The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
DEF Partners with Mandela Institute for Scholarship
It will be the first in a series of Diamond Empowerment Fund scholarships.
New York—The Diamond Empowerment Fund h¬as partnered with the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) to establish the first in a series of Diamond Empowerment Fund scholarships.
MINDS develops Pan-African leaders who have experience on the continent and can facilitate economic integration and social cohesion.
The Diamond Empowerment Fund Scholarship will be earmarked for a student from a diamond-producing country whose chosen post-graduate study is in a field that helps improve the quality of life for Africans.
Additional DEF scholarships will be identified in the coming months, each representing the global impact of the diamond industry.
The Diamond Empowerment Fund was inspired by Nelson Mandela, who encouraged its co-founders to tell the world how Africa’s diamonds were helping build healthy and educated communities on the continent.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Mandela Institute for Development Studies and to continue the legacy of giving back to the very communities where diamonds are found,” said DEF President Anna Martin, who is also senior vice president of GIA.
This year marks what would have been Mandela’s 100th birthday. His impact will be acknowledged and celebrated at the Mandela Peace Summit on the eve of the opening of the UN General Assembly this month.
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As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

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As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.


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The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

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Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

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The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

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Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

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