GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
Policies & IssuesApr 16, 2019
State Dept. Warns of Possible Enhanced Sourcing Regulations
The federal government is looking to require a declaration of origin or provenance for every piece of finished jewelry or jewelry component imported into the United States.
New York—Representatives from the U.S. Department of State met with a coalition of industry leaders Monday in New York to put them on notice about possible new regulations that would impact all jewelry imports.
According to those who attended the meeting, who asked not to be named, the department is looking to require a declaration of origin or provenance for every piece of finished jewelry or jewelry component imported into the United States, including precious metals, diamonds and all colored gemstones.
As one industry leader in attendance at the meeting put it: “Whatever you can name, you can put a check mark next to it.”
The new requirements are a reaction to intelligence that indicates that minerals, including gemstones and precious metals, are being used to fund what State Department officials described as “maligned regimes” worldwide.
About 25 leaders from organizations including Jewelers of America, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the Diamond Manufactures and Importers Association of America, the American Gem Trade Association and the Diamond Dealers Club New York attended Monday’s meeting, which took place at the State Department’s request.
They said jewelry is just one industry the federal government is looking to monitor more closely for ties to money laundering and terrorism, though it has been flagged as a “high priority” for increased monitoring.
The State Department wants to “enhance” the Kimberley Process, which they view as “inadequate,” particularly in light of the fact the KP has not voted to broaden the definition of a “conflict” or “blood” diamond to include human rights abuses by governments and/or security firms.
The issue came up for a vote in 2012, the year the U.S. chaired the process, but ultimately did not pass and since has failed to regain much traction, leading some to label the process as “irrelevant.”
While such regulations would have a tremendous impact on the jewelry industry in the United States, which sources the vast of majority of its materials from overseas, there are few details available at this point, including when—or even if—the regulations will go into effect, what they will entail for jewelry importers and how they will be enforced.
Those who attended Monday’s meeting said they will share more details as they become available.
In the meantime, they recommended suppliers and jewelers ensure they follow all existing sourcing requirements, including the Clean Diamond Act, the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties and the KP, and
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
that their anti-money laundering (AML) programs are up-to-date and active.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising ProgramRetailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
SourcingJan 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House To Debut Lightning Ridge Opal CollectionThe wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
