International News
The Jewelry Symposium to spotlight AI, traceability, and sustainable practices
The Jewelry Symposium (TJS), formerly known as the Santa Fe Symposium, the premier international event for jewellery manufacturing technology, will convene at the Detroit Marriott Troy from 17-20 May 2025, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and sustainability.
This year’s symposium will expand beyond its traditional focus on metallurgy and craftsmanship to address critical industry issues like responsible sourcing, AI integration, and advanced manufacturing processes.
“We had an unprecedented number of proposals and abstracts for 2025, and we are delighted that many of our respected presenters will be focusing on timely and important issues like sustainability and technology,” says Linus Drogs, TJS Chairman of the Board. “We are grateful to the experts who will be sharing the latest information on CAD, AI, and additive manufacturing (3-D printing), as well as the group of professionals focused on sustainability related to a responsible supply chain and the tracing of coloured gemstones.”
The symposium will feature presentations from leading experts worldwide, catering to a diverse audience of bench jewellers, designers, manufacturers, students, retailers, and press. Among the technology-focused sessions, Scott Bradford of Gesswein will explore CAD techniques and software for enhanced jewellery design, while Jenny Luker of the Platinum Guild International (PGI) will unveil a new platinum alloy. Consultant Anne Miller will delve into the potential of generative AI, and Joseph Strauss of HJE Company, Inc. will discuss advancements in sinter-based 3-D printing.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing will also take centre stage, with Eric Branwaurt of Columbia Gem House and consultant Frank Cooper examining the traceability of coloured gemstones.
International News
De Beers Narrowed Losses In H1 2026 Despite A Sharp Decline In Rough Diamond Prices
The decline reflected significantly lower realised rough diamond prices, although underlying operating performance improved. higher production, increased sales volumes and aggressive cost-cutting helped offset weaker pricing.
De Beers narrowed its losses in the first half of 2026 despite a sharp decline in rough diamond prices, as higher production, increased sales volumes and aggressive cost-cutting helped offset weaker pricing.
Revenue fell 19% to US$1.58 billion in the six months that ended 30 June 2026, from US$1.95 billion a year earlier. The decline reflected significantly lower realised rough diamond prices, although underlying operating performance improved.
Underlying EBITDA loss narrowed to US$113 million from US$189 million in the first half of 2025, while the underlying EBIT loss improved to US$209 million, compared with US$303 million a year earlier. EBITDA margin improved to -7% from -10%.
The average realised rough diamond price fell 32% to US$105 per carat, driven by a weaker product mix and a 16% decline in the average rough price index following inventory rebalancing measures introduced during 2025.
However, De Beers increased production by 46% to 14.9 million carats, while sales volumes rose 13% to 12.4 million carats, reflecting improved availability and stronger trading activity than in the comparable period. Unit costs declined 26% to US$64 per carat, helping cushion the impact of lower prices. Capital expenditure was reduced by a third to US$115 million.
During the second quarter, De Beers sold 6 million carats of rough diamonds, generating US$665 million in consolidated revenue, compared with US$1.2 billion from 6.8 million carats in the same period last year, underscoring the continued pressure on prices despite relatively stable demand.
The company maintained its 2026 production guidance at 21-26 million carats, although planned maintenance at the Orapa and Jwaneng mines and the proposed production pause at the Venetia mine in South Africa are expected to reduce output in the second half. Unit cost guidance remains unchanged at around US$80 per carat.
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BrandBuzz1 day agoKalyan Jewellers Unveils Akshaya Thanga Maligai (ATM) As Its First Regional Brand; Sivakarthikeyan Named Brand Ambassador
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International News6 hours agoDe Beers Narrowed Losses In H1 2026 Despite A Sharp Decline In Rough Diamond Prices
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