US Extends Russian Diamond Import Waiver to 2027
August 30, 26
The US has extended a waiver allowing limited imports of Russian-origin diamonds until September 2027, a move seen as practical rather than a softening of sanctions. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) renewed General License 104B ... Read More...
Alrosa Stockpiles $1.8bn Rough as it Posts H1 Loss
August 30, 26Alrosa attributed its first-half net loss to a weak global diamond market, a strong ruble and slow sales, as unsold rough piled up to record levels, according to full financial results released on August 26. It said inventories of unsold rough now amounted to... Read More...
Unicorn Brooch with Royal Link Sells to Private Collector
August 27, 26A whimsical unicorn brooch by Fulco di Verdura, once owned by Virginia Ogilvy, Dowager Countess of Airlie, who served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II, has sold to a private collector in Asia. The brooch sold for £23,750 (USD 32,290)... Read More...
Rapper Proposes with Ring Worth up to $2.5m
August 26, 26US rapper and singer Post Malone, 31, has proposed to his girlfriend, stylist Christy Lee, with a huge diamond ring that sparked a frenzy of speculation. The large oval-cut has been estimated at 10 to 17 carats and valued at between $1 million and $2.5 million... Read More...
Ekati Mine Faces Possible Water License Suspension
August 25, 26Canada's Ekati diamond mine could be forced to halt all activity if its water license is suspended after a regulator accused it of dumping unauthorized mining material. The Wekeezhii Land and Water Board said its court-appointed receiver ... Read More...
Memo by John Jeffay
August 28We've all read about lab grown diamonds being passed off as natural stones, being cut as an exact match, with the same inclusions and even bearing what appears to be a genuine inscription. So much for polished stones. Now it seems bad actors are trying it ... Read More...