GIA Suspends Diamond Duplicate Reports and Sealing Services

The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) has suspended duplicate reports diamond and diamond sealing services at all locations.

The action is being taking this action after receiving a sealed diamond for verification that did not match the data label in the sealing packet.

GIA, along with a corporate investigation firm, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the submission to determine the source of the sealing packet.

Lost, stolen or damaged GIA reports will not be replaced but the online Report Check service will show a data document.

GIA customers with concerns may submit the sealed diamonds to GIA for examination. GIA will verify that the diamond matches the report information and return it in a sealing packet at no charge.

1.21 ct Argyle Cardinal

Rio Tinto mine in Western Australia sold a 1.21 ct red diamond for a record price, the miner won’t disclose the price of the radiant cut rare red diamond, but said the total price for Argyle pink diamonds has tripled over the past decade.

Named the Argyle Cardinal, the diamond is one of 13 red diamonds larger than one carat, and one of 54 pink and red diamonds sold at the latest international tender.

U.S. online jeweller Blue Nile experiments with brick and mortar

U.S. online jeweller Blue Nile experiments with brick and mortar

With diamond rings on display for shoppers to inspect the gems quality up close. It is the first time Blue Nile has turned to brick and mortar, showcasing products in two Nordstrom stores.

Blue Nile, which reports results next week lets shoppers buy at prices are up to 40 percent below diamonds sold in stores, the company cut its prices in 2012 while increasing its marketing budget, reaching $450 million in sales last year.

We think that over time, the brand builds with incremental sales, incremental customers, all by referral, Binder said.

Blue Nile sold far more engagement rings than biggest online competitor Amazon.

Christie’s Geneva Jewel Auction

Christie’s Geneva magnificent jewels Auction on 11 of November, features over 390 lots.

The jewellery auction is estimates sales to exceed $80 million.  

The auction is highlighted by a pair of earrings by Bulgari set with a 6.95 carat fancy vivid blue diamond and a 6.79 carat fancy vivid pink diamond, with an estimate of $12 million and $15 million. 

Rough 232-Ct Diamond sold for $15M

The exceptional 232.08 ct white diamond was recovered at the Cullinan mine in South Africa.

Cullinan mine owned and operated by Petra Diamonds earned its place in history in 1905 with the discovery of the largest rough gem diamond ever found weighing 3,106 carats.

Petra sold the 232.08 ct gem for $15,219,219 or $65,577 per carat.

Surat diamond companies financial strength evaluate by banks

Diamond companies in India, Antwerp and Dubai receive $15 billion worth of finance per annum.

Leading private and public sector banks have started to visit the Surat diamond hub to evaluate the financial strength of diamond companies that were using large facilities.

After the closure of Antwerp Diamond Bank and the Standard Chartered Bank cutting exposure to the diamond industry alarm bells are ringing in the Indian banking sector.

Bank officials from Mumbai visited diamond companies in Katargam and Varachha, and conducted meetings with their owners on diamond prices and demand of diamonds from the US and China.

De Beers October Sight Estimated at $460M

De Beers sight for October is estimated at $460 million USD. De Beers reported the prices for several different categories of goods were down between 2 percent and 4 percent.

Sightholders also said that De Beers changed the assortment for some of its boxes for higher qualities which may offset the lower prices.

8.41Ct IF Fancy Vivid Purple Pink Sells For Record $17.8M

Sotheby’s auctioneers announced a world record auction price for a fancy vivid pink diamond. The sale of an 8.41 ct Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Purple Pink Diamond sold for $17.77 million beating the estimate $13 million to $15.5 million.

The Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Sale in Hong Kong on Tuesday raised $75 million.

DCLA has moved to a new office.

After 13 years the DCLA laboratory has moved to a new office, DCLA now resides at 901/9 floor Citiside House 155 Castlereagh Street. We now have an office with a view. All customers welcome to visit.