DiamondBuzz
The Luanda Accord expands as Namibia joins, GJEPC and DMCC move toward Natural Diamond Council membership
Minimal silhouettes and fancy-cut diamonds define a contemporary collection designed for effortless, everyday elegance this Valentine’s season
The Republic of Namibia is the latest government to sign the Luanda Accord while India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) are set to become new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
The Luanda Accord held its second high-level meeting at the African Mining Indaba 2026, marking an expansion of collective action in support of global generic marketing for natural diamonds, led by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).
The Accord brings together diamond-producing governments and industry stakeholders committed to sustained investment in protecting and promoting the natural diamond category. Its inaugural meeting took place in June 2025, with participation from producing countries and leaders across the global natural diamond value chain.
At today’s meeting, the Government of the Republic of Namibia formally became a signatory to the Luanda Accord, joining Angola, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo. By signing, Namibia commits to supporting the natural diamond industry through an agreed contribution to global category marketing in alignment with the principles of the Luanda Accord. The announcement follows Namibia’s expression of strong support in principle at the first Luanda Accord meeting and the subsequent completion of all required governmental authorizations.
With a diamond industry dating back to 1908, Namibia is today the fifth largest diamond producer in the world by value and home to a significant diamond cutting and polishing industry. For decades, diamonds have been a cornerstone of Namibia’s economy, generating employment, supporting local communities and providing vital government revenue that has funded infrastructure, healthcare, and education for the people of Namibia.
Honourable Modestus Amutse, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia, said: “Natural diamonds have helped shape Namibia’s economic story for more than a century, creating jobs, supporting communities and contributing directly to national development.
By joining the Luanda Accord, Namibia is affirming that producing countries have both a stake and a responsibility in telling the true story of natural diamonds. This is about ensuring that the value created by our resources continues to benefit our people, today and for generations to come.”
Amber Pepper, CEO of the NDC, said: “Namibia’s decision to formally join the Luanda Accord is a powerful signal of leadership from one of the world’s largest diamond-producing nations. Collective action is essential to protect the integrity and desirability of natural diamonds, and Namibia’s commitment strengthens our ability to tell the compelling story of their positive impact.”
At the same meeting, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the NDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out a pathway for GJEPC to become an NDC member by 1 May 2026. Membership is subject to agreement on the level and structure of financial contribution, followed by completion of legal and regulatory requirements. Accession by May 2026 will enable GJEPC and the NDC to work together ahead of the 2026 holiday season. This step builds on GJEPC’s signature of the Luanda Accord in June 2025 and reflects its continued commitment to collective action in support of the natural diamond sector.
On signing the MOU, Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman of GJEPC said: “India sits at the heart of the global natural diamond value chain, from cutting and polishing to a fast-growing domestic consumer market. Joining forces with the Natural Diamond Council reflects our belief that the future of natural diamonds depends on collaboration, transparency and a shared commitment to building long-term consumer confidence.”
Amber Pepper added: “GJEPC have long been a valued partner of the Natural Diamond Council. Their move toward membership deepens that partnership and strengthens our ability to reach the next generation of consumers with clear, compelling information about what makes natural diamonds rare, authentic and meaningful.”
Additionally, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) signed a Letter of Intent reflecting their continued commitment to advancing the objectives of the Luanda Accord, including through becoming a member of the NDC by 1 May 2026.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC commented: “As the world’s largest diamond trading hub, DMCC is home to a leading community of companies operating across the global diamond trade. Our move toward membership of the Natural Diamond Council reflects our commitment to supporting this community, while also contributing to the continued growth and long-term stability of the natural diamond industry.
Strengthening the way natural diamonds are presented to consumers is key to building awareness and sustaining demand. We also recognise the important role African producing nations play in the industry and will continue to work with partners to help ensure the value generated supports economic progress in the countries and communities from which these resources originate.
By connecting production with international markets through Dubai, DMCC will continue to support a transparent, competitive and future focused diamond sector.”
Amber Pepper noted: “I welcome the opportunity to work with DMCC to ensure that the industry’s efforts to support the natural diamond sector are aligned and amplified around the world.”
Together, these developments represent a significant step forward for the Luanda Accord and for the NDC as it advances its mission to protect and promote the integrity, desirability, and enduring value of natural diamonds worldwide.
The Luanda Accord signatories and the NDC continue to call on all participants across the diamond value chain – from miners and traders to manufacturers and retailers – to support this initiative. A shared vision, matched by sustained investment in consumer demand, is essential to the future of the natural diamond industry.
source: NDC
DiamondBuzz
Exceptional Platinum Jewelry Designs Win AGTA Spectrum Awards Competition
More than 60 platinum jewellery entries competed for top honours, recognising exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs and the versatility of platinum across coloured gemstones and pearl jewellery.
Platinum Guild International (PGI), in partnership with the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), is pleased to announce the Platinum Honors winners of the 2026 AGTA Spectrum Awards.
More than 60 platinum jewelry entries were submitted to the Platinum Honors category, which recognizes outstanding uses of platinum in colored gemstone and natural or cultured pearl jewelry across multiple categories, from Evening Wear to Engagement Rings. PGI also traditionally presents an award for Best Use of Platinum and Color.
The AGTA Spectrum Awards competition was held at the Omni Frisco Hotel at the Star in Dallas, where Jenny Luker, President, PGI USA, judged the Platinum Honors category.
“The AGTA Spectrum Awards bring together an extraordinary range of platinum jewelry, and the level of design innovation, technical execution, and artistry is exceptional,” said Luker. “It’s exciting to see so many talented designers exploring the material in different ways, creating intricate, distinctive pieces that showcase the versatility of platinum.”
AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. thanked PGI for its sponsorship of the Spectrum Awards and extended his congratulations to the Platinum Honors winners. “Receiving a Platinum Honors distinction from PGI is one of the industry’s highest achievements,” he said. “We were happy to see Platinum so well represented among the AGTA Spectrum entries, which increased by 21% this year.”
Platinum’s potential for design innovation and technical accomplishment was exemplified by several of this year’s AGTA Spectrum Award winners.
The Best of Show award and 1st Place in Classical Wear was awarded to “Can’t Look Away,” a necklace by Lezlie Slavens of Luxe Fine Jewelry and collaborators. The design features a carved Paraiba tourmaline backed in platinum, suspended from a diamond-accented platinum chain and illuminated by a magnet-activated LED light source.
The Art Deco-inspired “Horus Egyptian Revival” bracelet by Joseph Dardashti, in Platinum with Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, and Onyx, won 1st Place in the Spectrum Awards’ Evening Wear category and also received a Platinum Honors distinction in the same category.
Jeffrey Bilgore’s Mahenge Spinel and Diamond “Neuvelle Moi et Toi Forever” Platinum ring received the Stuller Color of the Year Award, a new category honoring exceptional interpretations of Stuller’s “Signature Red”, and won 2nd Place in the Spectrum Awards’ Classical category.
The honour of 1st Place in the Bridal category went to Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems, Inc. for his Platinum ring featuring a 5.32 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline, accented by Tourmaline (1.05 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.69 ctw.).
New entrant Shelby Lichtenstein was awarded 1st Place in Engagement Rings with her Platinum “Something New, Something Blue” ring, featuring a 4.50 ct. blue emerald-cut Zircon accented by Diamonds (0.26 ctw.).
“Because of platinum’s durability, strength, and tensile properties, designers can achieve things that might not be possible with other metals,” said Luker. “Whether it’s intricate micro pavé work or delicate prongs, platinum allows for exceptional precision while ensuring that gemstones remain secure.”
Across all categories of the Spectrum Awards competition, noteworthy platinum jewelry trends included bezel settings in engagement rings, designs that paired platinum with moonstones for a dreamy, elegant white-on-white effect, and brooches for both men and women that incorporated multiple gemstone types in an array of cuts and sizes.
“The level of design this year was incredible,” said Luker. “I was particularly impressed by the innovation and execution. Platinum plays such a wonderful supporting role to gemstones, and that relationship has endured—and will endure—forever.”
AGTA Spectrum – Platinum Guild International (PGI) Platinum Honors
Best Use of Platinum & Color
Roland Krainz, Krainz Creations – Platinum “Ambrosia” necklace featuring Opals accented by Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, and tsavorite Garnets (140.80 ctw.).
Best Use of Platinum Crown
Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – Platinum “Everest” ring featuring a 9.70 ct. cushion-cut Tanzanite accented by Diamonds (1.67 ctw.).
Bridal Wear
Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – Platinum “JuneStones for June Brides” necklace featuring a 27.02 ct. blue-sheen oval Moonstone accented by a 7.95 ct. natural conch Pearl, Alexandrites (3.23 ctw.), and Diamonds (10.36 ctw.).
Business/Day Wear
Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation – Platinum stretchable ring with titanium springs featuring a 5.42 ct. natural oval cabochon black Opal accented by Diamonds (5.15 ctw.) and Sapphires (3.28 ctw.).
Classical
Eve Streicker, Original Eve Designs, in collaboration with Rohan Agrawal – Platinum “Zellige” brooch featuring marquise-shaped Aquamarines (8.40 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (0.28 ctw.).
Engagement Rings
Underwood Design Team, Underwood’s Fine Jewelers – Platinum ring featuring a 3.66 ct. cushion-shaped Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.22 ctw.).
Evening Wear
Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti, Ltd. – Platinum and 18K yellow gold “Horus Egyptian Revival” bracelet featuring Rubies (5.90 ctw.), blue Sapphires (3.75 ctw.), and Emeralds (0.70 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (6.50 ctw.) and Onyx (0.75 ctw.).
Innovative Design
Cari Goldman, Pieces by Cari, LLC, in collaboration with Alexsey Yarnikh – Platinum “Love Spun” ring featuring marquise crystal Opals (2.24 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.0 ctw.).
Men’s Wear
Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – Platinum “Siren’s Relic” ring featuring a 5.35 ct. emerald-cut Zoisite.
These highlights offer a glimpse of the exceptional work recognized in the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards. We invite you to explore the complete collection of winning entries at AGTA.org and discover the artistry behind each award.
Many of the winning pieces will be on display during AGTA GemFair Tucson, January 31–February 4, 2027, at the Tucson Convention Center. For AGTA members and the wider trade, it is an opportunity to appreciate the gems and craftsmanship up close, connect with the community behind them and find inspiration for what comes next.
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