Policies & IssuesMar 10, 2022
Open Letter Calls for Heightened Gold Supply Chain Vigilance Policies & IssuesMar 14, 2022
US Bans Import of Russian Diamonds
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee has shared updated guidance on the executive order, which was issued Friday.
The U.S. government has banned the import of non-industrial diamonds from Russia in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on March 14 to include additional guidance from the Jewelers Vigilance Committee about the nature of the diamonds that have been banned by the U.S.
Washington, D.C.—President Joe Biden issued an executive order Friday, March 11, banning the import of non-industrial Russian diamonds into the United States.
It’s the latest from the U.S. government in response to Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
On Feb. 25, the U.S. put both diamond miner Alrosa and its CEO on a list of sanctions, though it didn’t directly prohibit buying the company’s diamonds. This new order now means no direct diamond buying from Alrosa or any other Russian company is allowed.
Alrosa mined 32.4 million carats in 2021, making it the largest producer by volume and accounting for nearly 30 percent of global supply, with sales topping $4 billion. The Russian government holds a 33 percent stake in the company.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee said Friday any U.S. business purchasing diamonds directly from Alrosa, Alrosa USA, or any other Russian company should immediately put an end to the transactions.
JVC noted early Monday the ban on importation of diamonds from Russia includes “unworked or simply sawn, cleaved, or bruted” diamonds, meaning rough diamonds, as well as those cut and polished in Russia.
U.S. Customs regulations and interpretation of the FAQs issued by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control after the ban was enacted indicate rough diamonds from Russia that are cut and polished in another country are “substantially transformed” by that process, JVC said, and thereby become a product of that country.
This means rough diamonds imported from Russia into a country that hasn’t placed sanctions or a ban on the diamonds are then legal to import to the U.S. as they fall under a different tariff code.
In additional guidance issued Monday, JVC said it is possible countries that serve as traditional cutting centers might implement a ban on the import of Russian diamonds.
The U.S. government also could decide to further limit imports of products originating in Russia that are “substantially transformed” somewhere else or add additional tariff codes to the current ban.
JVC said it recommends the trade proceed with “extreme caution” when it comes to diamond imports as the risk of additional limits in the future is high.
The organization also urges U.S. businesses to make sure their anti-money laundering programs are active and to check OFAC’s sanction lists to make sure they’re not sourcing products from places or companies they shouldn’t be.
Friday’s executive order also prohibits “the exportation, re-exportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States” of luxury goods to Russia.
JVC said this means U.S. businesses previously selling jewelry to or in Russia should stop doing so immediately.
Other Russian goods banned for import by the order are fish, seafood, and alcoholic beverages.
Related stories will be right here …
Washington, D.C.—President Joe Biden issued an executive order Friday, March 11, banning the import of non-industrial Russian diamonds into the United States.
It’s the latest from the U.S. government in response to Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
On Feb. 25, the U.S. put both diamond miner Alrosa and its CEO on a list of sanctions, though it didn’t directly prohibit buying the company’s diamonds. This new order now means no direct diamond buying from Alrosa or any other Russian company is allowed.
Alrosa mined 32.4 million carats in 2021, making it the largest producer by volume and accounting for nearly 30 percent of global supply, with sales topping $4 billion. The Russian government holds a 33 percent stake in the company.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee said Friday any U.S. business purchasing diamonds directly from Alrosa, Alrosa USA, or any other Russian company should immediately put an end to the transactions.
JVC noted early Monday the ban on importation of diamonds from Russia includes “unworked or simply sawn, cleaved, or bruted” diamonds, meaning rough diamonds, as well as those cut and polished in Russia.
U.S. Customs regulations and interpretation of the FAQs issued by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control after the ban was enacted indicate rough diamonds from Russia that are cut and polished in another country are “substantially transformed” by that process, JVC said, and thereby become a product of that country.
This means rough diamonds imported from Russia into a country that hasn’t placed sanctions or a ban on the diamonds are then legal to import to the U.S. as they fall under a different tariff code.
In additional guidance issued Monday, JVC said it is possible countries that serve as traditional cutting centers might implement a ban on the import of Russian diamonds.
The U.S. government also could decide to further limit imports of products originating in Russia that are “substantially transformed” somewhere else or add additional tariff codes to the current ban.
JVC said it recommends the trade proceed with “extreme caution” when it comes to diamond imports as the risk of additional limits in the future is high.
The organization also urges U.S. businesses to make sure their anti-money laundering programs are active and to check OFAC’s sanction lists to make sure they’re not sourcing products from places or companies they shouldn’t be.
Friday’s executive order also prohibits “the exportation, re-exportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States” of luxury goods to Russia.
JVC said this means U.S. businesses previously selling jewelry to or in Russia should stop doing so immediately.
Other Russian goods banned for import by the order are fish, seafood, and alcoholic beverages.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
PodcastsAug 19, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
