ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
SourcingFeb 26, 2021
Industry Body Calls for Extra Diligence on Rough from CAR
The World Diamond Council reminds the trade that rough diamond exports from the Central African Republic remain restricted to a handful of “green zones.”
New York—The World Diamond Council is calling on members of the diamond industry to exercise extra caution when buying rough that originated in, or even might have originated in, the Central African Republic.
A landlocked country about the size of Texas and counts diamonds and gold among its main exports, CAR has been plagued by instability for years.
The current round of violence broke out in December in the run-up to the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to various news reports, a newly formed coalition of a half-dozen armed groups calling itself the Coalition of Patriots for Change, or CPC, tried to stop the elections.
CPC has been clashing with government and allied forces ever since, resulting in civilian deaths and causing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, creating an underreported humanitarian crisis.
On Tuesday, the UN peacekeeping chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, said while there are signs of progress in the nation of about 5 million, the situation remains volatile and the humanitarian situation is “alarming.”
The nation’s instability and threats of violence are preventing aid trucks from getting to the people who need lifesaving supplies, including food and medical equipment needed in the battle against COVID-19.
Due to the political unrest, the WDC is urging the trade to keep in mind the restrictions on CAR rough diamond exports.
From 2013-2016, the Kimberley Process banned exports from the nation entirely due to rebel violence.
The ban was partially lifted in 2016 and relaxed further in 2019 to encourage legal exports and stem smuggling.
The most recent framework, approved in November 2019 by the KP, allows the CAR government to issue KP certificates for rough diamonds from eight so-called “green zones,” areas that are under CAR government control and show no evidence of armed rebel group activity.
These diamonds, which are accompanied by official CAR Kimberley Process certificates, are the only rough stones sourced in CAR that can be purchased legitimately, WDC said.
The council urges all members of the trade to “continue conducting enhanced due diligence” where CAR is concerned and to implement the guidelines contained in the WDC’s new System of Warranties.
It said its guidelines go beyond the areas covered by the Kimberley Process, covering issues of human and labor rights, as well as anti-money laundering and anti-corruption measures.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
