Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
'Blood Diamond'’s curtain call
In the months leading up to the release of Blood Diamond, industry seminars on the issue of conflict diamonds played to packed rooms. But on Monday at the JA New York Winter Show, just a few retailers took the time...
In the months leading up to the release of Blood Diamond, industry seminars on the issue of conflict diamonds played to packed rooms.
But on Monday at the JA New York Winter Show, just a few retailers took the time to attend “Strengthening Industry Safeguards,” an update on the Kimberley Process and the steps the industry continues to take as part of its “zero tolerance” policy on illicit stones.
That can be taken as good news and bad news. On one hand, it’s a sign many retailers are up to speed and prepared for questions. On the other, it may represent a kind of “we dodged that one” arrogance, since the film didn’t have a major impact on holiday diamond sales or Hollywood’s love affair with diamond jewelry (as witnessed by the high-bling quotient at the Golden Globes last week).
I’m hoping it’s more the former and not the latter. Now is not the time for self-congratulations and complacency. Seminar presenter Jeff Fischer, president of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, pointed out how some think the industry—which survived the period when conflict diamonds made up a more significant percentage of the overall supply—is impervious.
“If they think the movie has blown over and that they don’t need to do anything, then the movie really has done harm,” he said.
Plus, with five Academy Awards nominations—including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor—the movie has its second wind. Oscar nominations may not be a true barometer of quality, but they mean business. They’re the film industry’s equivalent to a presidential campaign. Blood Diamond is officially back in the race.
Though it failed to receive a coveted Best Picture nomination, Leonardo DiCaprio’s nod for Best Actor (yes, I was wrong when I predicted he’d get nominated for The Departed instead) is a huge boost for the film. Rather then disappearing from theaters, Warner Bros. has a reinvigorated campaign. Those seemingly ubiquitous television spots will return, this time with the marketers’ favorite refrain, “Academy Award nominee...”
With the Oscars, the release of Blood Diamond in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, documentaries on the topic and continued pressure from non-governmental organizations, this is an issue that isn’t—and shouldn’t—go away. If anything, it will expand as the industry delves more deeply into developmental concerns at the heart of reducing that conflict diamond number to zero.
Bottom line: Now is not the time
The Latest
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
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.
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.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.