Decline in US Jewelry Businesses Slows Slightly
August 18, 26
The decline in the number of US jewelry businesses slowed slightly in the second quarter of 2026. The total number of retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers dipped by 1.5% year-on-year, according to the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT)... Read More...
Russia Curbs Open Rough Market, Introduces 8% Export Duty on Diamonds
August 18, 26Russia is replacing its largely commercial rough-diamond sales model with a regulated group of approved cutters that will effectively avoid a new 8% export duty on rough and partially processed diamonds. The move ties access to cheap stones to membership .... Read More...
"Holy Grail" F.P. Journe Watch Could Fetch $1.15 Million
August 17, 26A "holy grail" watch that finally brought a two-century-old technological dream to life is to be auctioned by Phillips Geneva and is expected to fetch up to CHF 1 million ($1.15 million). The auction house is offering the first Chronometre a Resonance... Read More...
GIA Impostor Alert: CVD Rough Made to Mimic Natural Diamond
August 17, 26A rough diamond submitted to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) turned out to be a CVD lab grown that had been deliberately cut to look like a natural stone. The 6.87-carat near-colorless crystal closely resembled a natural rough octahedron, say the ... Read More...
Buyer at TSL Stole $1.4m Diamonds to Fund Gambling Habit
August 17, 26
Memo by John Jeffay
August 13India's domestic jewelry market is no longer just a story about gold. Yes, gold-buying occasions in the Hindu calendar, along with the important wedding seasons, are still major drivers of demand. But there is a distinct shift away from traditional heavy,... Read More...