DiamondBuzz

VD Global forays into sports memorabilia with AthleteGEM

VD Global will provide diamonds to AthleteGEM in a new joint venture that aims to “reignite” the industry using investment-driven sports memorabilia. AthleteGEM is the brainchild of VD’s CEO of luxury, Bhavya Vaghasia, and Danny White, the CEO of White Rocks, which helps private jewelry clients negotiate their purchases.

Published

1 year ago

January 29, 2025

JewelBuzz Spread The Buzz

305 Views

The company will create memorabilia containing a polished diamond laser inscribed with an athlete’s signature, personal message and an exclusive edition number, formed into a wearable collectible. AthleteGEM™ collaborates with, Athletes, NIL Collectives, and Universities to craft natural diamond collectibles, empowering student-athletes to monetize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

The purchaser will also receive a story card detailing the athlete’s journey and the significance of the diamond, as well as a digital time capsule featuring a personal message from the chosen athlete. In the first cohort, the venture has signed 100 athletes across diverse sports, including its most well-known of the set, Hugues Fabrice Zango from Burkina Faso, who holds the world indoor record in the triple jump. AthleteGEM will issue 21 diamond collectibles for each athlete. Within that group, diamonds will be available in various carat sizes to fit different budgets, White explained.

Next month, AthleteGEM intends to release a second round of diamond mementos, featuring a new set of athletes. In phase two of the project, each purchaser will receive both a rough, uncut diamond, which symbolizes the athlete’s raw journey, as well as a polished diamond, representing refined brilliance and success, White noted. Buyers will be able to work together with their chosen athlete and designers to customize their diamonds into bespoke pendants, rings or bracelets.

DiamondBuzz

Botswana Stepping Up Diplomatic Efforts To Complete The Removal Of US Tariffs

Botswana Leverages Critical Minerals To Push For The Full Removal Of US Tariffs On Diamond Exports

Published

6 hours ago

April 7, 2026

JewelBuzz Spread The Buzz

1,925 Views

Botswana is stepping up diplomatic and trade efforts to secure the complete removal of US tariffs on its diamonds and other key exports, underscoring the move as vital to regaining its competitive edge in the global market. Minerals and Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo has reiterated the government’s firm stance that negotiations will continue until all tariffs are eliminated.

Currently subject to a 15% tariff—down from a steep 37% imposed in April 2025 and later reduced in August—the country has formally submitted its proposals and requests to the United States and is awaiting a response. The government has maintained a consistent position that the remaining tariff continues to hinder Botswana’s export potential, particularly in the diamond sector, where it ranks as the world’s second-largest producer after Russia.

To strengthen its negotiating position by positioning itself as a reliable supplier of both diamonds and essential minerals, Botswana aims to become the first African diamond-producing nation to achieve a tariff-free trade arrangement with the US, a move that could significantly enhance its long-term trade prospects and economic resilience.