Author: Steven Joseph

The CIBJO Coloured Stone Commission has released its fifth pre-Congress Special Report ahead of the 2026 CIBJO Congress, which will take place in Vicenza, Italy, from September 4. The report, prepared by Commission chairman Charles Abouchar, focuses on the terminology used to describe coloured gemstones and the need for language that reduces the potential for misunderstanding in the marketplace. “The ultimate goal remains protecting consumer confidence through the adoption of clear and descriptive language that transparently informs,” write Mr. Abouchar. A key issue addressed in the report is the terminology used for synthetic gemstones. The Coloured Stone Commission has decided…

The CIBJO Coloured Stone Commission has released its fifth pre-Congress Special Report ahead of the 2026 CIBJO Congress, which will take place in Vicenza, Italy, from September 4. The report, prepared by Commission chairman Charles Abouchar, focuses on the terminology used to describe coloured gemstones and the need for language that reduces the potential for misunderstanding in the marketplace. “The ultimate goal remains protecting consumer confidence through the adoption of clear and descriptive language that transparently informs,” write Mr. Abouchar. A key issue addressed in the report is the terminology used for synthetic gemstones. The Coloured Stone Commission has decided…

A ring purchased for £5 at a car boot sale has been identified as a 3.02 ct natural diamond set in 18 ct gold with an estimated value of £15,000 following an appraisal at a jewelry valuation event in Oxfordshire. The identification was made by WeBuyVintage gemologist Asha Nayak during a public valuation roadshow held at Seacourt Hall in Botley. The owner brought the ring to the event believing it to be costume jewelry, having bought it simply because she liked its appearance. Following examination, the piece was identified as a natural diamond ring with an estimated value of £15,000.…

A ring purchased for £5 at a car boot sale has been identified as a 3.02 ct natural diamond set in 18 ct gold with an estimated value of £15,000 following an appraisal at a jewelry valuation event in Oxfordshire. The identification was made by WeBuyVintage gemologist Asha Nayak during a public valuation roadshow held at Seacourt Hall in Botley. The owner brought the ring to the event believing it to be costume jewelry, having bought it simply because she liked its appearance. Following examination, the piece was identified as a natural diamond ring with an estimated value of £15,000.…

The 41st World Diamond Congress opened in Singapore on July 13, with industry leaders and government representatives from major diamond-producing countries calling for renewed efforts to build consumer demand for natural diamonds. Hosted by the Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES), the Congress is being held in Singapore for the first time since the 24th World Diamond Congress in 1988. The 2026 event runs from July 12 to 15 and brings together representatives from across the diamond trade. Opening the Congress, Fabio Cascapera, Chair of the Congress Organising Committee and President of DES, reflected on the changes the industry has experienced…

The 41st World Diamond Congress opened in Singapore on July 13, with industry leaders and government representatives from major diamond-producing countries calling for renewed efforts to build consumer demand for natural diamonds. Hosted by the Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES), the Congress is being held in Singapore for the first time since the 24th World Diamond Congress in 1988. The 2026 event runs from July 12 to 15 and brings together representatives from across the diamond trade. Opening the Congress, Fabio Cascapera, Chair of the Congress Organising Committee and President of DES, reflected on the changes the industry has experienced…

The CIBJO Diamond Commission has proposed that the 4Cs grading system should be used exclusively for natural diamonds and that “synthetic” should become the preferred term for diamonds produced through industrial processes. The proposal is contained in the fourth pre-Congress Special Report ahead of the 2026 CIBJO Congress, scheduled to take place in Vicenza, Italy, from September 4. The report was prepared by the Diamond Commission, headed by Udi Sheintal. Proposed Change to Terminology The report calls for CIBJO to reconsider its terminology for synthetic diamonds, with “synthetic” proposed as the preferred term rather than “laboratory-grown” or “laboratory-created”. CIBJO’s current…

The CIBJO Diamond Commission has proposed that the 4Cs grading system should be used exclusively for natural diamonds and that “synthetic” should become the preferred term for diamonds produced through industrial processes. The proposal is contained in the fourth pre-Congress Special Report ahead of the 2026 CIBJO Congress, scheduled to take place in Vicenza, Italy, from September 4. The report was prepared by the Diamond Commission, headed by Udi Sheintal. Proposed Change to Terminology The report calls for CIBJO to reconsider its terminology for synthetic diamonds, with “synthetic” proposed as the preferred term rather than “laboratory-grown” or “laboratory-created”. CIBJO’s current…

Mehul Shah, vice president of Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), has been elected president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), following a vote held during the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore. The election took place on July 12, with leaders from 21 diamond bourses participating in the vote. Shah was elected in the first round from a field of three candidates. Luigi Cosma, president of Borsa Diamanti d’Italia, and Philippe Barsamian of Antwerp were elected as vice presidents. The 41st World Diamond Congress was held in Singapore from July 12 to 15, bringing together representatives from across the…

Mehul Shah, vice president of Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), has been elected president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), following a vote held during the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore. The election took place on July 12, with leaders from 21 diamond bourses participating in the vote. Shah was elected in the first round from a field of three candidates. Luigi Cosma, president of Borsa Diamanti d’Italia, and Philippe Barsamian of Antwerp were elected as vice presidents. The 41st World Diamond Congress was held in Singapore from July 12 to 15, bringing together representatives from across the…

Russia retained its position as the world’s largest rough diamond producer by value in 2025, marking the third consecutive year it has led global production, according to the latest statistics released by the Kimberley Process (KP). The figures show Russia recovered 31.5 million carats of rough diamonds during the year, with a total production value of $2.72 billion and an average value of $86 per carat. Although output declined from 37.3 million carats valued at $3.34 billion in 2024, Russia remained the largest producer by value despite ongoing sanctions in the US and European Union and continued weakness in the…

Fully traceable artisanal diamonds from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been sold on the international market in Antwerp for the first time through the OrigemA initiative, a project involving the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (Antwerp World Diamond Centre), the Congolese government, NGO Resolve and technology partner Everledger, with financial support from the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs. A total of 103.77 carats of rough diamonds from the Kasaï region were offered during an initial sales round in Antwerp. The stones originated from the Kamana Ndeke mine near Tshikapa and were mined by the COMIDIANZ cooperative. The sale…

The sale of De Beers by parent company Anglo American could be finalised within weeks, according to chief executive Al Cook, following a process that has been ongoing since 2024. Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Europe conference in London, Cook said negotiations had progressed and that interested parties were working towards concluding a transaction for Anglo American’s 85% stake in the diamond miner. “It’s been a two-year period. There’s been a lot of negotiations. They’re now maturing. We’ve never been closer than we are to a sale,” said Cook. “I’m hopeful that it’ll happen in weeks rather than months going…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has confirmed plans to introduce cut grading for selected fancy-shaped diamonds in 2027, beginning with oval, pear and marquise cuts. Alongside this, the lab will expand its reporting framework for fluorescence, with new comments to be introduced for eligible natural D to Z colour diamonds from the fourth quarter of 2026. The updates extend GIA’s diamond grading system beyond its current focus on round brilliant stones. Expansion of Cut Grading to Fancy Shapes At present, GIA assigns an overall cut grade only to round brilliant diamonds, while fancy-shaped diamonds receive assessments limited to polish…

Natural diamond jewelry was identified as the most desired luxury jewelry category among US consumers in new research published by De Beers Group, while non-bridal purchases accounted for the majority of demand. The company’s latest US Diamond Acquisition Study surveyed 18,500 women aged between 18 and 74 and forms part of its newly released Diamond Report, which examines consumer behaviour, retail trends and broader market dynamics in the US diamond sector. Natural Diamonds Remain Preferred Luxury Jewelry Purchase According to the study, 11% of respondents identified natural diamond jewelry as their most desired luxury gift, ahead of synthetic lab-grown diamond…

Gemological Institute of America has agreed to acquire a 30% shareholding in Tracr, the diamond provenance platform developed by De Beers Group, in a move aimed at supporting the platform’s transition towards independent ownership and wider industry adoption. The agreement was announced by De Beers and GIA on 29 May. It follows a collaboration established in 2023, when eligible GIA diamond grading reports began incorporating provenance information recorded on the Tracr platform. Focus on Provenance and Traceability Tracr was launched by De Beers in 2018 as a blockchain-based platform designed to track diamonds from the point of recovery through the…

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has announced that the Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has become a member of the organisation, making it the first industry body to move towards NDC membership under the Luanda Accord framework. The development follows GJEPC’s signing of the Luanda Accord in June 2025 and a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the second Luanda Accord High-Level Meeting in Cape Town in February 2026. Industry Collaboration The move brings GJEPC into the NDC membership structure at a time when the natural diamond sector is increasing its focus on category marketing, consumer education and coordinated…

India exported more lab-grown diamonds than natural diamonds by volume during the year to March 2026, according to figures from the Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The latest data shows exports of 18.84 million carats of lab-grown diamonds compared with 16.00 million carats of natural diamonds. The figures reflect the continued growth of the lab-grown diamond segment within the global diamond supply chain. Volume Growth Versus Value Although lab-grown diamonds now account for a larger share of export volume, natural diamonds continue to generate the majority of export value. GJEPC data cited for April 2026 shows lab-grown diamonds…

Archaeologists in Saudi Arabia have uncovered a hoard of gold jewelry, gemstones and other decorative objects dating back more than 1,100 years at the archaeological site of Dariyah in the Al-Qassim region. The discovery, made during the latest excavation season led by the Saudi Heritage Commission, includes nearly 100 pieces of jewelry believed to date to the Abbasid period. Dariyah was an important settlement on the historic route linking Basra in present-day Iraq with Mecca, serving travellers and pilgrims undertaking the Hajj during the early centuries of Islam. Jewelry Found Inside Buried Ceramic Vessel The collection, referred to by researchers…

The World Diamond Heritage Board (WDHB) has opened the public nomination phase for the World Diamond Heritage List (WDHL), an initiative that aims to identify 100 natural diamonds considered to have had significant historical and cultural impact. Nominations opened on 18 May and will close on 18 June 2026. Individuals can nominate up to five diamonds for inclusion. Focus on Cultural and Historical Significance According to the WDHB, the list is intended to recognise diamonds for their influence on human history, culture, spirituality and society rather than for gemmological characteristics or market value. To support the nomination process, a pre-nomination…

Pencil has released an AI jewelry CAD design agent designed to create jewelry designs through natural language prompts. The company said the platform can be used by internal design teams, in-store sales staff and customers through a brand’s website. CAD-Focused Design Output Pencil said its agent generates rendered, parametric CAD designs intended for printing and casting, rather than AI-generated images that still require CAD development. The platform can be adjusted to manufacturing specifications including prong diameters, bezel crown heights, minimum band widths and polishing allowances. Users can also request precise design changes, such as moving a stone by 1.25mm or…

Pandora and the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) have publicly disagreed over the jeweller’s new carbon footprint disclosure initiative for lab-grown diamonds, with the NDC accusing the company of using misleading comparisons between lab-grown and natural stones. The dispute follows Pandora’s announcement that it will disclose the carbon emissions associated with every lab-grown diamond it sells, introducing what it describes as a “fifth C” alongside the traditional diamond grading criteria of cut, colour, clarity and carat. Pandora Introduces Carbon Footprint Disclosure Pandora said the new information will cover emissions generated throughout the production process, from the raw materials used to grow…

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled against lab-grown diamond retailers Novita Diamonds and Linjer after finding that advertisements failed to make clear that the diamonds being promoted were laboratory-grown rather than natural. The complaints were brought by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and the London Diamond Bourse (LDB), with the ASA concluding that both companies breached UK advertising rules. Advertisements Found to be Misleading The rulings relate to online advertisements published in January 2026. In Novita Diamonds’ case, the ASA assessed two paid-for Meta advertisements. One featured the text “Novita Diamonds ready-to-ship engagement rings 1-10 days”, while another…

De Beers recorded higher rough diamond sales in the first quarter of 2026, with parent company Anglo American reporting increased volumes and revenue following price reductions on smaller goods and changes in product mix. Sales Volumes Increase Sales volume rose 64% year on year to 7.7 million carats, including supply to joint venture partners. Consolidated sales, excluding that supply route, increased 53% to 6.4 million carats. Consolidated revenue rose 25% to $648 million. The results cover De Beers’ first two sights of 2026. Proceeds from the third sight, which began in March, will be included in second-quarter figures. Pricing Changes…

Alrosa has reappointed Pavel Marinychev as chief executive officer and chairman of its managing board for a further three-year term, confirming continuity in leadership at the Russian diamond mining company amid ongoing geopolitical and trade pressures. Leadership Background Marinychev has been with Alrosa since 2016 and was appointed CEO in 2023, having previously led its subsidiary Almazy Anabara. Before joining the company, he held a senior role within the regional government of Yakutia, where he oversaw geology and subsoil use, as well as industry, energy and construction. His reappointment maintains the current leadership structure during a period of disruption for…

Haute Jewels Geneva recorded a 20% increase in visitor attendance at its 2026 edition, held at the InterContinental Geneva. The event brought together 44 jewelry houses from 13 countries, with organisers citing growth in international participation with organisers reporting increased attendance from Latin America, alongside growth from Europe and North America. Event Format and Exhibitor Presence The 2026 edition featured 44 exhibitors, including Damiani, Pasquale Bruni, Furrer Jacot and Yoko London. The show was presented across five spaces within the InterContinental Geneva, including The Palace, The Grand Villas and The Grand Ballroom, maintaining a salon-style format. Founded in 2019 by…

India’s gem and jewelry exports reached ₹2,44,827.26 crore for the financial year April 2025 to March 2026, marking a 0.93% increase in rupee terms compared with the previous year. In US dollar terms, exports totalled US$27.72 billion, representing a decline of 3.32% year on year. The figures reflect a trading environment shaped by geopolitical developments, tariff changes and shifting consumer demand across key markets. Market Diversification and Regional Performance Export performance indicates a shift in market distribution, with growth recorded across several regions. The United Arab Emirates remained the largest export destination, with shipments rising 10.52% to US$8.70 billion. Hong…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has opened a new School of Gemology and Jewelry Arts campus in Taipei, Taiwan – the only location in its global network to deliver the full Graduate Gemologist diploma programme in Chinese. The campus was officially inaugurated on 29 March 2026, marking an expansion of GIA’s education provision in Asia. New Facility and Programme Offering The Taiwan campus introduces full Chinese-language instruction for GIA’s Graduate Gemologist qualification, intended to improve access for Chinese-speaking students and support skills development across the regional jewelry and gemstone sector. GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel said: “Education is…

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) will introduce World Diamond Day on 8 April 2026, a global initiative intended to bring together stakeholders across the diamond supply chain to share stories centred on natural diamonds. The observance, which will be marked annually, invites participation from designers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. The inaugural edition is positioned as a soft launch aimed at building engagement across the industry. Industry-Wide Participation through Social Media World Diamond Day will be driven by user-generated content shared across social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok. Participants are encouraged to post images or short videos using…

CIBJO has marked its 100th anniversary with the inauguration of a freshwater reservoir in Gujarat, India, developed to support water security in a drought-prone region. The project, named CIBJO Lake, was officially opened on 22 March 2026, coinciding with World Water Day. Located near the village of Luvariya in the Saurashtra region, the reservoir was developed by the Dholakia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of diamond manufacturer Hari Krishna Group. Project Scope and Regional Impact CIBJO Lake spans approximately 15 acres and has a storage capacity of 156 million litres. It forms part of the Gagadiya river rejuvenation initiative, which aims…