DiamondBuzz
G7 traceability mechanism implementation delayed for a second time
Plans to support diamond sanctions on Russia with a blockchain-backed traceability mechanism have been delayed for a second time.The G7 and EU nations originally intended to implement the scheme on 1 September 2024, but in June 2024 it was put back to March 2025. And last week it was delayed again, until 1 January 2026.
The announcement was made last week in the 16th sanctions package against Russia, marking the third anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine.The postponement has been widely welcomed within the industry, where many feel the introduction would otherwise be rushed and poorly planned.
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) said an additional 10 months would give diamond companies time to prepare properly. The new sanctions package also requires diamond traders importing rough diamonds of mixed origin to present a Kimberley Process certificate listing all countries of origin “At this stage, there is still considerable uncertainty about how the traceability system will function and how it will be governed, and the G7 must first clarify these aspects,” said CEO Karen Rentmeesters
DiamondBuzz
Dubai Diamond Exchange Expands Board With Three New Appointment
New Board Appointments Strengthen DDE’s Expertise In Global Markets, Governance and Responsible Sourcing.
The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), part of DMCC, has expanded its Board of Directors with the appointment of Neil Ventura, Weizhang Liang and Wafa Jaffery, strengthening its leadership across global diamond markets, governance and responsible sourcing.
The board will continue to be chaired by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC. The new appointments are aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for the global diamond and precious stones trade.
Neil Ventura joins as Member and Secretary of the DDE Board. He brings more than 35 years of experience across mining, trading, jewellery and technology, having held senior roles at De Beers and Anglo American. He currently serves as Special Advisor to DMCC’s Precious Stones Ecosystem.
Weizhang Liang, former President of the Guangzhou Diamond Exchange and China’s Kimberley Process focal point for over 15 years, joins the board with extensive expertise in international diamond policy and the Chinese market. He also advised the UAE’s Kimberley Process Chairmanship in 2025.
Wafa Jaffery, a longstanding member of DMCC’s Precious Stones team, was elected to the Board of Directors of the World Diamond Council in 2026. She also serves on the Kimberley Process Task Force and the Responsible Jewellery Council Standards Committee.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, said:
The appointments would enhance the exchange’s ability to support the industry’s growth and evolution.
“The strength of the Dubai Diamond Exchange has always been built on the depth of expertise within DMCC’s precious stones ecosystem. These appointments reflect the calibre of leadership that DMCC has developed over many years and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading centres for the diamond and precious stones trade.”
The DDE is the world’s largest diamond tender facility and a major marketplace for rough and polished diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls. Operating within DMCC, it provides infrastructure and trading facilities that connect miners, manufacturers, traders, financiers and retailers across the global diamond supply chain.
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