DiamondBuzz
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.
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
BrandBuzz
Natural Diamond Council Launches World Diamond Day on April 8, 2026
A new global moment to share the stories behind natural diamonds on April 8.
The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) introduces World Diamond Day on April 8, 2026, a global movement that brings people together through the stories behind natural diamonds.
On this day, everyone is invited to participate, from those who work with diamonds every day to those who wear, gift, or admire them. World Diamond Day is about sharing the personal and meaningful moments that natural diamonds represent.
Across social media, participants are encouraged to post a photo or short video that captures what natural diamonds mean to them, whether it is a milestone, a memory, a piece of jewelry you love, or the journey behind it.
On April 8, simply share your story using #WorldDiamondDay and #NaturalDiamonds to join a global wave of voices celebrating something authentic.
Stories can take many forms:
– Personal moments such as engagements, anniversaries, and heirlooms
– The journey of a diamond from origin to artistry
– Positive impact in communities, education, and conservation
– Design, craftsmanship, and finished creations
World Diamond Day is a collective moment and not a campaign. It is shaped by the people who participate, from personal milestones to the communities diamonds uplift and transform. It is a chance to see natural diamonds through the lens of real people and real stories shared around the world in real time.
In a world where so much feels easily replicated and fast, natural diamonds are enduring symbols of love and connection. Formed over billions of years, they carry memory and human meaning. World Diamond Day brings those stories into view from every corner of the world.
Everyone is encouraged to take part by sharing a story that feels personal and true. Organizations and businesses can also amplify the movement by inviting their teams, partners, and communities to participate.
Worn. Given. Passed down. Never forgotten.
On April 8, the story of natural diamonds belongs to everyone.
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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.