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
Rio Tinto shuts Diavik mine operations after 23 years
Diavik has been an inspired collaboration between a mining company and Indigenous partners
After 23 years of operations and more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds produced before exhausting its economic reserves, Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada has celebrated its final day of production.
Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium and Diamonds MD Sophie Bergeron said: “Forty years ago there were very few people who believed there were diamonds in Canada – even fewer could have foreseen how the Diavik story would unfold. To arrive at this milestone has required vision, courage and determination to overcome significant challenges to mine diamonds beneath a frozen lake in one of the world’s most remote and pristine ecosystems.”
“Today, Diavik’s influence stretches into many spheres and over many continents and I am very proud to acknowledge all those people who have contributed to the discovery and development of the mine and the production and marketing of some of the finest diamonds the world has ever seen.”
Diavik mine, comprising four pipes, was discovered in 1991, beneath Lac de Gras, 220 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. Mining began in 2003 and utilising both open pit and underground mining methods, has produced predominantly white gem quality diamonds and a small proportion of rare yellow diamonds.
Indigenous Government Organisations, government representatives and other stakeholders attended a celebration at the mine, signalling the formal completion of production at Diavik.
Diavik has been an inspired collaboration between a modern mining company and Indigenous partners with an enduring legacy of socioeconomic benefits for the North. RT looks forward to continuing to respectfully reclaim the land in line with our commitments to, and in partnership with, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Indigenous partners.
Planning for Diavik’s closure has been ongoing, commencing before the mine even began production, with closure goals covering safety, land use, landforms, water, biodiversity, community capacity and resource development. Closure activities will extend to 2029, followed by a period of post-closure monitoring.
The final production of Diavik rough diamonds will be polished and sold through 2026 and beyond by Rio Tinto’s international network of customers, including its long-standing Select Diamantaires.
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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.