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JA, key industry persons met Washington officials on concerns about Russian sanctions

Jewelers of America (JA) and key industry figures met with lawmakers in Washington, DC, last week to express their concerns about plans for sanctions on Russian diamonds. 

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Jewelers of America (JA) and key industry figures met with lawmakers in Washington, DC, last week to express their concerns about plans for sanctions on Russian diamonds. 

“JA has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, and this visit to Washington, DC, was a critical step to ensure we minimize unnecessary disruptions to the US diamond industry,” JA president and CEO David Bonaparte said in a statement Tuesday. “We are very concerned about the additional requirements that could take effect on September 1.” 

These would include adopting a European Union proposal forcing all 0.50-carat and larger diamonds destined for Group of Seven (G7) markets to pass through a single import channel in Belgium, Bonaparte noted. 

JA supports efforts to keep diamonds of Russian origin out of the supply chain, including the more stringent rules that went into effect on March 1, it said. These require importers to self-certify that diamonds of 1 carat or larger are not Russian, notwithstanding their having been manufactured in a third country. 

However, mandating physical verification and certification in Belgium for all rough diamonds “would cause maximum damage to the global diamond and jewelry supply chain, while having minimal effect on Russia’s diamond revenues,” JA argued in the statement. 

Joining Bonaparte on the visit were Jon Bridge, chairman and counsel emeritus at Ben Bridge Jeweler; Dave Meleski, president and CEO of Richline Group; Matthew Swibel, vice president for sustainability and social impact at Signet Jewelers; and Ronnie VanderLinden, immediate past president of the Diamond Manufacturers Importers Association of America (DMIA) and president of the International Diamond

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DiamondBuzz

Alrosa Reports Highest Customer Interest in Rough Diamonds in Eight Years

Since The Beginning Of 2026, Prices For Approximately 80% Of The Company’s Production By Value In The 2- To 10-Carat Category Have Increased By 6% To 9%.

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Russian diamond mining company Alrosa has reported its strongest level of customer engagement in rough diamonds in the past eight years, with the number of product viewings conducted in May 2026 more than doubling compared with the corresponding period last year.

According to the company, client screenings of rough diamond assortments reached a record high, surpassing even the pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. Demand was particularly robust for large diamonds weighing 10.8 carats and above, as well as rare fancy-coloured diamonds, reflecting heightened interest in premium and investment-oriented categories.

Alrosa noted that the trend underscores strengthening demand in the higher-value segment of the market. Since the beginning of 2026, prices for approximately 80% of the company’s production by value in the 2- to 10-carat category have increased by 6% to 9%. These rough diamonds are widely used in the manufacture of investment-grade polished stones.

Alrosa markets a significant share of its rough diamond production through competitive sales mechanisms, including auctions, tenders and electronic sales platforms. The company also facilitates spot sales through one-time transactions, providing buyers with flexible procurement options.

Product screenings are organised through Alrosa’s Unified Sales Organisation, which is responsible for the sorting, valuation and pre-sale preparation of Russian rough diamonds before they are offered to the market.

The latest data points to improving sentiment within select segments of the global rough diamond industry, particularly for large and rare stones, as constrained supply conditions and renewed interest from manufacturers and investors continue to support demand.

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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.

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