First some self-promotion: Today, from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m, I will be a moderating a panel on Fair Trade: Artisanal Miners, Traceability, and the Marketplace that will cover ethical issues surrounding gold, as part of a Gold conference held on April 11 and 12 in New York City, sponsored by Initiatives in Arts and Culture. The panel will include representatives from the U.S. State Dept., Jewelers of America, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Ethical Metalsmiths, the Alliance for Responsible Mining, and MJM Metal. It should be a lively discussion; you can read more about the conference program here and register here.
I am also emceeing the American Gem Conclave in San Diego, Calif.—coming up in a little more than a week. We have some fun stuff planned; if you’re on the fence, go! More information on that here.
This week: Was graffiti on jeweler’s store a hate crime? World’s largest natural pearl going up for auction. Diamond nicked from museum is returned. All below.
Antitrust authorities don’t object to Signet-Zale deal.
Groupon selling engagement rings with $10K discount?
Site that lets jewelers sell direct coming to United States.
Meet Bluedax, the RapNet for rough.
Michael Hill opens two more U.S. stores.
Coldwater Creek files for bankruptcy, will liquidate.
Diamond banks rein in lending.
Supplier of Choice, RIP.
– De Beers sight estimated at $700 million.
– Rio gets strong results from diamond tender.
Israel targets synthetics with “Natural Is Real” slogan.
– Hong Kong lab now says Type IaAB was synthetic.
U.K. women don’t mind buying own engagement rings.
Sotheby’s proxy battle turns bitter.
– Third Point launches Valuesothebys website.
– Sotheby’s selling 100.9 ct. fancy vivid yellow.
– Cartier pays record $27 million for jadeite necklace.
Harmful metal used to dye jewelry in China.
Felony-facing jeweler may have misrepresented more than simulants.
Appeals Court sides with Bronstein in Aurora Gems suit.
Michelle Graff says Sterling gender discrimination suit isn’t that new.
Belgium parliament believes Kimberley Process needs stricter control.
– South Africa apprehensive about Precious Stones Multi-Stakeholder Initiative Working Group.
Mugabe charmed by Dubai diamond auction.
– Dubai signs deal with Alrosa.
Diamond industry implications from Ukraine crisis.
Russia wants diamond sales hub.
Israel not worried about gem boycott.
– U.S. Israel Diamond Week shows fatigue.
Avi Krawitz: Why are bourses striking deals?
Indian tourist caught smuggling diamonds into Israel in underwear.
Rio Tinto withdraws from Pebble project.
El Salvador town doesn’t want gold mine.
Big gold rush in Ivory Coast and Ghana.
– Ugly pictures of a Mali gold prospectors.
Will gold price ever recover from last year’s crash?
Smartwatches “won’t cause a crisis” in watchmaking.
– Michelle Graff agrees.
Raymond Weil’s grandson takes over company.
Former DDC official Sam Schick dies.
Jack Kelége appoints VP of sales.
Mbada Diamonds CEO (daughter of chair) quits.
Three-carat diamond stolen from Natural History Museum is recovered.
Men sold jewelry to same store they stole it from.
Antigay graffiti on jewelry store deemed hate crime.
Wis. jeweler accused of selling stolen jewelry.
Cleveland jeweler must give man diamond or money, judge rules.
Houston jeweler sponsors Easter egg hunt.
Lost engagement ring returned to bride on birthday.
U.K. mayor lost 4 ct. diamond.
Yellow diamond found by teen at Crater of Diamonds fetches $20,000.
227 ct. gold crystal identified as world’s largest.
– The world’s largest natural pearl.
Ex-boyfriend’s text message helps fiancée keep ring.
Pelé selling diamonds made of his hair.
Christina Aguilera flashes engagement ring.
– Jamie Lynn Spears flashes multiple rings.
Warren Buffett’s vintage observations about jewelry biz.
Diamond engagement ring nebula founded in space.
How nanodiamonds might shape the future.
Media Watch:
– The New York Times on the trend toward vintage rings.
– Telegraph reviewer thinks Treasure Hunters show should talk about blood diamonds.
– Geek.com asks if diamonds will get cheaper because of synthetics.
From the blog:
Meet Bluedax, the RapNet for Rough
Have a great weekend!
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