The R&M “Lettre”

Profit more than doubled for De Beers last year as trading conditions in the diamond-manufacturing sector improved and inventory levels stabilized.

In February, the International Grown Diamond Association (IGDA) has lived to be exactly one year old. However, there is no much fanfare audible – this modest jubilee has been slipped over by the industry media, regrettably.

The Swiss watch industry started the year where it left off as exports fell in January, albeit at a slower pace than in 2016. Outbound shipments of Swiss timepieces fell 6.2 percent year on year to $1.42 billion (CHF 1.43 billion), according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.

All last year, the entire diamond industry was riveted to the scandal in the Kimberley Process (KP) – someone feeling indignation, some being puzzled, and some openly sympathizing. It was the first time in the history of the KP that it was declared a boycott by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) within the Civil Society Coalition (CSC).

The diamond trade remains under pressure, and further contraction of the market is expected this year. Apart from being squeezed by high rough costs and declining polished prices, dealers lament there are too many players chasing the same orders.

DPA to run ads during Academy Award Ceremony. Amid the glitz and glamor of the Oscar red carpet, diamonds will also grace our screens during ad breaks

Press release – At the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s annual board meeting held last month, Anna Martin was elected President of the D.E.F. Board of Directors. Martin is Senior Vice President Global Development and Beneficiation for Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

I’d like to start out this blog post by saying that the following is not meant to be a movie review because I am not a movie reviewer. I don’t have any experience in the genre and don’t fancy myself an expert on acting, directing, cinematography or costumes.

ALROSA is planning to launch marketing programs promoting Russian-mined diamonds, chief executive officer Andrey Zharkov said Monday.

Jewelry orders improved at this week’s Signature India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), following a government demonetization program that had frozen activity since November.

Press release – The WFDB will be creating a financial taskforce to follow up on the finance seminar held during the 2017 Presidents Meeting

Luxury group Kering reported a 2-percent rise in jewelry sales for 2016, attributing growth in its mid- and lower-range products.