This week: Rapaport’s bromance with Trump. Probes against Alrosa and Winsome Diamonds. And a man crowdfunds his engagement ring. All below.

 

Pink Star fetches $71.2 million, sets new records.

 

Diamond District jeweler was drug front, police say.

 

Ten arrested for defrauding diamond wholesalers.

 

Baselworld fair will shrink next year.

– Five watch execs sound off.

– Does “Swissness” law hurt industry?

 

Amazon now charges sales tax in every state.

– Adds work-at-home jobs.

 

James Allen announces $140 million investment.

 

John Hardy steps up omnichannel game.

 

Study: Shoppers prefer to consult phones over sales associates.

 

Expectations low for first-quarter retail.

 

Jewelry retailer wins suit over Yelp review.

 

Why Nordstrom is still thriving.

 

Jenna Lyons is out at J. Crew—we look back on her influence.

 

Signet, Diamond Producers Association look at synthetic detector criteria.

 

Russian authorities probing Alrosa.

 

New charges filed against Winsome Diamonds.

 

Former congressman’s diamond deals in Zimbabwe probed.

 

Exit interview with Cecilia Gardner, president and CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

 

Is the Kimberley Process B.S.?, continued.

 

Diamond trade “banking on relationships.”

– Indian diamantaires hurt by Belgian banks declining loans.

– Antwerp sees “discrimination.”

 

Albert Robinson examines offers for Dominion Diamond.

– Dominion extends mine life two years.

 

De Beers sees “good” rough demand.

 

Martin Rapaport’s “bromance” with Trump.

 

Merger forms precious metals giant.

 

The “sapphire rush” hurts rainforest of Madagascar.

 

Rogers & Hollands chair Alan Kadet dies.

 

Vacheron Constantin appoints new president.

 

London bourse hires ethics advisor.

 

GIA initiates study with Tanzanian women miners.

 

Israeli diamond club appoints judge to rule on large arbitrations.

 

Cincinnati jeweler has new owner.

 

Spicer-Greene “throw rocks” billboard taken down.

 

Delaware jeweler helps children in need.

 

Jeweler wants to put rapper T.I. on the stand.

 

Sean Kingston sued over failing to pay for Rolex.

 

Kanye West puts out new jewelry collection.

 

Guy crowdfunds his engagement ring.

 

Another guy creates DIY engagement ring music box.

 

From the Blog:   

Exit Interview with Cecilia Gardner, President and CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee

Is the Kimberley Process B.S.?, Continued

 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

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– Twitter: @robbatesjck 

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