First, some self-promotion: On April 11 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 the 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, and 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 few weeks. More information on that here.
This week: Will Kim Kardashian have diamond-covered spray tan at wedding? A diamond company has an April Fool’s joke. Does Saudi Arabia have diamonds? All below.
Judith Ripka purchased for $22.5 million.
Minnesota retailer buys Strellman’s.
Retailers can now check their JBT ratings.
Vacheron Constanin appoints new North American president.
Macy’s appoints new president.
Claire’s appoints new CEO.
BaubleBar opens pop-up display at Nordstrom.
Class action alleges gender bias at Sterling.
– NYT reporter complains about private arbitration.
Chaim Even-Zohar: Were De Beers’ South African price lists stolen?
Does De Beers have arrangement to enter synthetic diamond market?
Shareholders seek to oust Scio board.
Synthetic melee detector introduced by Swiss lab.
– Synthetics detected in Australia.
Scientists find new way to turn graphite into synthetic diamonds.
Moissanite sees highest sales in seven years, despite scared jewelers.
Jeweler suspected of misrepresenting dozens of simulants.
Suncrest producing Radiant Orchid HPHT.
Consumers shift to mid-price watches.
Are consumers already abandoning smartwatches?
Modest proposal: Hearts On Fire and Forevermark should merge.
– CIRCA fires back in HOF lawsuit.
South African dealer says $50 million pink diamond lost.
Avi Krawitz: Exceptional diamonds poised to do well at auctions.
D-IF diamonds, Napoleon emerald highlight Christie’s auction.
Saudi Arabia may have diamond mines.
Europe’s first diamond mine moving ahead.
Reserve Bank of India relaxes diamond import laws.
Indian jewelers feel harassed by authorities.
Debt-ridden Indian broker commits suicide.
Opposition grows to Rio Tinto’s India mine.
AWDC CEO tries to make his case to Zimbabwe.
– Zim government newspaper: The EU is after us again.
Zimbabwe tax man raids Mbada Diamonds.
Beny Steinmetz sells cutting, polishing business.
Dominion posts fourth quarter loss.
Leviev’s company swings to profit.
Gitanjali turns to gems.
Strike cripples South African platinum-belt economy.
Jewelers Closing:
Vandegriff Jeweler in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Cartier relocates on Fifth Avenue.
Former Frehold Display CEO Ed Barks dies.
Danhov adds to sales team.
Edge Retail Academy hires two new mentors.
Will Alex and Ani still be Rhode Island focused?
New domains introduced: .jeweler and .diamonds.
Women finds engagement ring she lost at airport.
Pat Robertson says Jews don’t fix cars, they polish diamonds.
Katherine Webb gets 5 ct. sparkler.
Johnny Depp’s ring was too big for fiancée, started wearing it himself.
Kim Kardashain to have diamond-coated spray tan.
Company plays April Fool’s joke: glow-in-the-dark diamond.
Media Watch:
– The Washington Post profiles Mervis.
– Sterling bias suit covered in The New York Times, Slate, Gawker, ThinkProgress.
– CNN on how to buy a serious watch.
– Babble has diamond-free engagement rings.
– IB Times interviews Vashi.com CEO.
– XOJane writer complains people are too ring-size fixated.
From the blog:
Does De Beers Have Arrangement to Enter the Synthetic Diamond Market?
Modest Proposal: Hearts On Fire and Forevermark Should Merge
Have a great weekend!
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