EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
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.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
