Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Ban on elephant ivory effective immediately
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has implemented what is essentially a comprehensive ban on the commercial trade of elephant ivory, which comes as part of the White House’s new strategy for combating wildlife trafficking. The ban is effective immediately.
New York--The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has implemented what is essentially a comprehensive ban on the commercial trade of elephant ivory, which comes as part of the White House’s new strategy for combating wildlife trafficking. The ban is effective immediately.
According to the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the ban means:
--All commercial imports of African elephant ivory, including antiques, are prohibited.
--All commercial exports are prohibited, except for antiques, certain non-commercial items, and in exceptional circumstances permitted under the Endangered Species Act.
--To qualify as an antique, an item must be more than 100 years old and meet other requirements under the Endangered Species Act. The burden is now on the importer, exporter or seller to demonstrate that an item meets these criteria.
--All sales of ivory across state lines are banned, except for antiques. Sales within a state are also banned, unless the seller can demonstrate an item was lawfully imported before 1990 for African elephants and before 1975 for Asian elephants.
--Individuals are limited to importing two African elephant sport-hunter trophies per year (this was previously unlimited.)
Meanwhile, current rules for Asian ivory will remain in place.
Asian elephant ivory trade is permitted, with proper permits from and declaration to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, only if it has been established as an antique or if it’s pre-convention--meaning it was removed from the wild before June 14, 1976, has not been commercially held and is accompanied by a pre-Act affidavit. Pre-convention Asian elephant ivory can only be sold intrastate.
The White House first announced last month that it would implement a ban on the commercial sale and trade of elephant ivory, saying that it was the best way to help ensure that U.S. markets don’t contribute to the further decline of African elephants in the wild.
Questions on current imports and exports of plant and wildlife products can be directed to Sara Yood at sara@jvclegal.org or by visiting the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website.
The Latest
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.