International News
Jewelers of America Awards First-Ever Impact Initiative Grants to Support Industry Progress
Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the recipients of its inaugural Impact Initiative Grants, awarding funding to six jewelry trade organizations for programs designed to strengthen and advance the industry.
The selected organizations represent a mix of local and global communities and offer a wide range of initiatives focused on education, access, innovation, ethics, and sustainability. The Impact Initiative aims to empower the next generation, promote responsible practices, and elevate industry standards.
“We believe in the power of community, education, and empowerment,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte. “The applicants for our first Impact Initiative share our goal to make the jewelry industry stronger. We are proud to support these six organizations and look forward to seeing their collective programs create meaningful change.”
Among the recipients:
- BIJC Education Fund received support for its Future Jewelers Academy, a program launched in 2023 to engage high school students from underrepresented communities. The academy offers hands-on training, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities in gemology, watchmaking, and jewelry design—aiming to preserve traditional craftsmanship while inspiring future careers in the trade.
- Diamonds Do Good, a nonprofit founded in 2007, was granted funds for its ongoing mission to share the positive social and environmental impact of natural diamonds. The organization highlights real-life stories of education, entrepreneurship, and development in diamond-producing communities, while promoting ethical practices across the industry.
- Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) received funding for its upcoming JSA Security Certification Program, a nationwide initiative to train jewelry professionals in critical safety and security protocols. The certification will cover physical and digital protection, robbery prevention, and emergency response, incorporating the latest techniques and insights from law enforcement.
JA’s Impact Initiative marks a significant step in fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and responsible future for the jewelry sector.
International News
De Beers Group Reports H1 2026 Production Surge
The company reported a significant increase in production volume while maintaining its full-year production target of 21 to 26 million carats.
De Beers Group today released its operational and sales performance update for the second quarter and first half of 2026. Driven by strong recovery efforts and strategic access to higher-grade ore bodies, the company reported a significant increase in production volume while maintaining its full-year production target of 21 to 26 million carats.
Despite market pressures stemming from broader macroeconomic volatility, the company continues to advance operational streamlining and cost-optimization initiatives to ensure long-term resilience.
Key Highlights & Operational Summary
- Q2 Production Surge: Production jumped 88% year-on-year to 7.8 million carats in the second quarter, bringing total H1 output to 14.9 million carats (+46% YoY).
- Volume Growth: Consolidated H1 sales volume expanded 13% to 12.4 million carats (total sales volume up 20% to 14.8 million carats).
- Full-Year Guidance Reaffirmed: Full-year output remains targeted at 21–26 million carats, with second-half production planned to balance out via scheduled maintenance and a temporary operational pause at the Venetia mine.
- Resilient High-Value Demand: While entry-level categories faced broader pricing shifts, pricing for higher-value natural diamonds remained firm, providing baseline support to the overall index.
Market Dynamics & Strategic Response
Trading conditions during the first six months of 2026 reflected ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainties and regional conflicts that weighed on general consumer sentiment. Additionally, lower-value natural categories experienced continued pressure from lab-grown alternatives.
In response, De Beers actively adjusted its sales strategies, utilizing its inventory mix to meet existing market demand. While lower-value inventory sales shifted the average realized price to $105 per carat for H1, the company noted that underlying value indices for premium, higher-grade natural goods remained stable throughout the period.
Outlook & Portfolio Optimization
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, De Beers will align production output directly with global demand signals. The anticipated surge from H1 will be offset by:
- The previously announced two-year operational pause at the Venetia mine.
- Planned facility maintenance at the Orapa and Jwaneng operations in Botswana.
Anglo American continues to execute its operational transformation and strategic divestment plans for De Beers, ensuring capital discipline and long-term organizational value.
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