi said they would like to gift the winner with relevant equipment or a machine to help develop their skills and work but still seek a donation to assist with that.
AGEC has been organized in partnership with the Association of Zambia Women in Mining, Federation of Small-Scale Miners of Zambia and the Zambian Government as well as the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference.
There are multiple tiers of pricing based on involvement and residence. For more information or to buy tickets, visit AGECAfrica.com.
“The speakers that we are able to get in Zambia due to the location brings our global dialogue on responsible jewelry industry to a new level of communication and cooperation,” said Susan Wheeler, a jewelry designer and founder and CEO of the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference.
“Civil society leaders, those in the government of source countries and the
NGOs operating on the ground as well as women miners, various AWIMA associations and of course jewelry designers all come together to drive the industry towards the SDG.”
The Nomad Jeweler, meanwhile, is organizing a trip to tour mines in Zambia after the conference.
The Livingstone (Victoria Falls) Gemstone Tour will run from July 25-29; participants will transfer from the Avani resort to The David Livingstone Lodge and Spa for the duration of the stay.
Days will be spent visiting local amethyst and emerald mines, meeting with miners, visiting local schools and community projects, going on safari and more.
The price of the package, which includes the conference, will be available soon. For more information, contact info@thenomadjeweler.com.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on March 6 to reflect additional information about a trip related to the conference.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
