The agreement will allocate an increasing proportion of the country’s rough diamonds to the government of Botswana over the next decade.
Sourcing
![The World Federation of Diamond Bourses recently debuted “Moments,” a new social media campaign to promote natural diamonds. (Photo courtesy of WFDB) WFDB Moments campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/de0f8e04ae7607b5c0002fc2920d3469.jpg)
The “Moments” social media campaign emphasizes the emotional ties between natural diamonds and life’s special milestones.
The moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.
Latest in Sourcing
![Navneet Gems and Minerals launched its sapphire collection at the recent GJX Tucson show, offering both calibrated and single stones. Navneet montana sapphire](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b94bedb15dd33b9bde58b3512d35e75a.jpg)
The wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.
![The board of Namib Desert Diamonds has suspended CEO Alisa Amupolo, Chief Operations Officer Uahoroka Kauta, and Security Manager Paulinus Sheyapo following the Jan. 18 armed robbery at its headquarters in Windhoek, Namibia. Namdia rough diamonds](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/646f7cf1bdc05c5291f437fafef5a8f1.jpg)
Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.
![Shree Ramkrishna Exports announced on International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day, which is observed every Jan. 28, that when it comes to manufacturing natural diamonds, its greenhouse gas emissions are now 30 percent below the industry average. Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) diamonds](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/dbb4c606f1e07f6c1dbdee480598d03f.jpg)
Late last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.
![Header Image.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1555783e83d2a9c8f7b7545155d28368.jpg)
This year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.
![Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who won the men’s 200 meters at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, is now a global brand ambassador for De Beers Group. (Photo courtesy of De Beers Group) Olympic gold medalist and De Beers ambassador Letsile Tebogo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/559d087dc0cf60401f532a844d62c1ba.jpg)
Letsile Tebogo will help to promote natural diamonds and the good they have done for his country.
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![Jemora Gemhouse is the latest venture to be led by Dev Shetty, the founder and ex-CEO of sapphire and emerald miner Fura Gems. Jemora Gemhouse](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6fe59576d2f4cff53d7c65fc03abfd08.jpg)
Jemora Gemhouse’s inaugural auction, slated for March, will take place in Dubai and feature polished sapphires.
![A selection of gemstones from Anza Gems, one of several brands that will be exhibiting at the Ethical Gem Fair, set to take place Feb. 1-4 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Tucson, Arizona. Ethical Gem Fair Tucson Anza Gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/17354bbb490b83594dd3eced3a88f404.jpg)
The gemstone show is slated to take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
![Top Image.png](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/17d84393fb1ce78143e2cc3ca59f2af5.png)
Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
![RapNet and AGTA have announced the new Gemstone Trading Network, a colored gem trading platform set to launch at AGTA GemFair Tucson next month. Gemstone Trading Network by RapNet and AGTA](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4cde47e12b5da7c38b683e4e8eb627c8.jpg)
The online diamond and jewelry marketplace has expanded, introducing a new platform dedicated to colored gemstone trading.
![Roy Safit is the new CEO of The Fancy Color Research Foundation. Fancy Color Research Foundation](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1e8ceddf492014ef16be12effbcb842f.jpg)
Roy Safit took over the role on Jan. 1.
![Gemstone dealer and jewelry content creator Julia Hackman Chafé, and Monica Elias, founder of Elias World Media, have joined Diamonds Do Good’s board of directors. Diamonds Do Good](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/484d899ac51ab495b24e0bd3d9c42fb2.jpg)
Julia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
![The government of Zambia has reinstated a 15 percent export tax on precious gemstones, a move that came as a surprise to Gemfields. The London-based miner has said it plans to lobby against the change. Gemfields emeralds](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/011e7325b2bbe191d87bd428f67a99b1.jpg)
Gemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
![De Beers Group and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council have partnered to promote natural diamonds in India. From left to right are Paul Rowley, executive vice president of diamond trading at De Beers Group; Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands; Vipul Shah, chairman of GJEPC; and Kirit Bhansali, vice chairman of GJEPC. Paul Rowley, Sandrine Conseiller, Vipul Shah, and Kirit Bhansali](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/5c9e121dc977a6e32dc496ee4ff1c666.jpg)
The pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
![Reena Ahluwalia’s new project “Diamond Trails” comprises five stories, each with a painting depicting the spirit of the narrative. Proceeds from the sales will benefit charities. Diamond Trails Reena Ahluwalia](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4f50732b483076e9bc15488f7fe4f34c.jpg)
The artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
![Columbia Gem House will debut calibrated opals created in collaboration with Cheal Opal at AGTA GemFair Tucson, slated for Feb. 3-9 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. calibrated Lightning Ridge opals](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cfac8329861dedbae43a676d3ed87667.jpg)
The wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
![On Dec. 24, Gemfields temporarily shut down operations at its Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique after two days of violence near and on the premises. Gemfields rough rubies](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7f537109f413b98e39bd7c69199044c8.jpg)
The miner temporarily halted operations on Dec. 24 following an invasion at the mine.
![Manoj Bhandari of RMC Gems Inc. is IDCA’s new president. Manoj Bhandari](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/26898488491221ac1b20a901822a6fb8.jpg)
Manoj Bhandari, a principal of RMC Gems Inc., is the new president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association.
![Gemfields will temporarily suspend mining at its Kagem emerald mine in Zambia as part of its plans to trim costs and streamline its business. Gemfields emeralds](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7e036b3dad220eeda199ed9e92bcca38.jpg)
The move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
![This 2,488-carat rough diamond recovered from the Karowe mine in August now has a name, “Motswedi,” which in Setswana means a stream of underground water that rises to the surface. (Photo courtesy of Lucara Diamond Corp.) 2488-carat diamond found in Botswana](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/94a228cedbeba985e3101ced088bf84c.jpg)
The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
![Gemfields achieved $46 million, with an average price per carat of $321.94, at its December mixed-quality rough ruby auction. Rough rubies](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/73cf23d959978bb4ea6e33f8e2465650.jpg)
The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
![Frank Circelli, the founder of Gem Shopping Network and president and owner of gemstone wholesale company Bellagem Inc., died last week at age 75. This photo of him was taken more than 20 years ago at the original Gem Shopping Network studio. (Photo courtesy of Bellagem Inc.) Frank Circelli](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/ca75dd71d85305b074f8e76ceab8c2d1.jpg)
Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
![The 2025 Diamonds Do Good Award honorees are, moving clockwise from top left, Claudia Cividino, who will receive the Retail Leadership and Innovation Award; Sissy’s Log Cabin, who will receive the Community Impact Award; Shri Govind Dholakia, who will receive The Good Award for Lifetime Achievement; and Tanishq, who will receive the Purpose-Driven Business Leadership Award. Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b6db69f788f1bfaeeeb131af5b9d60c3.jpg)
DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
![Grizzly Mining’s November mid- to high-grade emerald auction brought in $22.4 million. Grizzly emerald mining](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4b3d83f4b2b5afeb4adb65e1ff3ffc23.jpg)
Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
![The theme for the 2024 competition was “Luxury Redefined,” with entrants invited to design innovative, authentic, and inclusive versions of luxury, while celebrating diversity. Pictured here are models wearing pieces by the 12 winners. Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/410ef33a7e73d804e708d98ab51c6530.jpg)
The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
![Saul Fraiman, pictured fourth from right, started in the industry as a jewelry manufacturer’s apprentice before working as a supplier of small, fancy shaped stones and later designing his own jewelry with Julius Klein Group and Grandview Klein Diamond Group, pictured here. Grandview Klein Diamond Group Staff](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/070c19615b300b998fd1f859dccf21e5.jpg)
The fine jewelry designer, who came out of retirement in 2017, is putting down his sketchpad for good.
![Gemstone artist Glenn Lehrer, founder of Lehrer Designs Studio, died on Nov. 27 at age 71. Glenn Lehrer](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a75ec3f2a77e7e2f9d99c61bd51af918.jpg)
An innovative artist inspired by the natural world, Lehrer is remembered for being a visionary and a shining light.
![Gemfields’ latest high-quality emerald auction marked its 50th Kagem emerald auction since its first sale 15 years ago. Gemfields high-quality emeralds](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/077e454a920c83e5a63323ce7cfabbd7.jpg)
The miner said its November sale, which earned $16.1 million, felt the effect of competitive pricing by a rival Zambian producer.
Everyday
From market analysis to emerging jewelry trends, National Jeweler’s Daily Newsletter covers the most important industry news of the day.
Subscribe