Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
New African Gem Fair Postponed Until 2021
The inaugural Africa Gem Exhibition and Conference in Zambia was originally slated for this summer and then postponed until the fall.

Livingstone, Zambia—The inaugural Africa Gem Exhibition and Conference will now be held in 2021.
The event originally was planned for July 23 to 25, 2020, at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia, and then organizers announced this spring their intentions to push it back to October.
Now, as the coronavirus pandemic continues, organizers said they will reschedule the event for next year, “with a lot of optimism that normalcy will have resumed in the world by then,” they said in an email announcement.
AGEC was designed to bring together a range of stakeholders from various African governments, miners representing small scale and large companies, civil society, associations and academics.
When it’s held, the conference will include discussions about policy in the gemstone supply chain, how to enhance Africa’s visibility as a gem-producing hub and responsible sourcing, among other things.
The event also will provide a marketplace for miners, dealers and jewelers to buy and sell gemstones and jewelry, introductory gemology courses and training for gem identification and jewelry making.
AGEC has been organized in partnership with the Association of Zambia Women in Mining, Federation of Small-Scale Miners of Zambia, the Zambian Government and the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference.
They are encouraging those interested to continue to register for sponsorship, exhibiting or attendance through the AGEC website.
The Latest

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.


The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

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.

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.

A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.

The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”

Sapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Sponsored by Clientbook

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.