International News
US ends sub $800 import exemption wef Aug 29, intensifies cost pressures on diamond, jewellery trade
As of 29 August, the long-standing loophole that allowed goods worth under $800 to enter the United States duty-free has officially closed. Known as the de minimis exemption, this facility was widely used by exporters across industries—including the diamond and jewelry sector—to ship smaller parcels without attracting customs duties.
The end of this exemption comes at a particularly challenging time for the trade. The industry is already reeling under reciprocal tariffs of at least 10% on all US trading partners and a punitive 50% tariff on Indian imports, measures that have significantly disrupted supply chains and increased costs.
The removal of de minimis—Latin for “about minimal things”—signals a major shift in US trade policy, as all shipments, regardless of their value, will now attract tariffs and customs duties. The move was formalized in an executive order issued on 30 July, titled Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries. While China and Hong Kong lost their exemption earlier on 2 May, the measure has now been extended to all countries without exception.
For the diamond and jewelry industry, which often relies on multiple small consignments to fulfill just-in-time retail orders, the impact is expected to be significant. Exporters will now face not only higher duties but also additional administrative and compliance costs.
In anticipation of the change, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has issued a set of guidelines urging businesses to prepare for the new trade environment:
- Review supply chains to identify goods previously imported under de minimis.
- Recalculate landed costs, incorporating duty rates into pricing models.
- Engage suppliers and customs brokers to ensure readiness for the new regime.
- Communicate transparently with customers about expected cost increases.
- Reconsider shipping strategies, such as consolidating orders or adjusting shipment sizes, to minimize administrative overheads.
Industry observers warn that the removal of de minimis could reshape the way international jewelry trade with the US is conducted, forcing companies to adopt more consolidated and cost-efficient shipment models. For Indian exporters, already under heavy tariff pressure, this marks yet another hurdle in maintaining competitiveness in the world’s largest jewelry consumer market.
GlamBuzz
All That Glitters: The Jewellery Moments Everyone Talked About at the 2026 Golden Globes
From archival diamonds to playful brooches, Hollywood’s biggest night sparkled with fearless jewellery statements
The 2026 Golden Globes didn’t just celebrate cinematic brilliance—it redefined red-carpet glamour. Set against a newly designed red carpet at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the evening shimmered beneath four magnificent Swarovski crystal chandeliers, casting a radiant glow on Hollywood’s finest. But the true spectacle lay in the extraordinary jewellery moments that unfolded as stars stepped into the spotlight.
Teyana Taylor delivered one of the night’s most talked-about looks, pairing her Best Supporting Actress win for One Battle After Another with striking 1940s Tiffany & Co. earrings. The archival diamonds perfectly offset the playful audacity of her custom Schiaparelli gown, proving once again that classic jewels and modern fashion can collide spectacularly.
Zoë Kravitz championed the romantic return of the hair pin, wearing a bespoke creation by Jessica McCormack that felt both intimate and effortlessly chic. Meanwhile, Charli xcx leaned fully into Old Hollywood glamour, completing her custom Saint Laurent ensemble with cascading De Beers diamond strands that echoed timeless screen sirens.
Men’s jewellery continued its powerful rise on the Golden Globes carpet. Colman Domingo stood out with an elegant suite of Boucheron diamonds, styled as ivy-like tendrils flowing over his custom black Valentino tuxedo—an artful blend of couture and craftsmanship. Paul Mescal reaffirmed his love for refined accessories with a Cartier tie pin, while Connor Storrie brought playful elegance with Tiffany & Co.’s iconic Bird on a Rock brooch.
One of the most imaginative jewellery moments belonged to Wicked director Jon M. Chu, who wore two beaded figurative brooches depicting his co-stars and fellow nominees Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Designed by Italy-based embroidery artist Nerd Bead—discovered by Chu on Instagram—the pieces added personality, storytelling and warmth to the red carpet.
Elsewhere, Emily Blunt sparkled in Tiffany & Co., Priyanka Chopra Jonas turned heads in Bulgari, Hailee Steinfeld chose the architectural elegance of Repossi, Claire Danes glowed in Pomellato, Natasha Lyonne dazzled in Chopard, Jennifer Lawrence opted for Swarovski, and Timothée Chalamet continued his refined jewellery streak with Cartier.
At the 2026 Golden Globes, jewellery wasn’t merely an accessory—it was a statement of individuality, creativity and evolving red-carpet expression. From archival diamonds to bold brooches, the night served as a brilliant reminder that fine jewellery remains one of Hollywood’s most powerful storytelling tools
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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.