On Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., at the JA Summer show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, I will be moderating a panel on social issues in the diamond industry, sponsored by the Diamond Development Initiative. Among the questions we’ll be examining: If you are a retailer, and you want to make sure you carry ethical products, what should you do? And how do you talk to consumers about these issues?
Among our esteemed panel: Eric Schulte, the 300 Sandwiches guy (and star of this here blog); Brad Brooks-Rubin, now with GIA and formerly of the Department of State (also star of this blog); Rachel Lichte of the Clarity Project (and star of Andrew Sullivan’s blog, which is far more impressive than being a star of this one); David Bouffard, vice president of corporate affairs for Signet Jewelers (quoted on this blog more times than I can count); the irrepressible Ronnie VanderLinden, president of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association (ditto); and Ngomesia Mayer-Kechom, project manager for DDI International (not yet a star of this blog, but a star in my book). Complete details here.
It should be a great panel and event. Hope to see some of you there!
This week: Tattoos that claim they replace jewelry. Blood diamonds linked to terrorism. And videotape your proposal—by using your ring box. All below.
Tennessee retailer sued over grading reports.
3 ct. lab-grown colorless diamond produced—largest grown stone ever.
– Indian cutters see an opportunity.
– My thoughts: In reality, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.
Tiffany CEO Michael Kowalski to step down.
– New CEO will bring global perspectives, analysts say.
– Michelle Graff reflects.
Walmart U.S. CEO steps down.
– Forbes is happy.
National Retail Federation predicts better second half.
– CNBC asks: Are shoppers in a funk?
More e-tailers embracing brick-and-mortar.
KGK takes over Judith Ripka wholesale.
H.J. Sherman Co. purchased.
Swarovski sees further global expansion.
LVMH resilient in first half.
Sotheby’s announces restructuring, layoffs.
Sydney jeweler placed in liquidation.
Is Michael Kors getting paid enough for Fossil watches?
Apple, Swatch working on a smartwatch, site says.
– Swatch denies.
– Apple receives patent for iTime.
– Jimmy Kimmel convinces people a Casio is an iWatch. (Video)
Swatch wants to use more Indian diamonds.
European Union again mulls Russian diamond sanctions.
– Swatch worries about Russian sanctions.
Three De Beers mines may be sold.
De Beers sees 5–6 percent growth in U.S. market.
– CEO predicts future growth in China and India.
Is De Beers—finally—enforcing its Best Practice Principles?
Rundown of rough diamond market.
Exhibitors generally happy with Indian jewelry show.
Indian industry has “high expectations” about new government.
– Can Indian economy really reform itself?
World looking to India for diamond mines.
House bill targets Hezbollah’s blood diamonds.
Transcript of last week’s Scio Diamond conference call. (Spells my name wrong!)
Zimbabwe bans export of rough diamonds.
– Government starts merging mining firms.
– Zimbabwe’s Mbada Diamonds in crisis.
– Dubai plans another diamond auction.
– Zim diamonds stolen in Dubai.
– Holding diamond summit this year.
– Former mining minister fails to testify in bribery case.
– Treasury “not seen a cent” from diamonds.
Alrosa’s output down 16 percent.
Motley Fool looks at Dominion Diamond.
De Beers signs impact benefit agreement in Canada.
Rich guy benefits from diamond mine investment.
Pebble mine developers slam Environmental Protection Agency.
Vermont sues retailer over lead jewelry.
Alex and Ani can sue BJ’s Wholesale over “bungled bangle” deal.
Gold Council appoints group to rethink gold fix.
Jeweler gives earrings to girl after raccoon attack.
Spence Diamonds donates money to Ethiopian youth.
– Diamonds International staff cleans beach.
Eisenhower’s Rolex to be auctioned.
Ring cam captures moment of proposal.
New flash tattoos simulate jewelry.
Naya Rivera’s engagement ring.
Media Watch:
Review of ITV’s Diamond Geezers.
Above the Law debates how much to spend on ring.
The Telegraph on buying an engagement ring.
Huffington Post has five questions to ask before buying.
From the blog:
In Reality, Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Real Diamonds
Is De Beers—Finally—Enforcing Its Best Practice Principles?
Have a great weekend!
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