DiamondBuzz
US Jewellery Industry faces $117 Billion threat amid proposed diamond tariffs
The World Diamond Council (WDC), representing the global natural diamond value chain, has raised concerns over proposed U.S. tariffs that could place the $117 billion American jewellery industry at significant risk. In a formal appeal, the WDC urged the U.S. Administration to exempt natural diamonds (HS Codes 7102.10 and 7102.31) from the ongoing tariff review and include them in Annex II, citing their critical role in the nation’s economic and manufacturing sectors.
Natural diamonds, though not produced in the U.S., are essential to the health of the domestic jewellery market — a sector supporting over 200,000 American jobs and generating over $91.5 billion in annual sales. The combined impact of jewellery manufacturing and exports adds another $25.5 billion to the economy each year.
The WDC warns that tariffs on natural diamonds would effectively act as a consumption tax, raising prices on popular items like engagement rings and anniversary jewellery, placing additional financial strain on American families. Retailers are already experiencing inventory concerns, with inflationary pressures beginning to impact consumer prices.
“A tariff would destabilize the supply chain, weaken U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and increase costs for consumers,” said Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council. “We support the U.S. Government’s goal of fair trade, but urge an exemption for natural diamonds to protect jobs, competitiveness, and consumer access.”
The United States is the world’s largest consumer of natural diamond jewellery. The WDC emphasized that continued access to these goods is vital to preserving the innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship that define the American jewellery industry.
WDC members are actively engaging with U.S. officials, calling for a collaborative resolution that supports fair trade without undermining one of America’s most valuable consumer markets.
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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