JEWELLERY ZONE

  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   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   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   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 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   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   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

  JA new class of 20 Under 40 in jewelry retail   Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, announced the 2024 recipients of the 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail list. Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 recognition program celebrates young professionals who exemplify leadership skills and a commitment to elevating jewelry retail for tomorrow’s jewelry consumers.   The recipients of the 20 Under 40 list are all under the age of 40 and employed by Jewelers of America Member retail stores. Despite having different job titles and various levels of experience, all of the recipients were selected by panel of industry judges for the ability to lead, innovate, and improve a jewelry store’s success while adhering to professional ethics.   “Jewelers of America is thrilled to welcome the next class of the 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail and shine a spotlight on the talented individuals in our Jewelers of America member stor

  CIBJO Congress announce from November 2     The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) will hold its 2024 annual congress in Shanghai, China, from November 2 to November 4. Pre-congress meetings will be held on October 31 and November 1. The 2024 Congress will take place at the Shangri-La Qiantan convention centre, in the heart of Shanghai’s New Bund International Business District in Pudong. It is being hosted by the Donghao Lansheng Group and the China Gems & Jade Exchange. CIBJO congresses serve as the official gathering place for the World Jewellery Confederation’s Assembly of Delegates, and are also the venue for the annual meetings of CIBJO’s sectoral commissions, where amendments can be introduced to the organization’s definitive directories of international industry standards for diamonds, coloured stones, pearls, gem labs, precious metals, coral and responsible sourcing, known as the Blue Books. The CIBJO Congress is also where are reported upon the programmes o

  NDC and ODC announces special events   Natural Diamond Council in partnership with Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), will be offering an exclusive Natural Diamond Club hosted at Yardbird Table & Bar Restaurant in The Venetian during JCK. From Thursday, May 30th through Sunday, June 2nd, the club will provide leaders in the natural diamond and jewelry industry with a lounge experience comprising complimentary food and beverage and an immersion into the incredible world of natural diamonds through Natural Diamond Council’s latest initiatives and partnerships. Special events include a sneak preview of the first-ever engagement ring coffee table book penned by Marion Fasel, a cocktail party to celebrate Only Natural Diamonds Spring/ Summer 2024 magazine issue launch with a special celebrity guest, a fun Think You Know Diamonds? trivia night with bourbon tasting, an Extraordinary Diamonds Provenance panel discussion with the curator of LA’s Natural History Museum and other leadi

  Rough diamonds also tabled at India-Zimbabwe JTC   Recently, Third Session of India-Zimbabwe Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi under the co- chairpersonship of Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Priya P. Nair and Chief Director, Economic Cooperation, International Trade and Diaspora, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Rudo. M. Faranisi. Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of Zimbabwe, Peter Hobwani along with over 15 delegates from relevant Ministries accompanied the Zimbabwean delegation.   The discussions were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. There was enthusiastic response towards greater cooperation, addressing pending issues, boosting trade and investment and greater people to people contacts. Both sides reviewed the bilateral trade and noted the vast potential that exists between the two countries.   Both sides agreed to ma

  India’s Gem & Jewellery Exports decline 11.37% in April 2024   According to the provisional statistics of GJEPC pertaining to export/import of Gem & Jewellery (GJ) for the period April 2024 - April 2024 as compared to same period last year.   The overall gross exports of Gems & Jewellery at US$ 2074.85 million (Rs. 17307.280 crores) in the month of April 2024 is showing a decline of 11.37% (-9.85% in Rs. term) as compared to US$ 2341.06 million (Rs. 19198.4 crores) for the same period previous year. The overall gross imports of Gems & Jewellery at US$ 1891.49 million (Rs. 15772.69 crores) in month of April 2024 is showing a growth of 3.95% (5.72% in Rs. term) as compared to US$ 1819.54 million (Rs. 14919.69 crores) for the same period previous year. The overall gross export of Cut & Polished diamonds at US$ 1154.8 million (Rs. 9632.7 crores) in month of April2024 is showing a decline of 16.76%(-15.340% in Rs. Term) as compared to US$ 1387.38 million (Rs

  Dainty, colorful jewelry for the spring time   Spring and summer call for minimalist jewelry by Gabriel that is easy on the eyes yet very impactful. Time to pick up tips on how to effectively style elegant jewelry pieces to elevate your daytime spring-summer look.   The world was brought to a halt around the same time two years ago, but spring this year ushers in a renewed fervor and gush of fresh air. The world has started to breathe, heal and witness a new beginning. This calls for a zealous celebration.   To commemorate this celebration of life, we have a stunning collection of jewelry pieces curated especially for the spring-summer season. Jewelry that will complement your looks, adding to that blooming vibe when you finally step out of the door, albeit in style.   Without much ado, Styling Delicate Jewelry Pieces are our top picks and some styling suggestions for you to ace the looks with panache. For the Graceful Jewelry for Spring Summer, every lady needs a co

  S by Salanitro opens up now in Latin America   Encouraged by the excellent results of its, S by Salanitro- brand since its launch in March 2023 in Geneva, Pierre Salanitro continues to develop its distribution at a steady pace and with the support of leading retailers worldwide. Within a year the brand that grew through the Middle East, Europe and Asia, supported by leading retailers!   With its in-depth knowledge of the local market, Mosso is a reference in the distribution of luxury goods in Latin America, representing Rolex in particular. At this new opening marks an important moment for the S by Salanitro brand, consolidating its presence on the world stage by offering a unique and immersive experience of its universe to a diverse audience.   Precious stones, colored stones, grain setting, snow setting, baguette setting, invisible setting, refined decorations, sophisticated techniques combining artistic flair and the highest level of craftsmanship, Pierre Salanitro, f

  Silver quickly experienced record high gold prices   Even though stubbornly high inflation and solid economic data have dashed hopes of an early shift to monetary easing, investor interest in silver improved in Q1, 2024, particularly from March onwards. In part, this reflected optimism that the start of a rate cutting cycle is now in sight, a message reaffirmed by the Fed after its March meeting.   With fresh record high gold prices, speculative inflows into silver picked up rapidly on expectations that the white metal would play catch-up. A rebound in base metal prices also provided an additional boost in sentiment towards silver. Assuming inflation will continue easing, we expect the Fed will make three 25bps policy rate cuts this year, the first one likely to occur mid-year, and signal a generally dovish outlook for 2025.   Said in the World Silver Survey 2024, “The subsequent fall in yields, especially in real terms, should favor precious metal investment as we progre

  Global jewellery demand is expected to improve by 3%   Previously, The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) reported about the Jewellery demand and said, Global jewellery demand is expected to improve by 3% (+50 koz) in 2024. Demand in Europe is forecast to grow by 1% this year, although there are noteworthy uncertainties over this outlook.   This stems chiefly from feedback on the high-end segment; some fabricators already have capacity fully booked for months, while others expect losses as pandemic era savings have been run down and economic gloom lingers. North American offtake is expected to dip by 2% this year, primarily due to fewer engagements and a normalisation in the number of weddings after the post-Covid surge, as well as consumer expenditure shifts.   The slide in diamond prices, however, is seen as a clear positive as it liberates budget for larger pieces, and bigger stones mean larger mounts. Our forecast for Japanese jewellery demand sees a 4% increase

  Angola plan ten diamond cutting factories by 2027   The diamond extraction in Angola is expected to rise, in 2027, to 17.53 million carats per year, surpassing the figure of 8.72 million achieved in 2021. The data was revealed in Luanda, by the director of the Statistical Studies office of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas (MIREMPET), Alexandre Garreth. According to the person in charge who addressed the topic Objectives and Targets of the Mining Sector, at the Training Seminar for Communication Journalists in the field of mining, in relation to gold production, the aim is to surpass the 1.37 thousand fine ounces reached in 2021, with prospecting for 13.18 thousand fine ounces in 2027. In this sense, he highlighted that Mirempet's goals fall within the National Development Plan 2023-2027, emphasizing that the sector's challenges are to achieve the desired goals, as it is an activity that requires engagement from the entire sector. Regarding the construc

  Lucapa to Divest Stake in Mothae Diamond Mine   Lucapa Diamond wishes to provide a corporate update following a review of the asset portfolio by the Company’s newly restructured board of directors. The Board is considering all options for the divestment of its 70 percent stake in Mothae and the Company is discussing the options with the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the 30 percent partner in the mine.   The Company is finalising a data room for interested parties. Mothae is an open cast mine located in the diamond-rich Maluti Mountains of the Kingdom of Lesotho which began commercial operations in 2019 and is known to produce large, high-value diamonds which command the second highest dollar per carat for kimberlite diamonds worldwide.   The Board intends to prioritise the divestment process and will update the market in the coming weeks. Lucapa Chairman Stuart Brown said, “On review, it is clear the Company should streamline the portfolio to focus on our core ass