GJ Town India

  A global zero percent tariff on diamonds is particularly important for  Belgian diamantaires, who often trade diamonds polished in India!   Thanks to intensive negotiations, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the umbrella organization for the Antwerp diamond industry, has succeeded in securing a zero percent import tariff for natural polished diamonds under the trade agreement between the European Commission and the United States.    This exemption is part of a U.S. executive order, effective retroactively as of Monday, September 1, which grants tariff waivers to trade partners that conclude agreements covering industrial exports, including nickel, gold, other metals, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Concretely, this means that diamonds of European origin – for example, polished in Antwerp – will no longer be subject to the standard 15% tariff, but can instead be imported at 0% duty.    This is a tremendous boost for the Antwerp di...

  Jewelers of America Lobbies on Tariffs and Crime on Capitol Hill   The Halls of Congress were especially busy this year, as Jewelers of America leadership and members met with lawmakers to discuss policies and issues impacting the jewelry industry. The annual fly-in, led by the Jewelers of America Political Action Committee (JAPAC), was held on Wednesday, September 17. JAPAC is the only PAC that supports the fine jewelry industry in Washington, D.C.   This year’s visit focused on two critical concerns: the across-the-board tariffs that have been implemented by the Trump Administration, and the continuing threat of organized retail crime to jewelry businesses.   “Right now, it’s an all hands on deck situation in dealing with the tariffs, which have strained and caused major disruptions to the global supply chain,” says JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte. “The majority of retailers and manufacturers in the U.S. are dependent on diamonds and gemston...

  Discusses relief measures over 50% U.S. Tariff Impact    A delegation from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), led by Chairman Kirit Bhansali, along with Vice Chairman Shaunak Parikh and Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray, met with the Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, to discuss urgent relief measures for the Indian gem and jewellery sector, which has been significantly impacted by the recent 50% tariff imposed by the United States.    During the interaction, Bhansali expressed gratitude to the Finance Minister for the landmark GST reforms that have positively shaped the industry. The delegation put forth key requests to provide immediate relief and ensure business continuity, including, 1: Permission for reverse job work, 2: Allowing DTA sales by SEZ units, 3: Extension of export obligation periods, 4: Interest moratorium on packing credit and working capital loans & 5: Liquidity s...

  Only a few master craftspeople showcase Sixteen Stone Collection    Sixteen Stone by Tiffany, showcasing the House’s unparalleled artistry, only a few master craftspeople with over two decades of experience can assemble the signature cross-stitch of Sixteen Stone designs.    A Symbol of Love’s Nurturing Forces are taking inspiration from the cross-stitch, a symbol of joining that which is held precious, Sixteen Stone is a reminder of each encounter, each promise and each accomplishment that make up the wider tapestry of our journeys. Sixteen Stones. One Statement. Worn by generations of the world’s most stylish individuals, the Sixteen Stone ring is striking on its own. For the ultimate display of brilliance, pair it with the collection’s bracelet and earring designs.    The Sixteen Stone ring is designed to be a perfect balance. Eight cross-stitches elegantly placed amongst 16 diamonds—an impressive sight from any angle. Textiles, Transforme...

  Launches Hallmarking 2.0 with digital product passports   PureJewels announced the UK launch of its Lotus Collection with Digital Product Passports (DPPs), becoming the first luxury jeweller to pilot the inclusion of Hallmarking 2.0, a pioneering initiative offered by the Edinburgh Assay Office and powered by Everledger’s blockchain technology.    For the first time in the UK jewellery sector, every piece in the Lotus Collection is accompanied by a Digital Product Passport linked to the product at the hallmarking stage.    This secure digital record provides verified details on hallmarking, provenance and supply journey. Sometimes described as a “digital jewellery passport,” it extends the centuries old trust of hallmarking into the digital era, giving customers greater confidence in authenticity, responsibility and traceability. The Lotus Collection was chosen to launch the initiative because of its powerful symbolism. Available in 18 carat y...

  Gemfields auction revenues US$ 60 million in 1H 2025   In accordance with paragraph 3.4(b) of the JSE Listings Requirements, Gemfields shareholders are advised that the Company is reasonably certain of its expected financial interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025- 1H.    Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields, commented, further to our operational update for the six months to 30 June 2025, which was published on 31 July, we are pleased to provide this trading statement ahead of the release of our Interim Results on Friday 26 September 2025.    Gemstone production proved challenging throughout the period at both mines, with Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) experiencing a decrease in the production of premium rubies and Kagem Mining (Kagem) having halted mining operations at the end of 2024, operating only the wash plant until May 2025 when two focussed emerald production points were re-opened. As ever, we are reminded that nature is no sup...

  Previews opal varieties and jade guides for coloured stones sector   With fewer than six weeks to go to the opening of the 2025 CIBJO Congress in Paris, France, on October 27, 2025, the fifth of the pre-congress Special Reports has been released. Prepared by the CIBJO Coloured Stones Commission, headed by Charles Abouchar, the report focuses on two material specific-guides – for opal and jade – that currently are being prepared, as well as addressing the impact of U.S. import tariffs on the coloured gemstone sector and the correct descriptive terminology for synthetic stones.   The Opal Guide, which has been worked on since the CIBJO Congress in Bangkok in 2017, outlines classification criteria for all opal varieties , treatment categories and disclosure requirements, and provides standardised terminology to ensure consistency across markets. The Jade Guide, which originally was initiated to reconcile the terminology, identification and grading of jade in relati...