CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
MajorsMay 03, 2018
These Rings Were Tracked Through Blockchain
The diamond engagement rings are the product of an initiative called TrustChain, the result of a collaboration between a group of jewelry companies and IBM.
This is one of the six TrustChain engagement ring styles, all of which feature 14-karat white or yellow gold mined in South Dakota and diamonds from Rio Tinto. The ring will be sold at select Helzberg Diamonds stores beginning this fall.
New York—A group of Berkshire Hathaway-owned jewelry companies has partnered with UL, IBM and Asahi Refining to produce what they say is the first cross-industry initiative to produce finished pieces of jewelry traced from mine to market using blockchain.
The initiative, announced last week, is called TrustChain and is being launched with six gold and diamond engagement rings tracked via the IBM Blockchain Platform, which is delivered via the IBM Cloud.
Blockchains are digital ledgers that are decentralized, meaning they exist across multiple computers and servers; they’re not housed on any one computer or server, or owned by any one user or organization.
They are used by companies or groups of companies to record the history of transactions in a manner said to be more secure and allow for complete transparency. Transactions are recorded as individual “blocks” that are then “chained” together to show the complete record of transactions.
Each blockchain, whether it’s for UPS, Walmart or British Airways, is accessible only by permitted parties, and each block must be validated by the parties before it is added to the digital ledger.
De Beers is working with Boston Consulting Group on a blockchain initiative for tracing diamonds from mine to market, while Gübelin Gem Lab has partnered with Everledger to develop one for colored gemstones.
The TrustChain initiative, however, is the only one so far for a finished piece of jewelry with multiple components.
Mark Hanna, chief marketing officer for The Richline Group, which is manufacturing and distributing the initial TrustChain rings, said the initiative is important for the industry as it seeks to “raise the collective responsibility and provenance practices to new heights.”
The diamonds provided for the proof of concept came from Rio Tinto’s mines in Australia and Canada, and the gold from the Coeur Wharf Mine in South Dakota.
The raw gold was processed and refined at Asahi Refining in Salt Lake City, Utah, with LeachGarner transforming the gold bars into 14-karat white and yellow gold casting grain and sending it to Richline’s manufacturing facility in India.
The finished rings were returned to the United States via the Richline distribution center in Florida before being shipped to North Kansas City, Missouri-based Helzberg Diamonds. (Richline, LeachGarner and Helzberg are all owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s holding company.)
UL provided third-party verification of each transaction along the way.
Hanna said while they started with Canadian diamonds, U.S. gold and manufacturing at Richline’s facility in India for proof of concept, plans call for expansion of TrustChain in the future, incorporating more mines and manufacturers and making the jewelry available to additional retailers.
The initiative, announced last week, is called TrustChain and is being launched with six gold and diamond engagement rings tracked via the IBM Blockchain Platform, which is delivered via the IBM Cloud.
Blockchains are digital ledgers that are decentralized, meaning they exist across multiple computers and servers; they’re not housed on any one computer or server, or owned by any one user or organization.
They are used by companies or groups of companies to record the history of transactions in a manner said to be more secure and allow for complete transparency. Transactions are recorded as individual “blocks” that are then “chained” together to show the complete record of transactions.
Each blockchain, whether it’s for UPS, Walmart or British Airways, is accessible only by permitted parties, and each block must be validated by the parties before it is added to the digital ledger.
De Beers is working with Boston Consulting Group on a blockchain initiative for tracing diamonds from mine to market, while Gübelin Gem Lab has partnered with Everledger to develop one for colored gemstones.
The TrustChain initiative, however, is the only one so far for a finished piece of jewelry with multiple components.
Mark Hanna, chief marketing officer for The Richline Group, which is manufacturing and distributing the initial TrustChain rings, said the initiative is important for the industry as it seeks to “raise the collective responsibility and provenance practices to new heights.”
The diamonds provided for the proof of concept came from Rio Tinto’s mines in Australia and Canada, and the gold from the Coeur Wharf Mine in South Dakota.
The raw gold was processed and refined at Asahi Refining in Salt Lake City, Utah, with LeachGarner transforming the gold bars into 14-karat white and yellow gold casting grain and sending it to Richline’s manufacturing facility in India.
The finished rings were returned to the United States via the Richline distribution center in Florida before being shipped to North Kansas City, Missouri-based Helzberg Diamonds. (Richline, LeachGarner and Helzberg are all owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s holding company.)
UL provided third-party verification of each transaction along the way.
Hanna said while they started with Canadian diamonds, U.S. gold and manufacturing at Richline’s facility in India for proof of concept, plans call for expansion of TrustChain in the future, incorporating more mines and manufacturers and making the jewelry available to additional retailers.
“This pilot was done particularly to try to move product globally and … create a worldwide model that we could follow,” he said.
The Berkshire Hathaway companies, along with Asahi and UL, have been working with IBM on the TrustChain project since the beginning of 2017.
The TrustChain rings are set to go on sale at Helzberg in the fall, with the exact number of stores that will carry the rings still being determined.
Also still up in the air is how it will be marketed, packaged, presented in stores and explained by sales associates to the end consumer.
The Berkshire Hathaway companies, along with Asahi and UL, have been working with IBM on the TrustChain project since the beginning of 2017.
The TrustChain rings are set to go on sale at Helzberg in the fall, with the exact number of stores that will carry the rings still being determined.
Also still up in the air is how it will be marketed, packaged, presented in stores and explained by sales associates to the end consumer.
All six ring styles created for the TrustChain initiative
As far as pricing on the rings goes, Helzberg Diamonds Chief Merchandising Officer Julie Yoakum said the retailer “does not anticipate putting a premium on TrustChain product,” meaning that the rings tracked through blockchain are not expected to be more expensive for consumers than comparable pieces.
The FAQ section of the TrustChain website says when consumers buy a TrustChain ring, they will receive a “permanent digital record” of that ring’s journey through the supply chain. If that sounds like a familiar concept, it’s because Richline has done a program like TrustChain before.
More than a decade ago, Aurafin (and, later, Richline) worked with Walmart and Pam Mortensen, who then was heading the retailer’s fine jewelry department, to launch a line called “Love, Earth.”
Each person who bought a piece could go to a now-defunct website, LoveEarthInfo.com, to see on a map where the gold was mined and the piece was manufactured.
It was a pioneering program in jewelry traceability, predating the formation of the Responsible Jewellery Council, Forevermark’s launch in the United States and most certainly blockchain.
“This is how we (Richline) got to blockchain, from Love, Earth,” Hanna said, though he noted the technology used for Love, Earth back in 2006, called string, was much less sophisticated and more manual.
“We’re really going to be bringing back the program with a lot more documentation and a lot more touchpoints. The blockchain is kind of string on steroids.”
Hanna said from Richline’s perspective, there are additional costs involved in using blockchain in the short term, but the company anticipates those will be offset in the long term by the efficiencies it will create.
He also said he expects that in a year or two, the TrustChain initiative and the other blockchain pilots currently underway in the industry, from De Beers/Boston Consulting to Gübelin/Everledger, will be able to communicate and work together.
More on Majors
The Latest
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
