The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
Jean-Marc Lieberherr Leaving Rio Tinto
He is being replaced by Simon Trott, the managing director of Rio Tinto’s salt and uranium businesses.
Perth, Australia--Jean-Marc Lieberherr is leaving Rio Tinto after a decade in the company’s diamonds business, in what Rio Tinto described as a restructuring of its Diamonds & Minerals group.
Lieberherr had been managing director of Rio Tinto’s diamonds business since September 2013 and had been with the mining company a total of 10 years, working in diamonds the entire time.
He also is on the World Diamond Council board of directors and is the chairman of the Diamond Producers Association, the group that came together earlier this year and works to increase demand for mined diamonds among consumers, particularly millennials.
RELATED CONTENT: The DPA and the Potential to Love Diamonds
When contacted by National Jeweler Tuesday, Lieberherr declined to comment on his future plans.
Replacing Lieberherr is Simon Trott, who has been managing director of Rio Tinto’s salt and uranium business since March 2015 and will retain that position even as he assumes responsibility for the diamonds unit.
Trott has more than 18 years of experience in the mining industry.
In announcing the transition, Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals Chief Executive Alan Davies stressed that there is “no change” in the company’s commitment to the diamond industry, its customers and other industry partners.
Diamonds, however, remain a very small percentage of Rio Tinto’s overall business and is one the miner has tried to divest in the past, only to later drop those plans.
Last year, the Rio Tinto sold its stake in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. It still has the Argyle mine in Australia, a 60 percent stake in the Diavik Mine in Canada and the Bunder diamond exploration project in India.
The Latest
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.