Author: Angela Oliffe

In a recent event at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon, a 703-carat tanzanite carving, named L’Heure Bleu by artist Naomi Sarna, has been officially recognised as the world’s largest cut tanzanite by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ on March 9. Record-Breaking Achievement The declaration of the world record was witnessed by a large crowd, including gemstone experts Jessie English from J.S. English Appraisals and Madeline Saunders of Oregon Estate Jewelry, who served as the official witnesses. Michael Empric, a Guinness World Records adjudicator, verified and announced the achievement. The event was also attended by Gail Spann,…

The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) and the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) have announced that their 2024 annual general meetings (AGMs) will take place on June 6. The meetings are set to occur at the Tower of London and will be followed by a dinner hosted by The Benevolent Society. AGMs and Leadership Transition Scheduled to commence at 4 PM, the AGMs promise an engaging afternoon for members of both organisations. Notably, the meetings will oversee the induction of a new BATF President and NAJ Chair, succeeding Henrik Skouby and Heather Callaway, respectively. This leadership transition underscores the dynamic…

The National Association of Jewellers’ Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) has revealed the lineup of presentation titles for the forthcoming Valuers’ Conference, an integral component of the NAJ Summit scheduled from June 22-24, 2024.  This year’s conference, hosted at the Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham, aims to cater to a wide array of professionals within the jewellery sector, including valuers, retailers, sales personnel, students, and designers, offering them an opportunity to broaden their professional expertise. Conference Agenda and Key Presentations Scheduled for Saturday, June 22, the conference will feature a variety of lecture-style talks, encompassing topics from diamond identification to the…

IDEX Online disclosed a substantial enhancement to its diamond trading platform. This upgrade, characterised by improved functionalities and a more user-friendly interface, marks a significant leap towards optimising trade efficiency for its customers. With the integration of modernised features, including a revamped homepage, streamlined diamond search processes, and an updated purchase flow, the platform now facilitates more efficient operations for trading both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Furthermore, the platform boasts access to over 75% of the global polished diamond market, ensuring secure transactions, end-to-end logistics, and a reliable market data database, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the…

The French Ministry of Economy and Finance has taken a step to standardize the terminology for lab-grown diamonds by introducing “synthetic” as the official term. This change seeks to unify the various terms previously in use, like “lab-grown” or “cultivated,” for diamonds created through artificial processes. WFDB’s Reaction The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) supports this decision, seeing it as an essential step in differentiating the value of natural diamonds. Yoram Dvash, President of the WFDB, stated, “By endorsing the use of ‘synthetic,’ the French government aims to eliminate ambiguity and ensure consumers can make informed choices based on…

LVMH’s Chaumet has been selected to design the official medals for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, introducing a novel approach by incorporating material from the Eiffel Tower into the medals’ design. Utilizing the Eiffel Tower’s Iron For the first time, original iron from the Eiffel Tower is being used in the creation of Olympic and Paralympic medals. This material choice links each medal directly to a key symbol of Paris. The iron, originally brown, has been returned to its natural color and shaped into a hexagon that reflects the tower’s structure. This element is central to the design…

The London Diamond Bourse (LDB), a central figure in the UK’s diamond and jewellery industry, has introduced significant changes to its leadership structure. These changes are geared towards maintaining the Bourse’s relevance and adapting to the changing dynamics of the industry. Introduction of Joint Presidency Mr. Alan Cohen, the current President of LDB, announced his intention to conclude his term at the upcoming AGM. Recognised for his roles within the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the World Diamond Council, Cohen’s contribution has been substantial. To assist in his responsibilities and ensure a smooth leadership transition, Mr. David Troostwyk, formerly…

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) recently acknowledged Mr. Tehmasp Printer, CEO of the International Gemological Institute (IGI), for his impactful contributions to the industry. With over 24 years at IGI, including his tenure as CEO since last year, Printer has been instrumental in advancing the institute’s global influence. IGI’s Global Influence and Services IGI, with its 30 laboratories and 19 educational facilities, has played a pivotal role in the global gem and jewellery landscape for over 45 years. The institute offers a range of services, including diamond grading, coloured stone grading, jewelry identification, and appraisal, catering to…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) hosted its 16th annual research meeting at its global headquarters in Carlsbad, California, bringing together over 100 participants. This assembly included GIA researchers, esteemed academics, independent industry experts, and GIA Governors and executives. The three-day event, held from 1-3 November, focused on the latest gemological research and technological advancements Pioneering Research for Consumer Protection Tom Moses, GIA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer, emphasized the centrality of rigorous independent research to GIA’s mission. He stated, “Rigorous independent research is at the centre of GIA’s activities and is vital to our consumer…

The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) recently held its annual general meeting (AGM) on October 18, 2023, wherein three Members of the Board were elected and the existing Gem-A Council President was re-appointed. The elected board members include Kate Flitcroft FGA, Maggie Campbell Pedersen FGA, and Pia Tonna, while Richard Drucker FGA was retained as the Council President. This AGM saw formal proceedings taking place at Gem-A’s London premises. Member Participation and Association Review Gem-A’s AGM provides a platform for its members to engage in reviewing the Annual Reports of 2022 and the Financial Performance documents for the year…

The Claddagh ring, originating from the Irish village of Claddagh, is more than just a piece of jewellery. Its unique design – featuring a heart, hands, and crown – holds specific meanings about love, friendship, and loyalty. In this article, we’ll break down the symbolism of each element and explain how the ring’s position can indicate the wearer’s relationship status. From its historical roots to contemporary interpretations, we’ll provide a clear understanding of the significance of the Claddagh ring. What each part of the Claddagh Ring Means There are three key parts to the Claddagh ring, and each has its…

The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) is set to host an online webinar for employers on Wednesday, 9th of August. The webinar aims to provide valuable insights into the Apprenticeship programme, including funding, delivery, and recruitment guidance. It will also feature a live Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the BAJ team. Aligning Training with Industry Needs The BAJ Apprenticeship programme is crafted in accordance with the new Standard for the Jewellery, Silversmithing, and Allied Trades Professionals. This alignment emphasises a closer working relationship between employers and training providers, ensuring that apprentices are guided along specialist pathways tailored…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has recently evaluated a 4.04-carat ring made entirely from a single lab-grown diamond. This significant milestone in the world of carved single-crystal diamond rings has implications for the UK jewellery industry, reflecting advancements in lab-grown diamond technology and potential shifts in consumer preferences. A Significant Milestone The Ring’s Characteristics The ring, fashioned from a single-crystal CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) laboratory-grown diamond, represents a significant development in the field of lab-grown diamonds. While not the first of its kind, it is the first time GIA has evaluated a ring carved from a single laboratory-grown diamond.…

The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) has announced that their educational Practical Diamond Knowledge Workshop has received accreditation from the Continued Professional Development (CPD) principles. The course, which officially launched in August 2022, offers attendees an in-depth look at preferred diamond industry practices, aiming to improve confidence and sales techniques. CPD certification signifies that the course’s content is accredited and recognised for its professional development value. This development will allow jewellers to collect CPD points, adding to their professional qualifications and enhancing their career prospects in the diamond industry. A Hands-On Approach to Learning The workshop provides participants with an array…

Despite their age long rejection from the diamond industry, salt and pepper diamond is now gaining a lot of attention in the market. They used to be rejected by designers and jewelers because of their impurities, which they thought made these diamonds undesirable and inferior compared to other diamonds. However, this is no longer the case. Designers now use a salt and pepper diamond in jewelry of all kinds, whether it’s for something as grand as an engagement ring or as simple as a pendant. The growing popularity of these diamonds can be attributed to a shift in the idea…

Advancements in Lab-Grown Diamonds The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently examined a lab-grown diamond that sets a new record. Its Hong Kong laboratory had the opportunity to study a 34.59-carat diamond, called the ‘Pride of India’ marking the largest faceted lab-grown diamond that the GIA has ever tested. The diamond was produced by Ethereal Green Diamond, a company based in Mumbai that utilises the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process. The 34.59-carat diamond’s dimensions are 24.94 x 13.95 x 9.39mm. The last record holder was a 30.18 carat diamond, also called the ‘Pride of India’, it was produced in 2022.…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the addition of a report comment using the trade colour term “Peacock” for specific colours of cultured pearls from the Pinctada margaritifera black-lipped pearl oyster, also known as Tahitian pearls. After a year of researching the historical and current use of the colour term “Peacock,” as well as considering industry feedback, GIA decided to add this descriptive term to better inform consumers. The new term will be used when a pearl, strand or jewellery item meets carefully defined colour parameters for ‘Peacock’. Defining the “Peacock” Colour Range GIA’s industry analysis has identified…

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has recently released a series of recommendations for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, aiming to clarify the use of certain terms in the jewelry industry. These recommendations, made public through the Jewelry Vigilance Committee (JVC), are intended to ensure consumer protection, uphold the integrity of the supply chain, and promote transparency in the industry. The AGTA Industry Terms Committee In January, AGTA unveiled a new committee with the goal of standardizing terms surrounding sustainability and ethics within the jewelry industry. This committee, under the leadership of President Kim Collins, is…

The Met Gala 2023 was not just about the clothes – the jewelry worn by the attendees was equally as stunning. The event, which was dedicated to the late Karl Lagerfeld, saw celebrities and fashionistas adorned with pieces that reflected Lagerfeld’s love for pearls and fine jewelry, and served as testament to the transformative power of accessories in creating unforgettable looks. We take you through our top 5 looks below. Dua Lipa’s Legendary Tiffany & Co Diamond Necklace As one of the event chairs, Dua Lipa was expected to shine, and she did just that. The singer wore an eggshell-colored…

Following a brief and tumultuous transition to a digital-only model, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced a swift return to issuing paper Diamond Dossier reports, in response to industry-wide criticism and concern. In January 2023, the GIA had embarked on an ambitious endeavour to transition to a ‘paperless’ operation, only to backtrack on its decision four months later. This quick reversal came after the diamond trade voiced disapproval over the new digital system, citing concerns about potential disruptions, customer dissatisfaction, and the risk of abuse. The GIA’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Pritesh Patel, admitted that…

Diamond Fluorescence isn’t a topic commonly talked about within the consumer market for diamond jewellery. However, in the professional world it is a topic for debate. Does it enhance or detract from the appearance of a stone? How does this affect the stones value?  Discover what fluorescence is, how it is measured and what it means when purchasing your special piece of jewellery. So what exactly is diamond fluorescence? To put it simply diamond fluorescence is like the glow in the dark paint you can buy for black light parties, or Ross’ glowing teeth in that one episode of friends.…

Diamonds are a classic symbol of love, but what if you want to show your appreciation for someone in a more unique way? Pink diamonds are growing in popularity, both for use in jewellery and as an potential investment.Here’s everything you need to know about these beautiful stones. What are pink diamonds? Pink diamonds are one of the rarest colours of ‘fancy coloured’ diamonds – a term that covers diamonds outside the normal white to yellow colour range. In fact, pink diamonds are the second rarest colour of diamond – second only to red diamonds. This rarity can result in…

Precious stones and gems have been used to signify when a person was born for thousands of years. The breastplate of Aaron had twelve stones signifying the twelve tribes of Israel, and the first century Jewish historian proclaimed a connection between them and the twelve signs of the zodiac. People would rotate which stone they wore in order to coordinate with the signs. The idea of wearing a single birthstone throughout the year is only a couple of centuries old, beginning in 18th century via Poland. The modern list of stones and their assigned months was established in 1912 by…