People
Graff buys 20.7ct Firebird vivid yellow diamond from ALROSA
Graff Diamonds, the world-renowned hi-end jewelry brand, has acquired the Firebird 20.7ct diamond from ALROSA. The parties do not disclose the transaction details, but note that it achieved one of the highest prices per carat for such a stones in recent years.
DPA Appoints Forevermark's Lussier As Chairman
Stephen Lussier, the chief executive of De Beers' Forevermark brand has been appointed as chairman of the Diamond Producers Association (DPA).
He takes over from Jean-Marc Lieberherr who stepped down from the role after leaving his post as managing director of Rio Tinto's diamond unit.
He was appointed DPA chairman last October a few months after the organization was set up.
Amnesty International: 'Angola Must Give Journalist Free Trial'
Amnesty International in Portugal has is calling on Angola to ensure a free trial for Angolan activist and journalist Rafael Marques.
The local branch of Amnesty International gave in a petition to the Angolan embassy in Lisbon with the signatures of more than 38,000 people calling on Angola to give “all the guarantees of a fair trial”.
Erez Akerman To Step Down As PDE President
Panama Diamond Exchange President Erez Akerman will end his term at the head of Latin America's only WFDB-recognized diamond bourse on October 30.
He will then become managing director of the World Jewelry Hub, and at the same time will be devoted to managing his own company at PDE, Akerman Diamonds.
Israeli and Belgian Bourse Heads Praise Trade Show Events
Mellier Calls on Sightholders to Invest
Israel Diamond Exchange Denounces Brussels Terror Attack
Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) President Shmuel Schnitzer has denounced the terrorist attack that took place at the Jewish Museum in Brussels, Belgium, and the murder of four innocent visitors to the museum.
“The members and the board of the Israel Diamond Exchange are shocked and appalled by the horrific terrorist attack that claimed the innocent lives of four visitors to the museum on Saturday,” Schnitzer wrote.
White Pine Trading Expanding Diamond Liquidation Services for Pawnbrokers
White Pine Trading LLC, a recycled diamonds firm, is increasing its diamond liquidation services for the pawnbroking industry by providing a cash-advance system that could enable sellers to raise cash flows while White Pine looks for the best price through its international sales events and brokerage.
White Pine has tested the service over the past year, with more than 10 pawnbrokers in the United States.
Diamonds shine on stars at Golden Globes
A month ahead of the Oscars, the stars came out for the 71st annual Golden Globes ceremony – regarded as the pre-cursor to the main event. And, as usual, the female stars were adorned in diamond jewelry lent to them for the occasion by the world's leading jewelry designers.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Presents Award to Brad Brooks-Rubin
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) presented the Stanley Schechter Award to Brad Brooks-Rubin for his work as the Special Advisor for Conflict Diamonds while serving at the US State Department.
The award was made at the JVC's annual luncheon event. It brought together industry members from the jewelry trade.
The keynote speaker was former Assistant Secretary of State Jose Fernandez.