GJ Town India

  Jewellery leaders underlining CIBJO’s contribution to industry standards    The 2025 CIBJO Congress has opened at the Comet Auditorium in Paris, beginning the World Jewellery Confederation’s 100th year of operation, having been founded in the same city in 1926.    The more than 250 delegates attending the congress heard the industry leaders address the opening session underlining the importance of the organisation in safeguarding standards and protecting consumers in the global jewellery market. They were greeted by Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, and Bernadette Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq, executive President of the Union Française de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie, des Pierres et des Perles (UFBJOP), the host of the congress.    Daniel Cambour, President of UFBJOP, spoke of the importance of embracing new technologies and the highest standards in the quest for excellence in jewellery creation, for which French artisans and brands are renowned....

  Shoplifting or theft events also increased 17% YoY: NRF Study   The retail industry continues to grapple with increasing levels of theft and violence, according to a new study released by the National Retail Federation [NRF] and the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions.    The Impact of Theft & Violence 2025 found that retailers reported an 18% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2024 versus 2023 and threats or acts of violence during shoplifting or theft events increased 17% during that same time period, indicating that criminal enterprises are becoming more brazen and dangerous.    “Retailers are contending with rising levels of theft, fraud and violence, while continuing to refine security measures, utilize technologies and partner with law enforcement in efforts to curtail loss across the retail landscape.  “While some progress is apparent, organized theft groups h...

  Government’s blitz on business bureaucracy    Recently, Business Secretary-UK, Peter Kyle, has announced that the British Hallmarking Council (BHC) will be abolished and its functions consolidated alongside wider product regulation functions, as part of the government’s blitz on business bureaucracy.    Kyle said, “Where we identify regulators that are doubling up, stepping on each other’s toes, or out of touch with the realities of the modern economy, we will streamline them. Where their role is redundant, we will end them. Not ‘one-in, one-out’ but ‘no role, no regulator’. It’s as simple as that. As proof of my commitment, today I am announcing the abolition of the British Hallmarking Council, with its functions transferring into my department.”    It is understood there is no immediate impact to the Council’s operations. Commenting on the announcement, Will Evans, Director of the London Assay Office, one of the four UK Assay Offices responsible fo...

DMCC publishes, Special LGDs Report to advanced technology!    Recently DMCC published, the future of trade-Special lab-grown diamonds Edition , Beyond Jewellery: growth frontiers in LGD from luxury and fashion to advanced technology!    By introducing the report said, this report serves as the second in-depth thought leadership report from DMCC on the lab-grown diamond (LGD) industry. It has been prepared at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the industry. Lab-grown diamonds are no longer peripheral to the jewellery sector; they have entered the mainstream of consumer markets, redefined the economics of supply, and opened entirely new technological frontiers.    The purpose of this report is not only to document the growth of the LGD industry but also to examine its strategic implications for stakeholders across the value chain — from producers and traders, to retailers, technology companies, investors, and policymakers.  It comes fol...

  Production fostered 38%, 5.7 mn cts rough diamonds sold in 3Q 2025     In Q3 2025 production increased by 38% to 7.7 million carats, primarily driven by higher production from Jwaneng in Botswana, in anticipation of the extended plant maintenance downtime in the fourth quarter of 2025.   In Botswana, production increased by 51% to 6.0 million carats. In the comparative period there was one month of plant maintenance at Jwaneng, whereas the plant was fully operational in Q3 2025. In addition, given that extended plant maintenance is planned for the entirety of Q4 2025, higher grade ore was processed at Jwaneng in the third quarter. Orapa resumed operations after a planned extended plant maintenance shut in Q2 2025.   The 3Q report said, production in Namibia was flat at 0.5 million carats. In South Africa, production increased by 28% to 0.7 million carats, reflecting the processing of increased volumes of higher-grade underground ore.  Production in Cana...

  AI is neither good nor bad; its success depends on how it is used   Prepared by the CIBJO Technology Committee, chaired by Stéphane Fischler, the report focuses exclusively on artificial intelligence [AI], looking at ways in which the greater jewellery industry will be impacted, considering both the potential benefits and pitfalls, while dispelling some of the dystopian myths that have come to be associated with AI.    “AI is neither inherently good nor bad,” writes Fischler. “Its success depends on how it is used. The simplest and the most advanced tools can create value or do harm depending on their accuracy, intent, context and governance. In the jewellery industry, the organisations that succeed in integrating AI creatively, strategically and ethically will see productivity soar while remaining firmly in charge of the decision-making process.”    Just as AI is likely to change the way that the jewellery industry thinks and operates, the i...

  Quality, Research & Global Testing Standards endorsed   The Gemmological Institute of India (GII) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and quality by acquiring accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in accordance with ISO/IEC/17025:2017 in the field of Testing. This recognition is a testament to GII’s high standards, reliable grading processes, and consistent pursuit of scientific precision in gem testing and certification.   GII has always strived for quality in all its activities; be it testing and certification, human resource development through its acclaimed training programs, or high-end research and development in the field of gemmology. The NABL accreditation further strengthens GII’s reputation as a trusted authority in the gem and jewellery industry, both nationally and globally. Speaking on the occasion, Mehul Shah, Chairman of GII, said, “On behalf of GII, I assure all...

  The most expensive six sets over 120 mn rubles shown in Novosibirsk     Recently, investment-grade diamonds from the Alrosa Diamond Exclusive collection, valued at over one billion rubles, were on display in Novosibirsk. Investors, collectors, and gemstone connoisseurs were particularly drawn to the luxurious investment sets, composed of rare diamonds with similar characteristics.   Alrosa Diamond Exclusive investment sets are complete diamond compositions designed as independent investment assets. Each set contains two to several diamonds, matched in color, clarity, shape, and proportions. They are carefully selected and evaluated by experts, representing structured lots for long-term investment.   Due to the precise coordination of their parameters, these sets are valued higher than a collection of individual diamonds with similar characteristics. Furthermore, they offer the owner flexibility in asset disposal: the set can be sold as a rare coll...

  Landforming by the 1Q 2026, monitoring 10 years   Diamonds may be forever, but the mines they come from are just a short chapter in the story of the surrounding land. The Argyle diamond mine lies in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, on the traditional Country of the Miriwoong and Gija people. “The completion of the Argyle process plant infrastructure removal is a major milestone for the project. Our demolition contract partner, Liberty Industrial collaborated with the Rio Tinto team to plan and safely execute this scope of work” Matt, Project Manager, Argyle Closure, said.      During 37 years of operation, the mine produced rare, natural-coloured diamonds, supplying more than 90% of the world’s natural red, pink and violet diamonds. The conditions that formed them are unlikely to occur again on earth.      Production at the mine stopped in late 2020 and now the site is being rehabilitated in a process called closure execution. We’r...

Weighing over 100 carats, unveiled for Yekaterinburg people    The largest diamond in Russian history, the New Sun, weighing over 100 carats, was unveiled to the people of Yekaterinburg for the first time. This unique gemstone was the star of the Alrosa Diamond Exclusive collection's investment-grade diamond show, which took place in October 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Yekaterinburg.    This diamond masterpiece is distinguished not only by its record-breaking size but also by its rare Fancy Yellow color. Its creation took over two years and required the participation of a team of 15 of the country's best diamond cutters.    "Alrosa first unveiled the New Sun diamond in April of this year. Its creation was one of the most significant events in recent years, highlighting Russia's high status in the global diamond jewelry industry. We are delighted to showcase this unique diamond in the capital of the Urals and tell its story,” said Elena Sukhoveeva...

  The inaugurated cohort of graduates selected for the IGDP    The Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group announce the inaugural cohort of graduates selected for the International Graduate Development Programme (IGDP), which has formally commenced. This milestone marks the start of one of several pioneering initiatives under the landmark Sales Agreement signed in February 2025.    The IGDP offers high-achieving Batswana graduates a two-year international placement across De Beers Group’s global operations. Participants will gain world-class skills, global exposure and leadership development, positioning them to contribute meaningfully to Botswana’s future workforce and international presence.    Following a rigorous selection process to identify the successful candidates from a large group of high caliber applicants, the graduates selected as part of the first cohort reflect the breadth of Botswana’s emerging talent, spanning discipl...

  Session’s digital information online untill October 29, 2025   The 2025 CIBJO Congress is set to open in Paris, France, on Monday, October 27, 2025, and it will be broadcast live worldwide. Free access to the live broadcast will be available via the dedicated congress website at, https://cibjo.org/congress-2025/  or via the CIBJO YouTube channel at, https://www.youtube.com/@ cibjocommunications9276/streams . It will begin at 9:30 AM on October 27, 25, with the live feed of the Opening Ceremony.  The Digital Binder of the 2025 CIBJO Congress is also now online. It contains documents that will be referred to during the various sessions, as well as the other relevant materials. The Digital Binder can be accessed at https://cibjo.org/congress-2025/digital-binder-2025/ .     Please note that additional documents may be uploaded prior to the session of any commission or committee, so it is recommended to the review the Digital Binder page periodically...

  Lower caratage, lightweight jewellery and digital gold options trends!   Just ahead of Dhanteras, Sachin Jain, MD- World Gold Council [WGC] said, “On this Dhanteras, industry is seeing very strong sentiment for gold across categories - jewellery, coins, bars, ETFs and digital gold.   Customers are doing token purchases and heavy pieces are also being bought. Reinforcing the belief that gold brings good fortune, wealth, and prosperity, and this year has been no different. Due to record number of price increases industry has also passed on some benefits to their consumers by offering healthy discounts. Record business is excepted by most of industry players. Overall, we expect gold buying interest to remain strong through current festive season and upcoming wedding period.”   At the end of the Dhanteras Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO- Senco Gold & Diamonds noted, “Dhanteras this year felt like two stories at once, 1: families still wanting to mark the festival with s...