International News
AGTA engages US Policymakers for gemstone tariff relief
In response to President Trump’s 5th September Executive Order, American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) President Bruce Bridges and CEO John W. Ford Sr. visited Washington, D.C. during the week of 15th September to engage directly with policymakers on import tariffs affecting gemstones.
During their trip, Bridges and Ford held meetings with Cabinet agencies, the White House, and trade officials at the US Trade Representative’s Office, as well as with U.S. Senators and House members, including Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Representatives Darrell Issa, David Rouzer, Ronny Jackson, Mike Bost, and Randy Weber.
The Executive Order allows for the possibility of zero reciprocal tariffs on products “that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States,” and Annex III specifically includes gemstones under Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAP).
AGTA’s delegation expressed appreciation for the inclusion of gemstones while seeking clarity on implementation. Officials confirmed that reciprocal trade and security agreements must be negotiated with individual trading partners before tariff reductions can take effect. US trade negotiators also welcomed AGTA’s offer to engage source countries directly to support active trade discussions.
International News
Kering Invests in China’s Gold Jewelry Surge as Laopu’s Explosive Growth Reshapes Market
Heritage-gold brands Borland and Lamchiu secure major funding amid soaring demand, fueled by Laopu’s meteoric rise and China’s booming 24-karat segment.
A wave of investor interest is sweeping through China’s gold jewelry sector as the rapid rise of Laopu Gold Co. galvanizes confidence in the country’s high-end heritage gold market. The latest beneficiary is Borland, a Hangzhou-based jeweler known for its traditional filigree craftsmanship, which this week announced more than 100 million yuan ($14 million) in new funding.
The investment round includes contributions from Kering Ventures, the startup arm of luxury group Kering SA, and Shunwei Capital, co-founded by Xiaomi chairman Lei Jun. Kering noted that its minority stake enables participation in the “rapid development of a particularly buoyant 24-karat gold jewelry segment,” reflecting growing appetite for culturally rooted premium gold pieces.
Meanwhile, Dayone Capital has made a separate investment exceeding 100 million yuan in Lamchiu, a Lanzhou-based maker of handcrafted bespoke gold jewelry. The firm will support Lamchiu in expanding distribution and reinforcing the brand’s supply-chain capabilities.
The surge of capital follows the remarkable ascent of Laopu, which has become one of China’s breakout jewelry success stories. The company reported 12.4 billion yuan in revenue in the first half of 2025 — a year-on-year increase of over 250%, building on 168% growth from the previous year. Laopu’s momentum has outpaced Western luxury houses struggling with softer China demand.
Heritage gold jewelry — deeply rooted in Chinese aesthetics and traditional techniques like filigree — is attracting a new generation of luxury consumers. Brands like Laopu, which operate in top-tier malls, increasingly compete with global maisons such as Hermès and Cartier for clientele.
Despite strong digital followings, newer brands still face distribution gaps. Borland operates only three mall stores, while Lamchiu, despite amassing more than 1 million followers on Douyin, runs just one physical outlet in Lanzhou. Both companies plan to use their fresh funding to accelerate expansion and strengthen operational infrastructure.
The latest investments signal rising confidence that China’s heritage-gold renaissance is evolving from a trend into a long-term luxury category shaping the future of the jewellery market.
-
National News2 hours agoGJC welcomes RBI’s 25 basis point repo rate cut
-
National News2 hours agoIndia’s World Cup victory celebrated with India’s own gold through Tanishq exchange
-
ShowBuzz1 hour agoT.GOLD: The most innovative technologies for competitive and sustainable jewellery
-
International News4 hours agoGold edges lower, Silver stages a recovery as markets await crucial U.S. data
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.