A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Is Zimbabwe poised for bigger role in the KP?
As a journalist with experience in both the consumer and trade press, it’s always interesting to me what gets reported, and what doesn’t make the cut, following the industry’s more widely followed events, such as the recently concluded Kimberley Process plenary in Washington, D.C.
The headline on the AP story read, in part, “Blood diamond watchdog eases restrictions on Zimbabwe gems.”
The restrictions referenced in the story were those that came about following the 2011 plenary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In agreeing then to allow for the resumption of exports from two mines in Marange, the KP dictated that before exports from additional mines could resume, they first must be visited by monitoring teams to ensure that security at the mines was sufficient to issue KP certificates in good faith.
Monitors from non-governmental organizations also were dispatched to the mines and to local communities, and all found that Zimbabwe had done what the KP had asked of it.
And so the monitoring requirement, initially put into place for one year, lapsed. There was no vote on the issue.
The decision regarding monitoring, as KP Chairwoman U.S. Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic so eloquently put it in a post-plenary interview Tuesday, “is not a commentary on the generality of the situation in Zimbabwe.”
In other words, as has been rehashed countless times, the scope of the KP is limited. The KP’s so-called easing of restrictions on Zimbabwe is not an endorsement of where the money from diamond sales is going or how journalists are being treated in the country as its presidential election nears. It is simply saying: Zimbabwe did what the KP asked it to do and so there weren’t any grounds for extending the one-year monitoring clause, period.
(It’s also worth noting that in a post-plenary release in which it said it was “encouraged” by the progress made at the meeting, Jewelers of America reiterated that U.S. sanctions still prohibit all citizens here from dealing with the Zimbabwean entities that own or control mines in Marange.)
Meanwhile, one item from the meeting that largely has been overlooked, amid all the excitement over the easing of restrictions and the failure of the process to agree on a new definition for “conflict,” is that Zimbabwe is a country that, seemingly, is keen on becoming more involved in the KP.
Zimbabwe won approval to join or participate in a total of five committees: the Committee on Rules and Procedures,
When I asked Milovanovic about this on Tuesday she acknowledged that there is concern around making sure Zimbabwe’s increased involvement is “constructive.” At this just-past plenary, though, she notes that the KP members generally were cooperative and that no one member, including Zimbabwe, did anything to stymie the process’ progress.
Next year, South Africa takes over as chair of the KP and the largest issue on the table will be changing expanding the definition of conflict to include more general diamond-related violence, a measure that would expand the scope of the 10-year-old process and is badly needed.
How it will play out -- and what role a potentially more active Zimbabwe might play -- is anybody’s guess.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.