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India’s Plain Gold Jewellery Exports jump to 27.45% in April

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  India’s Plain Gold Jewellery Exports jump to 27.45% in April   The export of plain gold jewellery continues to soar, marking a significant 27.45% increase, reaching USD 342.27 million in April 2024, compared to USD 268.56 million in the same month the previous year.   The overall exports of gems and jewellery declined 11.37% to USD 2074.85 million in April 2024, as compared to the same period the previous year. However, the total gross export of Gold Jewellery (both plain and studded) saw a promising 11.03% growth, reaching USD 718.34 million in April 2024 compared to USD 646.97 million in the same period the previous year.   Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC, commented, “Plain gold jewellery has shown remarkable growth in exports, especially since the UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). We are pleased that it continues to play a significant role in the gem and jewellery industry.   With the benefits expected from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA)s signe

KP Intersessional renewed commitment to reform

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  KP Intersessional renewed commitment to reform   The World Diamond Council (WDC) concluded the 2024 Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional with a renewed commitment to ethical practices, transparency and industry reform. The event, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the future of the diamond industry under the theme, Year of Delivery.   In her closing remarks, WDC President Feriel Zerouki honored the late Rory More O’Ferrall, a visionary leader at De Beers and a founding figure in the WDC. "Rory's dedication to positive change in the diamond industry touched many hearts. We are committed to carrying forward his legacy of integrity and compassion," Zerouki said.   During the week-long session, KP Participants and Observers engaged in meaningful dialogue, demonstrating a shared resolve to strengthen the KP and go beyond the minimum requirements of the Kimberley Process during the current Reform and Review Cycle.

Historic Special KP Plenary concludes in Dubai

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  Historic Special KP Plenary concludes in Dubai   The UN-mandated Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional and historic special plenary concluded in Dubai, UAE, with progress made in key areas that will have bearings on global trade in natural diamonds.   Hosted in Uptown Tower, Uptown Dubai, headquarters of DMCC – the world’s flagship free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – the KP intersessional and special plenary gathered hundreds of diamond industry representatives, civil society and world governments.   The UAE is currently chairing the UN-mandated KP for a historic second time in 2024 under DMCC’s CEO and Executive Chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem. Administrative Decisions were passed and adopted, and best practices acknowledged.   Key progress was made in regards to Central African Republic’s reinstatement to the Kimberley Process. Since 2013, the country has been subject to a temporary ban on the import and export of rough diamo

Mothae recovered 32,884 carats in the year

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  Mothae recovered 32,884 carats in the year   There were significant performance improvements at Mothae following the plant and operational changes made at the beginning of 2023. Modifications made to the plant flow sheet and upgrades to the XRT (X-Ray Transmission) sorter eliminated the previous processing limitations related to hard ore. Following the modifications to Mothae’s plant, capacity increased to exceed nameplate by 30 percent. A mobile crusher which reduced the need for oversize blasting and rock breaking, was also deployed in Q3 and had a positive impact on the plant throughput as it reduced the amount of over-sized material delivered to the primary crusher. Mothae set new annual records for tonnes mined and processed, carats recovered and average price per carat. More than 2.34 million tonnes of ore and waste was mined in 2023, up 23 percent from the previous year, while 1,468,909 tonnes of ore was processed through the plant, up 22 percent on 2022. Mothae reco

SSEF to test coloured gemstones in Bangkok

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  SSEF to test colored gemstones in Bangkok   The Swiss Gemmological Institute - SSEF will be in Bangkok during 27 to 31 May 2024. They are offering their on-site testing services. SSEF office is in the gem trade district close to Silom Road. It is equipped with SSEF instruments and spectrometers, “we will be testing coloured gemstones” said SSEF. For the on-site testing services, SSEF will be equipped with their mobile instruments and spectrometers, every gemstone is meticulously analysed. Apart from testing gemstones at the jewellery fairs, they also offer a pre-show testing services at our Hong Kong business centre, located in Central. SSEF in Hong Kong will next be present at the September 2024 show. They said, diamonds and pearls are not tested in Hong Kong during the 12 to 14 September 2024, pre-show testing (by appointment only) and 16 to 20 September 2024 AWE (Booth TBC). The Swiss Gemmological Institute is part of the Swiss Foundation for the Research of Gemstones (

F.Hinds Celebrates New Store Opening this Year

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  F. Hinds Celebrates New Store Opening this Year   F.Hinds opened the doors of a brand-new store this week, marking their third new opening this year. Already in 2024, the family-run business has upsized to new stores in Yate, near Bristol and in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. Expanding its portfolio to the heart of East Yorkshire city, F.Hinds welcomed its first customers. The new Hull store carries a wide range of engagement rings, wedding bands, watches, necklaces, and earrings, featuring both high-profile brands and affordable options to cater to all budgets. The new shop also offers a range of services, including jewellery design, remodelling, and repairs, as well as Gold for Cash. Jeremy Hinds, Sales Director at F.Hinds, commented, “We are thrilled to have opened our doors at the Prospect Shopping Centre in Hull. The continued expansion of our physical retail footprint reinforces our commitment to the UK’s high streets, towns and city centres, and our first store in Ea

Christie’s hammers 202 carat yellow diamond

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  Christie’s hammers 202 carat yellow diamond   The Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva totaled CHF49,242,200 / US$54,215,662, with deep bidding from a full saleroom, on the phones and online, and was 97% sold by lot and 98% sold by value. The sale was led by the 202cts Yellow Rose diamond which sold for CHF6,095,000 /US$6,710,595, the second highest price ever paid for a yellow stone above 200cts at Christie’s.   Max Fawcett, Head of Jewels Europe commented: “There is nothing better as an auctioneer than a full and engaged sale room, and to achieve such strong results - 97% by lot and 140% of the low estimate - is remarkable. The market for coloured gemstones and signed jewellery is on fire and I could not think of a better way to start the 2024 season. We now look forward to Hong Kong, New York, Paris and London.”   In addition, the auction included an important selection of coloured gemstones, including an important pink sapphire of 25.20cts which sold for CHF1,376,000