DIAMOND GEMS WEEKLY

Solitaire International: A growing debate over terminology is reshaping how the trade defines and differentiates synthetics from natural diamonds.   Heated exchanges at the CIBJO Congress in Paris, along with France’s reaffirmation of the term “synthetic,” have brought language back to the center of the discussion after years in which the word became largely taboo.   That shift, reinforced by the Gemological Institute of America’s move away from the 4Cs in its color and clari

Natural Diamond Council: There’s been a surge in the recovery of spectacular large rough diamonds, many of which are achieving record prices despite challenging market conditions. The question is what’s driving these discoveries, and which rough and polished stones have gone on to rewrite the record books. I was proud to contribute to the Natural Diamond Council’s latest Record-Breaking Diamonds report, which examines some of the rarest and most consequential diamonds ever re

Solitaire International: The US jewelry sector is on track for another year of growth in 2025, with sales up 5 percent in the first ten months of the year. Independent retailers are driving much of the momentum even as large chains still dominate overall market share.   That strength comes despite heavy headwinds. A 50% US tariff on Indian imports is squeezing margins, gold above $4,100 per ounce is keeping price pressure high, and jewelry-related crime and skills shortages a

The diamond industry stands at a pivotal moment in its evolution, facing a convergence of internal pressures and external forces that demand new ways of thinking and operating.   I had the privilege of facilitating a strategic discussion at the CIBJO Congress in Paris that examined these challenges, from shifting global demand and the rise of lab-grown diamonds to the squeeze on mid-tier retail and growing supply constraints amid mine closures and traceability requirements. P

Geopolitics has taken on a far more influential role in the diamond trade in recent years, with three key issues shaping the industry’s discourse in 2025: escalating US tariffs, restrictions on Russian diamonds, and the European Union’s tightening ESG regulations.   These interconnected forces are driving the trade toward greater transparency, traceability, and accountability, placing particular pressure on SMEs to keep pace with evolving standards.   I was honored to moderat

Solitaire International: As the US holiday retail season begins, affluent consumers are continuing to spend on luxury goods, while budget-conscious shoppers are increasingly drawn to promotions and value-driven offerings.   This divide suggests that high-end and big-ticket jewelry may perform well, though overall volumes could stagnate as middle-income households rein in spending. Retail jewelers are therefore sharpening their strategies: luxury brands are emphasizing exclusi

Solitaire International: After nearly three years of declines, America’s mid-market jewelers finally posted growth in the first half of...

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has released a series of reports across key areas of the trade ahead of its Congress in Paris...

Solitaire International: Are zero tariffs on diamonds just wishful thinking, or a realistic possibility?   With the US imposing 25%...

Solitaire International: As the jewelry industry navigates challenges like lab-grown diamonds and supply chain disruptions, a quieter...

Natural Diamond Council: What makes fancy color diamonds so special, and what’s behind their growing popularity in recent years? A new...

Solitaire International: The natural diamond industry is stepping up its marketing game, uniting around a shared mission to reclaim...

Rapaport Magazine: The US government's announcement of a 10% tariff on imports has triggered a wave of uncertainty and volatility across...

Lab-grown diamond seeds (Credit: De Beers / Lightbox) National Jeweler: I'm honored to have contributed to National Jeweler’s State of...

Solitaire International: US tariffs are stirring new headwinds for the global diamond trade — disrupting supply chains, squeezing...

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) published its ‘Diamonds of Botswana’ report, presenting a comprehensive overview of the contribution...

The Inhorgenta Munich show provides an interesting perspective of the European gem and jewelry trade and has grown in stature in recent...

Here’s a bit of a confession: I have a mixed relationship with the jewelry trade show circuit. Some I love, while others I simply fail to...

Natural Diamond Council: What were the most popular natural diamond shape, color, clarity, size in 2024? Which had the strongest growth?...

Rapaport Magazine: Ahmed Bin Sulayem burst into the diamond scene in the early 2000s and since then has gradually raised his profile,...