GJ Town India

  D-to-Z LGDs laboratory services until September 30   GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, will launch revised evaluation services for D-to-Z laboratory-grown diamonds on October 1. Current GIA laboratory services for D-to-Z laboratory-grown diamonds will be available until September 30.    “Using descriptive terms for the quality of laboratory-grown diamonds is appropriate as most fall into a very narrow range of color and clarity,” said Pritesh Patel, GIA president and CEO. “Because of that, GIA will no longer use the nomenclature created for natural diamonds to describe what is a manufactured product.”    The GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Quality Assessment will use descriptive terms rather than the GIA-developed nomenclature for natural diamonds. The laboratory-grown diamonds will be described as ‘Premium’ or ‘Standard’ based on an overall assessment of their clarity, color and cut. Any diamond that does not meet all the minimum crit...

  1% of Rough Sales Revenue to Global Natural Diamond Marketing   In a watershed step to boost consumer demand for natural diamonds, GJEPC joined top diamond-producing nations and industry bodies in signing the Luanda Accord on 18th June 2025.   The signatories—including mining ministers of Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and DRC, in collaboration with GJEPC, AWDC, DMCC and De Beers—pledged to contribute 1% of annual rough diamond revenues to fund a global marketing campaign spearheaded by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).   The Luanda Accord signatories include, 1: H.E. Diamantino Azevedo, The Government of the Republic of Angola; 2: Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, The Government of the Republic of Botswana; 3: Honourable Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga Mulune, Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo; 4:  Honourable Gaudentia Krohne, Government of the Republic of Namibia. 5: Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman-Gem & Jewellery Export Promoti...

  Expect greater African cooperation & alignment of strategies    The Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, Angola, defended in Luanda for greater cooperation and alignment of strategies among African countries to revive global natural diamond prices on the international market.   Speaking at the opening of the ministerial roundtable on natural diamonds, the minister pointed out the need to launch unified global campaigns that position natural diamonds as an active force for good, regional cooperation, and the equitable development of mineral resources. "When consumers choose to buy natural diamonds, they should do so with the awareness that they are supporting real human transformation, financing classrooms, hospitals, and dreams across Africa," Azevedo said. He considered it essential to harmonize regional policies, creating fairer markets and promoting shared prosperity on the continent.    The minister noted that ...

Presenting more than a symbol of beauty of Forevermark diamond   Celebrated for ushering in prosperity, success, and auspicious beginnings, Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most significant days in the Hindu calendar. This year, it falls on April 30, 2025. Believed to bring lasting good fortune, it is a time when intentions take root and blessings multiply- making it the perfect occasion to mark with something meaningful and enduring. As traditions evolve to embrace modern interpretations, Forevermark invites you to celebrate this special day with exquisite diamond jewellery.    Trusted and timeless, natural diamonds by Forevermark offer a fitting tribute to the spirit of the day. Every Forevermark diamond is rare, responsibly sourced, and inscribed with a unique number that guarantees authenticity and trust. More than a symbol of beauty, these natural diamonds embody strength, purity, and enduring commitment—carrying emotional significance that transcends the moment...

  WFDB launches social media campaign for Natural Diamonds   The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has launched a social media campaign to promote natural diamonds. Called, Moments- the campaign celebrates the emotional significance of natural diamonds in life’s most cherished memories.   The first post features a mother gifting her diamond ring to her daughter, saying ‘This diamond has seen me through life’s most precious moments, and now it will witness yours.’ It adds, “A natural diamond like this isn’t just jewelry – it’s a symbol of permanence, a reminder of the bond we share, and a connection to the love passed down through generations.” The tagline of the campaign is Crafted by Earth, Celebrated by You.   WFDB President Yoram Dvash said that promoting natural diamonds is a key goal of the federation. “We are dedicated to doing our part to place natural diamonds back in their rightful position as symbols of everlasting love. This campaign i...

NDC optimism for the diamond industry in 2025: David Kellie    “As we step into the New Year, the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) would like to extend our warmest wishes for a happy and healthy 2025 to everyone in the diamond industry. The start of a new year is a time for reflection and a look ahead, and as we begin this journey, we recognize that the challenges of the diamond market continue to be a reality” said David Kellie, CEO, Natural Diamond Council (NDC).    The diamond industry, like many others, faces a range of complexities in the current economic climate. While the circumstances do not yet indicate a significant market shift, it is important to remember that external forces often take us by surprise. The impact of geopolitical and economic factors could change quickly, creating new opportunities for the diamond market, as we have learned in recent years. One of the most persistent challenges is the delicate balance of supply and demand. Historical...

INDRA initiatives on promoting natural diamonds spree!!    As India becomes the world’s fastest growing major diamond jewellery market,  Industry leaders De Beers Group and GJEPC will collaborate to support  The gem and jewellery trade with education and promotional assets  To support the natural diamond narrative.    De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India's apex jewellery trade body, announced the commencement of a strategic collaboration to strengthen the natural diamond narrative within the Indian gem and jewellery trade.    The collaboration titled, INDRA - Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance, will focus on supporting independent retailers in India with tools that go beyond the conventional. For example, leveraging Artificial Intelligence to create customized retailer campaigns.  From multi-lingual marketing assets to immersive st...

AWDC Café announces webinar on 11 September   The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) announces the next (virtual) AWDC Café, featuring Diamond Standard (DS). The well announced online webinar’s – by Zoom invitation; topic is protecting the Natural Diamond (ND) Market from Lab-Grown Disruption is to be held on 11 September 2024.   During this session, The Diamond Standard team will cover, Diamond ETP buying $1 Billion, essentially establishing natural diamonds as Investment Grade assets to secure their place in the market. In the row the Diamond Standard team share their message.  The DS Team said, “Unless we take action, lab grown diamonds will permanently destroy the natural diamond market and your business. We must urgently answer the question. Why should I pay more for a natural diamond when a lab grown diamond is indistinguishable?”    The DS Team added, I propose this answer: “Only natural diamonds are Investment Grade.” Investors consistently ...

Lucara views 2Q, short-term support for diamond prices   Lucara Diamond Corp reports its results for the Second quarter ended June 30, 2024 & expressed their view on Diamond Market. They said, the long-term outlook for Natural Diamonds (NDs) prices remains positive due to improving supply and demand dynamics due to long-term reductions from major producing mines.    However, the market for the smaller size stones remains soft as demand is impacted by a weak Asian market and laboratory-grown diamonds. Demand for larger stones over 10.8 carats remains robust, as reflected in the Company's sales.  The G7 sanctions on Russian diamonds over one carat, effective March 2024, have caused some trade delays. New regulations require these diamonds to be processed through the Antwerp World Diamond Centre for origin verification.    The Company views this as short-term support for diamond prices, as the emphasis on stone provenance increases. Lucara, with it...

  ODC's distribution of natural diamonds recognised! Natural Diamond Council (NDC) is a not-for-profit organization that’s committed to inspiring and educating consumers on the real, rare, and responsible values of natural diamonds and the positive global impact of the industry. NDC is pleased to announce its newest member, Okavango Diamond Company (ODC).  The Botswana government–owned rough natural diamond marketing company joins the likes of De Beers and other responsible mining companies. ODC is the first non-mining diamond company to be admitted as a member of NDC, recognizing ODC's  importance in the upstream distribution of natural diamonds, and the importance that Botswana puts on  inspiring consumer demand as a driver of future prosperity for the natural diamond industry.  ODC sells over 6M carats of rough natural diamonds a year, all sourced from Debswana, Botswana's flagship diamond mining company that accounts for 98% of Botswana’s diamond production....

Members updated from GIA, NDC   The Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA) held its first annual member meet-and-greet-and inform, cocktail reception. A well-attended DMIA membership meeting followed the reception.    DMIA had invited representatives of GIA (the Gemological Institute of America), the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), De Beers, and the U.S. Department of State to attend the gathering.    After welcoming guests and offering introductory remarks, DMIA President Stuart Samuels introduced the NDC’s CEO, David Kellie, who reported on the organization’s work promoting natural diamonds worldwide. Kellie concluded with a delightful video highlighting the NDC’s current promotional advertising and public relations efforts. The next speaker was Ricard Pesqueira, GIA’s Vice President for Global Market Development. He updated the DMIA membership on GIA’s digital grading reports that ...

The 95th Oscars best natural diamond looks   Oscars, a time when the brightest and the biggest of stars hit the red carpet in their most sophisticated, flamboyant outfits and flaunt their jewellery. With Deepika Padukone and the cast of RRR representing the nation at the ceremony, the Indian audiences witnessed, what we would call a 'historic win', with their eyes filled with tears and heart filled with pride.   The Oscars are known for headline-hitting red carpet moments, and the 95th Oscars were no different. Here is a round-up of 7 of the best natural diamond looks this year:    Florence Pugh: Highlighting the term unique and creative, Florence Pugh has a style unlike any other. Known for her contemporary take on fashion, she stunned at the red carpet with her unique natural diamond necklace design from Tiffany’s Botanica collection.    Rihanna: There's no denying of the star power that comes with the ‘Diamonds’ singer. Known for her flamboyant o...