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Showing posts from September, 2025

Rio Tinto announces final, Beyond Rare Tender

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  Featuring 52 lots of extraordinarily rare masterpieces of nature   Rio Tinto has launched its final Beyond Rare Tender, the third in its annual Art Series, featuring 52 lots of extraordinarily rare masterpieces of nature, from its Canadian and Australian diamond mines.    Titled Into the Light, this unique event marks a special chapter in world diamond history. With Rio Tinto’s Australian Argyle Diamond Mine ceasing operations in November 2020, and the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada ceasing production in 2026, the final collection of the Art Series pays homage to the life of these iconic mines.    The collection, weighing 45.44 carats, is headlined by six Masterpiece - diamond sets carefully selected to showcase the pinnacle of production from these two famed mines - together with 39 single diamonds and an additional seven curated sets of diamonds. Rio Tinto Diamonds General Manager Sales and Marketing Patrick Coppens said: “It is hard to overs...

Progress in harmonising report nomenclature: LMHC

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  Nomenclature for gem colour stability, tanzanite, cobalt spinel & jade   The Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC) has reported significant progress towards its goal of achieving the harmonisation of language used on gemmological reports, following its latest meeting, which was hosted by the Swiss Gemmological Institute – SSEF, in Basel, Switzerland, in May.   Following the meeting, LMHC members unanimously approved three new information sheets that standardise terminology and testing procedures, and they also updated the information sheet covering Fei Cui and jade terminology. All the new and updated information sheets can now be accessed on the LMHC website.   The LMHC is currently comprised of representatives from the Central Gem Laboratory (CGL), CISGEM Laboratory, DSEF German Gem Lab, GIA Gem Laboratory, The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), Gübelin Gem Lab Ltd., and the Swiss Gemmological Institute – SSEF. The committee plays a centr...

A Symphony of Security & Celebration

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  When Band Music Forged a Diplomatic Bridge   At its core, the spirit of Navratri-the Zeist of Navratri, is a profound allegory for cosmic order and inner strength. This ancient philosophy finds a powerful, modern parallel in the core principles of security and fire safety. Each of the nine goddesses embodies a principle crucial to these vital functions; 1: Shailaputri represents the unshakeable foundation of a robust security protocol. 2: Brahmacharini signifies the discipline and rigorous training of safety personnel.    3: Chandraghanta symbolizes the peace and bravery required to face any crisis. 4: Siddhidatri culminates as the perfection of a successfully executed safety plan. Ultimately, Navratri's, Way of Life; is one of proactive vigilance and the creation of a protected, sacred space—a Dharma Kshetra. This is the identical mission of security and fire safety: to forge a safe environment where life and celebration can flourish without fear.    A C...

Platinum and Gold Price Gap Widens

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  A gap increased by an average of 63% in Q2’25    Recently published Platinum Quarterly Q2 2025 by World Platinum Investment Council [WPIC] reviewed 2025 second quarter Platinum market review-Jewellery demand. According to the review, global platinum jewellery demand increased by 32% year-on-year [YoY] in Q2’25 to 668 koz, the highest since Q4’17.    This in turn contributed to the highest first half total since 2015. Jewellery fabrication in Europe is estimated to have risen by 7% in Q2’25. The widening price differential between platinum and gold , which increased by an average of 63% in Q2’25 versus Q2’24, has helped platinum outperform the broader weakness in the jewellery sector.  In certain markets, we have seen platinum gain market share against the yellow metal. Meanwhile, a higher share of platinum in the bridal market, combined with relative price insensitivity for high-end branded jewellery, provided a degree of price inelasticity, limi...

CaratLane unveils its latest collection – Peepal

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  A festive collection inspired by the graceful Sacred Leaf    CaratLane - A Tata Product, India’s leading omnichannel jewellery retailer, has just unveiled its latest collection – Peepal. Arriving just ahead of Dhanteras, the collection’s inspiration is rooted in the calm and grace of the sacred leaf, crafted to shine bright this festive season.    The inspiration is brought to life through a range of diamonds and green alpanites, carefully cut and set in 14KT and 18KT yellow gold, with hints of green rhodium to evoke the natural elegance of the Peepal leaf. The brand has launched a film, beautifully showcasing the inspiration of the jewellery through the serene diya-lit visuals of a Peepal (also known as sacred fig) tree.  The brand film depicts how culturally significant and rooted peepal has been in Indian heritage. The jewellery reimagines tradition in a luminous, contemporary form that can be worn on a daily basis or for special occasions....

Debmarine unveils next generation crawler

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  Advancement in marine diamond recovery technology   Debmarine Namibia is proud to announce a landmark advancement in marine diamond recovery technology with the unveiling of the Next Generation Crawlers, a transformative leap forward in offshore recovery innovation. This milestone marks the successful delivery of two 800NB (NB refers to Nominal Bore, indicating the internal diameter of the crawler’s pipeline system) crawlers and an upgraded recovery system engineered for seamless integration with the MV Benguela Gem.   This milestone marks the successful delivery of two 800NB crawlers and an upgraded recovery system engineered for seamless integration with the MV Benguela Gem.   These state-of-the-art crawlers represent the pinnacle of marine engineering. Purpose-built to operate in coarser gravels and higher-density panels, they deliver a 20% increase in mining rate and a 30% improvement in pump life. Weighing 370 tonnes these machines redefine operational capabil...

India’s Platinum Jewellery exports up 13.52% in April-August

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  Silver jewellery exports up over 12%, Coloured gemstone & LGDs export falls   According to the India’s provisional gross export data of Gold Medallions & Coins for the period April 2025 - August 2025 at US$ 1.77 million (Rs. 15.27 crores) shown a decline of (-) 98.440% (-98.38% RS. term) over the comparative figure of US$ 113.31 million (Rs. 944.54 crores) for previous year-[ Year over Year-YoY].   While, provisional gross export of India suggests, silver Jewellery for the period of April 2025 - August 2025 at US$ 419.09 million (Rs. 3613.06 crores) shows growth of (+) 12.48% (16.06% Rs. term) over the comparative figure of US$ 372.6 million (Rs. 3113.05 crores) for previous year. India’s provisional gross export of Platinum Jewellery for the period April 2025 - August 2025 at US$ 83.15 million (Rs. 715.91 crores) shown growth of (+)13.52% (16.97% Rs. term) over the comparative figure of US$ 73.25 million (Rs. 612.06 crores) for previous year.  ...

Precious metal demand continues to surge

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  Record levels of client activity at ABC Bullion     Precious metal demand has surged to record levels at ABC Bullion, in line with a global rally that has pushed gold toward USD $3,750/oz and silver above USD $45/oz. The metals have emerged as standout assets in 2025, with central banks, high-net-worth investors, and family offices rapidly increasing allocations. Even major investment firms like Morgan Stanley are now suggesting up to 20% portfolio exposure to gold.   According to the Augmont Bullion, they noted for 23 September, “Precious Metals soar to a record high, but it's time to be cautious! Silver reached a 14-year high of $44.77 (~Rs 135,700) and gold reached a new record high of $3824.6 (~Rs 114,179) as traders reevaluated the Federal Reserve's stance in response to reasonable comments made by Chair Jerome Powell.” Augmont analysed on 24 September that, “Precious Metals halt its upside rally! The surge in gold and silver has slowed as investors wait for t...

Gemfields 1H earn revenue US$ 64.2 mn

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The Group’s net debt as 30 June at USD 61.2 mn   Recently, Gemfields announce the Company’s financial results for the six months to 30 June 2025 (2025 Interim Results and highlighted, Summarised Results. According to the Summarised Results, 1: total revenue for the six months to 30 June 2025 of USD 64.2 million. 2: EBITDA loss for the six months to 30 June 2025 of USD 4.9 million.   3: Free cash flow before working capital movements for the six months to 30 June 2025 of USD 22.1 million due to significantly lower auction revenue and substantial capital expenditure at Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) in Mozambique. The Group’s net debt position at 30 June 2025 was USD 61.2 million (before USD 16.1 million of auction receivables and which are now 100% collected). Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields, commented, “This has been a challenging first half marked by gemstone production difficulties at both mines. MRM experienced lower premium ruby output while Kagem Mining (Kagem) su...

The SSEF Education Scholarships open!

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  Applications open until November 15 th 2025    The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF is proud to offer two annual education scholarships designed to support aspiring gemmologists worldwide.  Each scholarship gives one winner the opportunity to take an SSEF course in Switzerland completely free of charge, including economy flights and hotel accommodation.    Our goal is to make high-level gemmological education accessible to passionate individuals who may not have the financial resources to pursue their studies. These scholarships reflect SSEF’s commitment to fostering excellence and sharing knowledge within the jewellery and gemstone industry – a mission we’ve upheld since 1972.    These scholarships are named in honour of two esteemed gemmologists and former SSEF directors: Prof. Dr. Henry A. Hänni and George Bosshart, whose contributions to the field continue to inspire future generations of gemmologists.  SSEF is delighted to...

Empowering the Future of Jewellery Design: IIGJ

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  Inaugurates Modernised State-of-the-Art Campus for Future   Update 1: The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai, celebrated the inauguration of its newly modernised, state-of-the-art campus with a grand ceremony graced by distinguished leaders from the gems and jewellery industry.   The event was inaugurated by Guest of Honour, Dilip Lakhi, Chairman - Lakhi Group, who cut the ribbon in the presence of Chief Guest, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman - GJEPC India; Guest of Honour, Raj Parikh, MD - Unidesign Jewellery; and other esteemed dignitaries, including Adil Kotwal, President - SEEPZ GJMA, Sanjay Kothari, Founding Board Member - IIGJ Mumbai, and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director - GJEPC.   The unveiling ceremony was hosted by Milan Choksi, Chairman – IIGJ, alongside Debasish Biswas, CEO – IIGJ, who highlighted the Institute’s renewed vision to provide world-class training and innovation platforms for students in the gems and jewellery sector. ...

The BDB’s 2nd Leadership Series concluded successfully

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  Industry experts & opinion leaders discussed, Polishing Our Future   The second edition of the BDB Leadership Series themed, Polishing Our Future - concluded successfully with world renowned speakers attending the preparatory conference for the Gem and Jewellery Industry members.    This was the third day of the three-day conference, the first two days dedicated to presentation of research papers by globally acclaimed scientists under the AGDRT [Advances in Gem & Diamond Research & Technology], an annual meet organized by GII [Gemmological Institute of India].    H.E. Frank Geerkens, Consul General Belgium in Mumbai was the chief guest as the Leadership Series began with a lamp lighting ceremony. Addressing the participants, Anoop Mehta spoke on the importance of the BDB Leadership series for the gem and jewellery Industry members.    He threw light on the present challenges that are being faced in the industry due to many reasons su...