From lighter color palettes to the integration of AR, experts offer inspiration for jewelers in need of an aesthetic refresh.
Amid Unrest, Alrosa to Return to Zimbabwe
The Russian diamond miner said it plans to start exploration in the country by the middle of next month.
Harare, Zimbabwe—Alrosa is going to look for diamonds in Zimbabwe, again.
During a visit to Moscow earlier this month designed to shore up foreign investment, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced Alrosa’s intention to begin mining diamonds and other minerals in the country.
Mnangagwa has governed Zimbabwe since the 2017 ousting of longtime leader Robert Mugabe, and officially became president after winning a disputed election in August 2018.
The two countries began negotiating in 2018 and established the joint venture Alrosa (Zimbabwe) Ltd. on Dec. 6 in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.
When asked where in Zimbabwe it would be mining, Alrosa Vice President Vladimir Marchenko did not specify, saying only that the company will first concentrate on finding new kimberlite deposits.
He said Zimbabwe’s diamond potential “still remains largely untapped, with a lack of significant investments in geological surveying and exploration.”
“We are also open to sharing with the government of Zimbabwe our best practices in setting up responsible supply chains and comprehensive systems of control of the flow of diamonds that we have developed over the years. The plan will be implemented in cooperation with Zimbabwean partners,” he said.
Currently, state-owned miner Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company is mining for diamonds in the Marange region—the region that was ground zero for the human rights crisis that led the Kimberley Process to ban Zimbabwe from exporting rough diamonds for a time— and RioZim Ltd. is mining in Murowa. (Rio Tinto used to own and operate the diamond mine there but sold its stake and left in 2015.)
Alrosa, which conducted diamond exploration in Zimbabwe in 2013 but pulled out a few years later, said its geologists and mining engineers will arrive in Zimbabwe by mid-February.
In light of the economic situation, I will be returning home after a highly productive week of bilateral trade and investment meetings. We will be ably represented in Davos by Minister of Finance, Mthuli Ncube. The first priority is to get Zimbabwe calm, stable and working again.
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) January 20, 2019
Alrosa’s announcement that it is entering Zimbabwe comes at a time of political and economic turmoil in the south African nation.
Citizens have been taking to the streets, burning tires and blocking roads in response to the recent government-implemented hike in the price of fuel that is symptomatic of larger economic problems.
In response, government security forces have launched their biggest crackdown on unrest in years, killing 12 and injuring hundreds more, The Washington Post reported Monday.
Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa tweeted Sunday that he would be cutting his overseas trip short to return to Zimbabwe “in light of the economic situation” there.
In subsequent tweets, he denounced protestors for being
The Latest
Sotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer in Paris this October.
Sherry Smith shares tips for fostering successful vendor-retailer partnerships, from marketing investment to fast-seller replenishment.
GIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
Herold has been with the organization for 22 years and will continue in her current role of conference director.
“Fancy Studs” will feature revamped branding and a new lab-grown diamond fine jewelry collection.
The 2024-2025 edition features new colors and styles, as well as storytelling elements.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
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.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.