This blog has lagged while working on other aspects of our site and consolidating things. Diamond Blog will be back soon!

For those who haven't heard about it or seen the new DeBeers Store, here is a picture:

Diamonds in the news: Visiting New York and in the market for a 50 carat diamond? April 12th is your day to bid on this one at Christies. Have fun!

Wired magazine has a nice article today about how High Tech Solves Hope Diamond Mystery.

Reuters reports that there might be a planet with a layer of Diamonds!

Diamonds in the news: Yakutia boosts cut diamond output 150% in 9 mths.

Excerpt:

Yakutia boosted cut and polished diamond output 150% year-on-year to $145 million in January-September, the republic's Industry Ministry told Interfax.
The ministry said output grew because cutting factories had built up adequate stocks to produce the required quantity and quality of cut diamonds and diamond-products.
Yakutia's authorities have also played their part by creating special conditions for export-oriented industries to prosper, the ministry said.
Government officials and cutting factory bosses have been sitting down to work out annual production plans every year since 1998.
In addition, all legislative and administrative questions pertaining to the diamond cutting industry are addressed by a Diamond Council set up by the republic's president.

Diamonds in the news: MinFin close to declassifying diamond data.

Excerpt:

The Russian Finance Ministry is rounding off preparations to declassify data about diamond mining, exports and imports dating back to January 1, 2003, the ministry said in a statement on Friday.
The data refers to diamonds that fall under the ministry's own jurisdiction, the statement reads.
It is thought data about diamond mining in carats and in terms of value in Russia as a whole will be published in the press, initially for half-year periods, then on a quarterly basis.
Data on rough diamond exports and imports will be published on a quarterly basis and on an annual basis.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond workers to get rating cards.

Excerpt:

THE Surat Diamond Association (SDA) has floated a proposal to issue Rating Cards, similar to the RTO Smartcard to dealers, manufacturers, workers and all those connected with the diamond industry.
For this the SDA has been circulating a draft model and information booklet in the industry for feedback on the proposal. In this regard, a meeting of diamond merchants, dealers and unit owners was held at Mahidharpura and Mini Bazaar areas on Wednesday and Thursday.

Diamonds in the news: Shinyanga turns into haven of illegal diamond trafficking.

Excerpt:

Illegal diamond trafficking and the sale of fake diamonds has become a lucrative business in the notorious Mwadui and Maganzo markets. The fake diamonds are said to be competing favourably with genuine diamonds.

Victoria's Secret in the news: Victoria's Secret Offers Fantasy Bra

Yes, it's that time of year again. Victoria's Secret has come out with the Fantasy Bra for 2004. $10 million dollars this time out.

Diamonds in the news: Tiffany to take on De Beers.

This could get interesting:

Excerpt:

Tiffany, the high-end US jeweller, has gone head-to-head with De Beers, announcing last week that it had struck a deal with junior miner Tahera to buy or market all the diamonds from its Jericho mine in Canada.
The move pits Tiffany directly against De Beers, which dominates the global rough diamond market, and other significant players in the value chain such as Israeli Lev Leviev the world's largest polisher, who supplies more than 10 percent of total rough production. Together they maintain a degree of control over the global diamond mining, marketing, manufacturing and retail sales.
Analysts say although Tiffany's strategic move will not make it an immediate counterweight to De Beers, it does illustrate how De Beers'' long-time grip on the marketing of rough diamonds is slipping.
"In Canada, Tiffany is dealing with a first-world country. It only has to link up with two or three more juniors to become a serious challenge to De Beers, which operates in a more difficult environment in Africa," one source said.

StockLemon.com has an interesting report U.S. Canadian Minerals. It discusses the pink sheet market and the public companies using them.

Excerpt:

Stocklemon Reports on U.S. Canadian Minerals, Inc. (OTCBB:UCAD)

The Harsh Facts
Market capitalization $100 million or $300 million, depending on whose outstanding share count you believe.

Cash- $1,321.00 - that is One Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty One Dollars as of last SEC filing on 8/23/2004.
Revenues- 0

US Canadian has a Going Concern Letter From Auditor

Diamonds in the news: Belgian diamond bourses launches quality label.

Excerpt:

The Federation of Belgian Diamond Bourses is offering a quality label for diamond traders to promote a greater level of transparency in the diamond trading sector.
Each trader who is a member of one of the four Antwerp Diamond Bourses, subscribes to the Deontology Code (regulations concerning integrity and the behaviour code among the diamond traders themselves and in their relation to their clients), and complies with its conditions is eligible to hold the title of a diamond trader certified by the Federation of Belgian Diamond Bourses. The certified diamond traders will receive a letter of proof and they can use the logo of the Federation of Belgian Diamond Bourses as a quality label.

Hollywood and Jewelry in the news: The necklace that Joan Rivers wore for the post-Oscar 2004 party is now creating ripples in the city.

Excerpt:

Designed by New York-based Lili Chu for Rosy Blue, the Tamarine, a nomenclature inspired by the tamarind tree, is crafted with natural coloured diamonds. It costs a cool $1 million and is on show at the Orra showroom at Greater Kailash M Block market for three days.
Rosy Blue lent an 18-carat white gold collar necklace encrusted with 1,308 diamonds titled ‘Satine’ to Nicole Kidman for Moulin Rouge in the dramatic scene when the duke is trying to woo the courtesan.

Diamonds in the news: For large players like us the policy is neutral: Classic Diamonds

Excerpt:

Commenting on the Foreign Trade Policy, Nirav Bhansali, Director, Classic Diamonds (India) Ltd, said, "The package announced for the Gems & Jewellery sector will benefit jewellery manufacturers located outside the bonded area (SEEPZ). For large players like us the policy is neutral. The reduction in transactional costs and increase in the validity of licences is definitely welcome".
Bhansali added, "The Gems & Jewellery sector is one the largest foreign exchange earner for the country and with the announcement of this policy the government has reinforced it’s commitment to boosting the Gems & Jewellery exports".

Diamond Stocks in the news: CMKM Diamonds the subject of aborted radio debate

This is an interesting article about Pink Sheet Stock promotion and the diamond stock called CMKM Diamonds...

Excerpt:

CMKM Diamonds Inc., a sub-penny pink sheet promotion headed by Saskatchewan native Urban Casavant, was to be the topic of debate during a Sept. 21 half-hour Christian radio program called Prosperity for God's People. Stock tout Ed Miller of the Green Baron was scheduled to square off against a critic of the CMKM promotion, Hartley Bernstein of Stock Patrol. The ballyhooed debate bombed when Mr. Bernstein bowed out early.
Evidently Mr. Bernstein was unexpectedly travelling when the live radio program went to air and a poor telephone connection prompted his early departure from the debate. News of that development was greeted with a mixture of delight and derision among CMKM's faithful followers, many of whom label Mr. Bernstein a "basher."
The word "basher" is a popular, if nebulous, term bandied about regularly on Internet chat sites. At the frequently used extreme, anyone with the temerity to raise concerns or ask critical questions about a stock runs the risk of being labelled a basher.
Given Mr. Bernstein's very brief participation, Prosperity for God's People was pretty much basher free on Sept. 21. Pastor DeWayne Reeves, host of the program, and his stock tout guest, Mr. Miller, fill

Diamonds in the news: From the Kalahari to Malibu

Excerpt:

With NPR's Alex Chadwick, they take a break from their mission to hike the Santa Monica Mountains -- a mostly arid coastal range with winding trails leading down to idyllic beaches.
Sesana's people have lived for thousands of years in an area that is now dubbed the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. In the last several years, most of the people living there have been moved outside the boundaries of the reserve -- voluntarily, the government says.
Botswana's ambassador to the United States, Lapologang Ceasar Lekoa, tells Chadwick that the estimated 2,000 Bushmen remaining in the enormous region had already given up their traditional nomadic ways and were living in settlements, which are not allowed in the reserve. Also, Lekoa says, the Bushmen hunt with guns now and chase game with trucks and dogs. Modern Bushmen would overwhelm the Kalahari's fragile ecology.
But Bushmen dispute those accusations -- they say their culture has survived so long precisely because they are careful hunters, who live in balance with the Kalahari. The U.S. State Department's report on Botswana's human rights practices, released Feb. 24, 2004, states Botswana's government forcibly resettled the Bushmen from their ancestral lands.
Human rights groups say Botswana is more interested in diamond deposits in the

Diamonds in the news: Kensington Resources Ltd.: Aggressive 2004 Drilling Program Commences at Fort a la Corne

Excerpt:

The Joint Venture partners have revised their project strategy of focusing on individual kimberlite bodies exclusively. The central thrust of the strategy is now to define higher-grade zones in a number of bodies with the objective of delineating a collective 80-100 million carats in-ground. The objective of the 2004 program is to further advance the understanding of the geology and diamond content of several adjacent, large kimberlites within the central Fort a la Corne cluster

Diamonds in the news: ANDRE LOUW APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF DIAMOND CORE.

Excerpt:

Andre Louw has accepted the position of independent, non-executive chairman of Diamond Core Resources Limited with effect from the next annual general meeting of shareholders. Louw, who graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 1973 with an honours degree in geology and started his career as an exploration geologist at the Okiep Copper Company and BP Minerals obtaining an MBA in 1986, worked as a mining analyst at Sanlam from 1987 to 1991.

Diamonds in the news: Govt concessions sought for Argyle diamond mine.

Excerpt:

Business and civic leaders in the East Kimberley are urging the Western Australian Government to give serious consideration to royalty concessions for the Argyle diamond mine - the region's biggest employer.
Mining company Rio Tinto has asked for tax reductions or cheaper water to make its planned underground expansion viable.
The current mine at Argyle will come to an end in 2008.
The mine employs 350 local people and sources goods and services from the area worth about $20 million a year.
Under its expansion, the workforce sourced locally would increase from 40 to 80 per cent.
Local shire president Barbara Johnson says the impact of the mine's closure would be enormous.

Diamonds in the News: Botswana Diamond Workers End Strike; Wage Negotiations to Continue.

Excerpt:

Mine workers in Botswana are on the job Monday having ended a two-week strike.
All but 400 essential employees who were fired showed up for work Monday. The company, Debswana, replaced the fired workers, but the Botswana Mining Union is seeking to have them reinstated.

Diamonds in the news: Pan African Commences Diamond Exploration Program; Establishes Sample Processing Laboratory.

Excerpt:

PAN AFRICAN MINING CORP. (TSX VENTURE:PAF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has now commenced its formal diamond exploration program in the field in Madagascar, under the direction of South African diamond geologist Jessica Schloemann. The primary objective of the program is the discovery of kimberlitic diamond sources. As a secondary objective, the Company will investigate the possibility of locating rich alluvial deposits and commercial deposits of other precious stones.

Through its operating subsidiary, PAM Madagascar Sarl, the Company holds 10-year research permits covering in excess of 3000 square kilometres in areas deemed prospective for diamond exploration in various regions of the country. These areas were identified based upon the geological history of Madagascar and presence of the cratonic core, as well as historic discoveries of alluvial diamonds and other kimberlite indicator minerals. Data from the BRGM, a French governmental research organization, and other historic sources were among tools utilised by the Company's geologists. Most of the Company's diamond claims were established in 2003 prior to the recent diamond exploration activity by other companies in Madagascar.

PRESS RELEASE: Mondera Sets New Jewelry Industry Shipping Standard.

Excerpt:

Mondera Sets New Jewelry Industry Shipping Standard
While it is rare for jewelers in the U.S. or Canada to ship outside of these two countries, Mondera now offers free priority shipping on certain orders to anywhere in the world.
New York, NY (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) September 7, 2004 -- Strange as it sounds, if you wanted to place a diamond order with a U.S.-based jeweler from outside the United States or Canada, you'd have to look around just to find a jeweler willing to ship to other countries. Mondera, whose diamonds have been worn by a long list of celebrities, would be among your options, but now, it has topped even this rare service.

“We pride ourselves on helping anyone feel like royalty, says Mondera's Managing Director, Fred Mouawad. We provide custom diamond jewelry that the nation's biggest stars wear, yet we do so at prices that many people can afford. Part of our royal treatment means providing free, priority shipping with any custom diamond order. Until now, though, that was only available to customers in the U.S.

While any kind of shipping to other countries is rare within the industry, free priority shipping has been unheard of. Mondera now offers that for any custom diamond order.

  by GilbertZ | Leave or Read Comment(s) (0) | Links to this Entry (0)

Diamonds in the news: Shopping Brains has a picture of The Donald's Emerald Cut diamond ring he proposed with.

Diamonds in the news: 19.7 CARAT DIAMOND RECOVERED IN 230 CARAT PARCEL AT STAR.

Excerpt:

The third set of diamond recoveries from Canada's Shore Gold Inc.'s Star Kimberlite includes the largest diamond yet discovered in Saskatchewan. A total of 1,459 commercially sized diamonds, collectively weighing 227.6 carats, has been recovered from the treatment of 1,572.6 dry tons of kimberlite. Thirty-three diamonds greater than one carat have been recovered and the largest stones include a white 19.71 carat diamond, a white 7.48 carat diamond and an off-white 5.61 carat diamond. The diamond parcel includes 25 yellow, 10 pink and 7 amber stones.
In addition, 180 non-commercially sized diamonds, weighing a total of 3.1 carats, were recovered. The color of over 80 percent of these diamonds has been classified as white, with a further 13 percent classified as off-white. We are most encouraged that the kimberlite grade and stone size continue to improve and that our recent kimberlite volume calculations have shown that the higher grade Early Joli Fou kimberlite accounts for approximately 80 percent of Star, says
George Read, Senior Vice President Exploration at Shore Gold.

Diamonds in the news: Diamonds are for everyone.

Excerpt:

London's streets are no longer paved with gold, they're paved with diamonds. Fuelled in part by style icons like footballer David Beckham or hip-hopper Missy Elliot, as likely to wear sparklers with sports gear and jeans as they are at awards ceremonies, the increasing popularity of diamonds has turned them from a nice-to-have into a must-have.

Over the last year or two, London’s retail jewellery market has come to reflect this trend — notably with the arrival of new diamond specialists like Wint and Kidd and DeBeers.
Both on and off Old Bond Street — London’s haute couture and fine gem quarter — forwardthinking jewellery shops have eliminated the daunting bank-vault doors and mannered velvet-pillow presentation that has long characterised jewellery shopping.
Even established rocks-on-the-block Asprey and Garrard has repositioned as two distinct “luxury lifestyle� destinations — injecting some much-needed “bling� into the otherwise staid niche it shares with traditional neighbors like Tiffany’s, Bulgari and Cartier.

Diamonds in the news: Blina IPO highlights Aussie diamond revival.

Excerpt:

The search for diamonds in Australia has broken a few hearts over the past three decades, yet the diamond sector here is once again attracting some avid investor interest.
Aside from a couple of exceptions, diamond hopefuls in Australia have generally only discovered the last of the five important “Cs� – not carats, cut, clarity or colour, just the cash that’s been blown.
Many a big and small name has come up empty-handed in Australia over that period such as Stockdale Prospecting, Joseph Gutnick’s stable of juniors and a host of other pretenders. But buoyed by a thriving world rough diamond market, there are distinct signs that another wave of diamond equities and diamond exploration optimism has swept this country.
The latest to strike while the iron’s hot is emerging Western Australian diamond miner – and the only company producing diamonds in Australia at the moment apart from Rio Tinto – Kimberley Diamond Company [ASX:KIM], who listed on the ASX in 1994 (around the time of the last Aussie diamond revival) and had a few lean years itself before acquiring the Ellendale diamond project from Rio for A$23 million three years ago.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond shines bright at auction.

Excerpt:

THE largest diamond yet auctioned in Australia was sold for a similarly large price in Perth yesterday.
The round, brilliant cut solitaire diamond, above, which is the same size and shape as a 10c piece, attracted fierce bidding before it was eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for $97,000.
The huge rock, which weighs in at 9.79 carats and is of extremely high clarity, was flown into Western Australia on Friday under tight security.

DeBeers has a nice little section on Famous Diamonds which any diamond lover would enjoy.

Diamonds in the news: Blue Nile stock trips on analysts' expectations

Excerpt:

If Wall Street were to hand Blue Nile a theme song, it would have to be "Getting to Know You" from "The King and I."
The Seattle online retailer yesterday beat analysts' earnings estimates by 2 cents, reporting a second-quarter profit of $1.9 million, or 11 cents a share, in its first quarterly financial report as a public company.
While sales rose 29 percent to $35 million, that number narrowly missed analysts' consensus estimates of $35.3 million.
Add to that a full-year profit forecast that fell short of expectations, and Blue Nile's shares fell a dizzying $6.04, or 18.1 percent, to close at $27.25.

Diamond Mining in the news: Debeers Doubts Leviev's Proposal.

Excerpt:

THE Managing Director of the DeBeers Group, Gary Ralfe has refuted claims that Lev Leviev, the owner of Lev Leviev Group is likely to set up a diamond cutting and polishing factory in Botswana.
On Tuesday during the first anniversary celebrations of Diarough ownership of Teemane Manufacturing Company in Serowe, the Minister for Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Boometswe Mokgothu confirmed that his ministry is in discussions with various companies who are interested in setting up diamond manufacturing operations in Botswana.
"We are continuously engaged in discussions with various people who have interest, means, experience, technology and know-how, with a view to setting up more diamond manufacturing operations in Botswana," he said.
Mokgothu was last week quoted as saying: "The Israeli tycoon is coming with what Botswana has been looking for."
The minister is understood to have said that the government does guarantee approval of Leviev's proposal.
However, the De Beers Group MD denied that the minister's speech on consultations was in reference to Leviev.
"As far as I know, there will be four cutting and polishing factories here by the end of the year. That is; Diarough in Serowe, Schachter and Namdar in Molepolole, Euro star and Star Group in Gaborone.

Diamonds in the news: Largest diamond auctioned in Australia sold for large price.

Excerpt:

A 9.79-carat diamond, the largest diamond ever auctioned in Australia, was sold for 97,000 dollars (about 70,000 US dollars) Sunday.
The diamond, which was assessed as VVS, a measurement of clarity ranked just below flawless, finally went to an anonymous buyer after attracting fierce bidding in Perth, capital of the state of South Australia.
The round, brilliant cut solitaire diamond, which is of extremely high clarity, was flown into Western Australia on Friday under tight security, Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported.

Diamond Mining in the news: They're drilling for diamonds on treasure island.

Excerpt:

South Australia's first commercial diamond discovery may be only two weeks away.

Melbourne-based Tawana Resources begins serious drilling on Flinders Island this week with high hopes it will find a rich source of diamonds within two weeks.
If it does, it will open the way for South Australia's first diamond mine and boost diamond and mining exploration in the state.
Tawana Resources managing director Wolfgang Marx said he was confident of success after spending more than $1 million on exploration on the island. His team has already found seven diamonds on the surface of Flinders Island as well as indicator minerals.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond watchdog bares its teeth at Congo.

Excerpt:

The removal recently of the Republic of Congo from the ranks of legitimate diamond producers shows that the industry has both the will and the ability to combat trade in conflict diamonds.
This is the unequivocal view of Abbey Chikane, immediate past chairman of the Kimberley Process, which was launched by 52 countries in January last year in a bid to eliminate trade in conflict, or blood, diamonds.
The term is derived from diamonds that are mined in a war zone, often by under-age and underpaid labour, and sold clandestinely to finance an insurgent or invading army's military efforts.

Diamond in the news: DIAMOND TOOL MAKER HIT BY BELGIAN GAS PIPELINE BLAST

Excerpt:

One worker from diamond tool maker Diamond Boart has died and a number have been injured in Belgium’s worst industrial incident for decades that left 16 people dead and dozens injured.
Guy Meulemans, Director of Human Resources at Diamant Boart, a subsidiary says that thirteen employees at the company were injured, five of them critically, as the building blew up during an explosion of a natural gas pipeline.

Diamonds in the news: NSDM TO PRODUCE DIAMOND JEWELRY LINE.

Excerpt:

North Star Diamonds, Inc. has reached an agreement with an unspecified major jewelry designer and manufacturer who has been in business for over 65 years to produce an exclusive line of diamond jewelry for the company.
The jewelry line designed exclusively for North Star will be supported by a national marketing campaign to increase customer awareness and to increase sales.

Diamond mining in the news: United Development International Developing Strategy to Initiate Diamond Recovery in Guyana

Excerpt:

United Development International (OTC: UDVE.PK) announced today strategy for the recovery of diamonds on their properties in Guyana. The company will require additional equipment to initiate diamond recovery and is aggressively pursuing capital to facilitate our needs.

Diamonds have a different specific gravity than gold, thus require modified dredging equipment to ensure appropriate recovery is of high standard.
"The regions where our properties are situated in Guyana have some of the most prolific statistics regarding diamond recovery," stated Robert Doherty, company president. "The Mazaruni River and the Cuyuni River in Guyana are No. 1 and 2 respectively in diamond production in the country."
United Development International is quoted on NQB Pink Sheets as "UDVE."

Diamond Mining in the news: Botswana leader coaxes diamond miners back to talks

Excerpt:

Botswana's miners considered a new wage offer Friday after President Festus Mogae persuaded union leaders back to the negotiating table to avert a strike at mines producing around a third of the world's gem diamonds.

Diamond Mining in the news: Reefton Mining: Skeleton Coast Diamond Inventory 1044

Excerpt:

Reefton Mining said Friday that during the quarter ended June 30, it recovered 158 diamonds for 37.4 carats on the Skeleton Coast bringing the inventory to 1044 diamonds for 244.3 carats in the Mowe Bay and Rocky Point Sectors at the end of the quarter.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond miners consider strike in Botswana.

Excerpt:

Thousands of diamond miners are planning to go on strike next week in Botswana, the world's leading diamond producer, unless the president steps in to resolve the dispute, a union spokesperson said on Thursday.

A strike by the 6 000 miners in Botswana's four diamond pits would be the biggest industrial action ever in the sector which is the southern African country's largest source of income.

"Tomorrow we are meeting President Festus Mogae in the morning, and if we do not reach a workable solution, on Tuesday, the 3rd of August we will strike," said Jack Tlhagale, spokesperson for the mine workers' union.

Diamonds in the news: NSDM Diamond marketing program projected to show profit in September

Excerpt:

North Star Diamonds,
Inc. (NQB Pink Sheets: NSDM) has reached an agreement with a major jewelry
designer and manufacturer who has been in business for over 65 years to
produce an exclusive line of diamond jewelry for North Star Diamonds, Inc. The
firm, whose name shall be disclosed with our website launch, is very familiar
with the manufacture and marketing of limited edition jewelry pieces.
The jewelry line designed exclusively for North Star will be supported by
a national marketing campaign to increase customer awareness and to increase
sales. NSDM is now offering diamonds on an off-line basis to its shareholders
and investors, to show our appreciation for them having confidence in NSDM.
Based on the initial interest shown, NSDM is projecting to be a
profitable company by the end of September. This will enhance the shareholders
value and give NSDM the basis to be a dynamic company poised for further
growth.
Walter Stunder: "This is an important milestone for NSDM as it is another
step forward to become a fully vertically integrated diamond company."
For further information on NSDM, visit North Star Diamonds

Jewelry in the news: Diamond ring fears squirrel.

Excerpt:

Treasure hunters have been warned to stay away from a colony of red squirrels after the Sun reported the rare creatures' nature reserve might be hiding a 25,000-pound (US$46,092) engagement ring, Shenzhen Daily reported Thursday.
The diamond and platinum ring was thrown into the Formby Point nature reserve near Liverpool by the fiancée of the 18-year old soccer star Wayne Rooney after a row, the tabloid said.
Rooney, who earns 50,000 pound a week, became a national hero after a sparkling performance while playing for England during the Euro 2004 soccer competition this summer in Portugal.

Diamonds in the news: Sierra Leone Diamond Company Limited completes Cdn. $3,500,000 equity offering.

Excerpt:

Sierra Leone Diamond Company Limited
(the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the
private placement of 7,000,000 units of the Company to Timis Diamond
Corporation Limited ("TDC") for total gross proceeds of Cdn. $3,500,000.
One-half of the units of the Company each consist of one common share and one
common share purchase warrant of the Company, each warrant entitling TDC to
acquire one common share at an exercise price of Cdn. $0.75 per share at any
time on or before June 30, 2006. The other half of the units of the Company
each consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant of the
Company, each warrant entitling TDC to acquire one common share at an exercise
price of Cdn. $0.75 per share at any time on or before the earlier of 30 days
following the date that the Company gives TDC written notice (which notice
shall not be given before September 1, 2004) that TDC shall exercise the
warrants, and June 30, 2006.

Diamonds in the news: Aber adds to Harry Winston Management Team

Excerpt:

After the Company's acquisition of a 51% controlling interest in Harry Winston on April 2, 2004, Harry Winston has a renewed focus on its core strength -- the most remarkable diamond jewelry in the world -- and aims to revitalize the Harry Winston brand on a global basis.
To help achieve this, Tom O'Neill, CEO of Harry Winston and President of Aber Diamond Corporation, has amassed a truly formidable management team with tremendous expertise in the luxury, retail and fine jewelry industries and a global perspective.
Peter Schneirla has been appointed Vice Chairman of Harry Winston and Vice President of Aber Diamond Corporation. Mr. Schneirla is responsible for merchandising, manufacturing and gemstone acquisition. A world-renowned gemologist and jewelry expert, Mr. Schneirla was formerly the head of P.C. Schneirla, Inc. a consulting firm specializing in the purchase and sale of important jewelry and gemstones. From 1984 to 1992 Mr. Schneirla was Senior Vice President of Jewelry and Manufacturing for Tiffany & Co.

Diamonds in the news: Doctors hail success of 'diamond scanner'

Excerpt:

An X-ray machine originally designed to detect stolen diamonds is being used in South Africa and the United States as a swift means of looking into the human body.

The device can take a full body scan in 13 seconds and releases lower doses of radiation than regular X-rays, according to its developers.

It was first designed to assist South Africa's diamond mining giant De Beers in its bid to curb diamond theft by employees at its operations.

Diamonds in the news: Gold, Diamond Mining Cos Upbeat On India.

Excerpt:

Nearly five years after India opened its mining sector to foreign investment, major international mining companies are yet to find any reserves, but they are slowly gaining confidence that significant gold and diamond deposits can be found in the not-too-distant future.

"Six out of 10 top global mining companies are operating in India, and they are really excited about the prospects of striking gold and diamond deposits in the country," said R.K. Sharma, secretary general of Federation of Indian Mineral Industries.
FIMI is a lobby group for Indian and multinational mining companies operating in the country.

Diamonds in the news: Massive diamond to go under the hammer

Excerpt:

IT'S the size and shape of a 10 cent piece – but the bidder who wants to take home the largest diamond ever auctioned in Australia will have to find notes, and plenty of them, to meet the price tag.

Diamonds in the news: Tahera Diamond Corporation: Second quarter report

Excerpt:

Highlights of the second quarter:

- Receipt of federal approval of the Jericho Diamond Project
- Signed exploration and development agreement with De Beers on highly
prospective property (Polar Project) adjacent to the Jericho Claims
- Completed name change to Tahera Diamond Corporation to accurately
reflect the Company's business
- Appointment of Daniel Johnson as Executive Vice President, Operations
- Appointment of Andrew Adams to the Board of Directors and Chairman of
the Audit Committee

De Beers predicts sales will continue to shine

Excerpt:

DE Beers, the world’s biggest diamond producer, said the strong demand that typified the first half of the year should continue throughout the second.

The South African firm’s profits were up 12.8 per cent to £231 million on sales up 2.2 per cent at £1.62 billion.

De Beers - which is 45 per cent-owned by mining group Anglo American, with the rest under the control of South Africa's Oppenheimer family and the government of Botswana - said consumer markets had reported good growth in retail sales of diamond jewellery during the first half of 2004.

Diamonds in the news: 9/11 COMMISSION: NO LINK BETWEEN AL QAEDA AND DIAMONDS

Excerpt:

Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), an international jewelry confederation of national trade organizations whose purpose is to encourage harmonization, promote international cooperation in the jewelry industry and to consider issues which concern the trade worldwide, has welcomed the report of the official commission into the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. In the report, it was stated that there is no real evidence to suggest a connection between the trade in conflict diamonds and the al Qaeda terrorist network, which is considered responsible for the attacks.

Diamonds in the news: Miner digs up 182-carat gem.

This is a sad story....

Excerpt:

THERE'S lucky: Finding a diamond when you're a young miner sweating it out in the west African forests of Guinea.

And then there's too lucky: finding a 182-carat stone that everyone - starting with the government of Guinea - wants a piece of.
Result: the stone, four times the size of the famous Hope diamond, was tucked away today deep in the vaults of Guinea's Central Bank. No pictures, please.
And the 25-year-old miner who found it, if not exactly in hiding, was making himself scarce. No interviews, please.
State radio in impoverished, mineral-rich Guinea announced the find Thursday. Guinea mining industry officials confirmed Monday that the newly dug-up stone - though not flawless - was a fortune in the rough.

Diamonds in the news: Sunrise jewelry firm Odimo files initial public offering.

Excerpt:

Online diamond and jewelry retailer Odimo of Sunrise filed an initial public offering Friday to sell an estimated $57.5 million in stock.
The filing comes two months after Seattle-based Blue Nile -- another diamond and jewelry retailer on the Internet -- and investors sold $76.7 million of shares in an IPO.
Blue Nile's shares are up 65 percent since debuting at $20.50 on May 20. The stock closed at $33.94 on Friday.
But David Menlow, president of IPOfinancial.com, a research firm that studies public offerings, doesn't expect Odimo's IPO will be greeted with the same fanfare. Odimo operates the websites Diamond.com, Ashford.com and WorldofWatches.com., selling brand-name luxury goods at as much as 60 percent off retail.

Diamonds in the news: Nguesso vows to put diamond trade in order.

Excerpt:

The president of Congo Republic on Friday pledged to restore order in the country's diamond trade after a global "blood diamond" watchdog excluded the Central African state from mainstream trade in the gems.

The Kimberley Process - which aims to keep track of diamonds to stop them being used to fund wars - struck Congo off its membership list last week, saying authorities could not account for the origin of large official diamond exports.

Diamonds in the news: De Beers to Plead Guilty; Return to U.S.:

Excerpt:

De Beers, the world's top diamond producer, will plead guilty in a U.S. court to a 10-year-old price-fixing charge, opening the way for it to resume business in America after nearly 60 years, a court official said on Monday.
The return of the venerable South African company is likely to spark a battle in the luxury goods market when it opens a store on Fifth Avenue this year to rival Tiffany and Co. Inc., as well as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, both owned by Swiss luxury goods group Richemont-.

Diamonds in the news: Aber Diamond Corporation - Appointment to the Board.

Excerpt:

TORONTO, June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - The Board of Directors of Aber Diamond Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of M. Laurent E. Mommeja as a director of the Company. M. Mommeja is the General Manager, Europe of Hermes International SA with responsibility for European and Middle Eastern Distribution. He has been employed by Hermes for the last 23 years of which 14 years were spent in the USA where his last assignment was President and CEO of Hermes Paris Inc., the US subsidiary of Hermes International.

Diamonds in the news: Magazine featuring diamond hoax hits stands.

Excerpt:

A national magazine featuring a hoax corroborated by a former Hardin County resident is on newsstands.
The June issue of Smithsonian spotlights the Great Diamond Hoax of 1872 in an eight-page spread. The 5,000-word article details how Philip Arnold, the architect of a diamond fraud, bilked some of the richest men in America at the time out of a fortune.
During the four months of the fraud and the eventual fallout, the event generated coverage by The New York Times and The Times of London, as well as nearly every major news-paper along the West Coast.
Arnold, a Mexican War veteran from Elizabethtown, and his cousin, John Slack, initiated a diamond craze along the Wyoming-Colorado border after they reported finding a diamond mine and supplied as proof a bag filled with diamonds, rubies and other precious stones. Eventually, word spread to some of the richest men in the country that the two "prospectors" had found diamonds. With venture capital the investors provided, Arnold and Slack secretly set off to Europe, where they purchased even more cheap stones to salt their "find."

Diamonds in the news: ABER PRODUCTION UP IN Q1 2005.

Excerpt:

Aber Diamond Corporation's net earnings for the quarter ending April 30, 2004 totaled US$2.8 million compared to net earnings of US$5.2 million in the first quarter of the preceding year, which was prior to the commencement of commercial production at the Diavik Mine. The first quarter earnings represent a decrease of US$0.4 million from the fourth quarter results of US$3.2 million, a decrease attributed to higher income tax expenses (US$8.9 million compared to US$2.3 million in the preceding year and US$1.2 million in the preceding quarter), tax expenses, the rough diamond sales cycle, selling, general and administrative expenses, and mud-rich material surrounding the A154 South pipe.
During the quarter ended April 30, 2004, Aber generated US$37.7 million in cash from operations, compared to US$22.8 million in the previous quarter. Included in cash from operations is US$16.1 million generated by Harry Winston for the month of April.

Diamonds in the news: Otish Mountain Diamond to Receive Ground Sampling Results.

Excerpt:

NEW YORK, June 8, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Otish Mountain Diamond Company, Inc. (OTCBB:OMDC), a diamond exploration company conducting exploration activities in the Otish Mountains region of northern Quebec, announced today that it anticipates ground sampling results from the Company's Lac Leran JV project in the coming weeks.
Before the winter season, ground samples were gathered from the Company's Lac Leran JV project. These samples are currently being analyzed for indicator minerals content. The Company believes these sample results coupled with its two geological reports, will support the Company's decision to initiate a detailed ground sample exploration program in late August.

Diamonds in the news: All that glitters: Diamond certification slowly picking up in India.

Excerpt:

New Delhi: Diamonds are a woman's best friend, they say. But how does one ensure that they are original and not cultured?

As gem and jewellery certification is not very common in India, there is no way to guarentee originality, those in the industry say, adding "one just has to depend on the family jeweller's word."

Diamonds in the news: Tahera receives federal approval of its Jericho Diamond Project.

Excerpt:

Tahera Corporation announces that the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has approved the Company's Jericho Diamond Project. This federal approval of the Jericho Diamond Project follows approval of the Project by the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) in February 2004. The NIRB will issue a project certificate for the Jericho Diamond Project in the coming weeks.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond giant starts exploring in Kivalliq.

Excerpt:

IQALUIT - The world's largest diamond mining company is entering the race to find diamonds in Nunavut's Kivalliq region.

Diamonds in the news: Gold and Diamond Park ties up with Umm Al Moumineen Association in Ajman exclusive promotion.

Excerpt:

Gold and Diamond Park (GDP) has entered into an agreement with Umm Almoumineen Association in Ajman, offering the members a unique opportunity to avail of attractive discounts while shopping at UAE's exclusive jewellery manufacturing and retailing outlet.

Diamonds in the news: Leading diamond executives from New York to visit Dubai.

Excerpt:

A delegation of leading diamond executives from New York is scheduled to visit the Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC) in mid June further emphasising the growing significance of the Emirate as an international hub for the diamond trade.

Diamonds in the news: Jovella jewelry fair next month in Tel Aviv.

Excerpt:

100 exhibitors will participate in the Jovella 2004 International Trade Fair for Jewelry, Watches, and Fashion Accessories to be held in Tel Aviv next month. The Stier Group and the Israel Jewelry Manufacturers Association (IJMA) are organizing the trade fair.

Diamonds in the news: Liberia: Bryant Pleads for End to Timber And Diamond Ban.

Excerpt:

Gyude Bryant, the Chairman of Liberia's transitional government has pleaded to the UN Security Council to lift an embargo on diamond and timber exports to help the struggling company rebuild its shattered economy after 14 years of civil war.
Bryant, who was appointed last October to lead the country to fresh elections in 2005, addressed the Security Council in New York on Thursday as the body prepared to review the sanctions, imposed during the rule of former president Charles Taylor.

Diamonds in the news: ANTWERP DIAMOND CONFERENCE TO DEVELOP STRATEGY TO DIFFERENTIATE NATURALS FROM SYNTHETICS.

Excerpt: The 3rd Antwerp Diamond Conference, to take place in Antwerp on November 15 and 16, 2004, will concentrate specifically on consumer confidence in natural diamonds, following the introduction of gem-quality synthetics into the market. The conference is being designed as a hallmark event for the entire international diamond sector where a unified position regarding synthetics can be discussed. The first Antwerp Diamond Conference was held in 2002 and focused on the entire diamond pipeline. The second conference, which took place in 2003, concentrated specially on the subjects of marketing and branding diamonds.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond-Mine-Approved.

Excerpt:

YELLOWKNIFE (CP) - The federal government granted the final permit needed for the construction of Canada's third diamond mine Tuesday with a water license from Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Andy Stewart.
Development of the $490-million Snap Lake mine, to be built by South African gemstone giant De Beers Inc., is expected to proceed this summer with underground development and bulk sample testing.
Full construction of the mine should begin next summer after supplies are trucked in over the winter ice road.
"The successful conclusion of this process will send a reassuring message to the De Beers board who have been watching the process in Canada very closely," said Richard Molyneux, president of De Beers Canada.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond work progressing swiftly.

Excerpt:

With the mining of kimberlite continuing, Shore Gold is moving forward with its plan to explore more of its claims at Fort a la Corne.
An aerial geophysical survey done recently found seven new targets, over and above the seven the company already had discovered.
One of the new targets, according to Shore Gold, is of a significant size and one previously known target was found to be larger than was first thought.
A consulting geophysicist from Australia will complete a detailed interpretation of the survey, expected to be finished by the end of this month. Exploration drilling of the new targets should start before the end of July.

Diamonds in the news: Freewest embarks on diamond drilling program in northwest.

Excerpt:

Freewest Resources Canada Inc. through mining company Teck Cominco Ltd. will embark on its first phase diamond drilling program on its 100-per-cent owned Lizar Property.

The 79.8-square-kilometre property is located 60 kilometres northeast of White River in northwestern Ontario, and has 493 claims. Approximately 90 kilometres east of Teck Cominco’s Hemlo operations, the Lizar property contains gold occurrences with both historic showings and recent discoveries.

The property attracted Teck Cominco who optioned the property from Freewest in 2002 and has since conducted a property wide airborne geophysical survey, geophysical mapping and ground electromagnetic surveys (UTEM) to further refine the airborne geophysical anomalies. The airborne survey targeted a number of cluster anomalies. In particular, three priority zones in the northern part of the property will be tested by the initial phase of diamond drilling. These anomalies represent targets for volcanic-hosted massive sulphide deposits or magmatic copper-nickel and sulphide deposits.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond mine strike enters day three.

Excerpt:

The strike by 700 workers at the Helman Diamond Mine near Swartruggens in the North-West has entered its third day. Workers are calling for the reinstatement of a dismissed shop steward who was at the forefront of wage negotiations.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond hub on Bypass.

Excerpt:

The government has taken up an ambitious joint-venture project to set up a diamond-cutting and jewellery complex, on the lines of Mumbai’s Jhaveri Bazaar, on the EM Bypass.
The first of its kind in eastern India, the Rs 100-crore project will come up in collaboration with a group of Bengali diamond-cutters and setters based in Mumbai, Gujarat and Dubai.

Diamonds in the news: MNCs set to enter diamond mining in MP.

Excerpt:

Diamond mining in Madhya Pradesh is likely to gain momentum with the entry of multinationals.
ACC Rio Tinto of Australia, De Beers of South Africa, BHP Minerals of Canada and the National Mineral Development Corporation are set to start survey and exploration of diamond mines in the Panna, Chhattarpur, Tikamgarh, Sagar, Angor and Majhgawan areas of the state.
ACC Rio Tinto has been issued four reconnaissance permits for 10,000 sq km area in the Panna Damoh and Chhatarpur districts.
"De Beers has been issued order of concurrence, and the reconnaissance permit is likely to be issued soon for survey of kimberlite pipes (a rock that sources diamond) in the Rewa district," RK Sharma, director, Geography and Mines, said.

Diamonds in the news: Lesotho mine sells diamonds in Antwerp.

Excerpt:

Maseru - Lets'eng Diamond Mine in northern Lesotho sold diamonds worth $3,3-million in Antwerp, Belgium, this month, the company said on Monday.

Last year the mine sold diamonds for $5,6-million in the same market.

Before re-starting production in April 2003, the Lets'eng Diamond Mine remained abandoned after De Beers ceased operations there in 1982.

"De Beers left the mine in 1982 after diamond markets worldwide experienced a dramatic depression. In 1995 the government of Lesotho announced its intention to re-open the Lets'eng mine. In 1998 we reached an agreement with government to open the mine after going through a tedious process of tendering," said Paki Kolobe, director of Lets'eng Diamonds Pty (Ltd).

"We got the mining lease in 1999 and started building infrastructure in 2000. We started very slowly due to the depressed economic climate in Lesotho because of the political riots of 1998."

Kolobe said the 2002 general elections encouraged investors to put money into the mine.

Diamonds in the news: Star Diamond gets approval to set up Joint Venture.

Excerpt:

The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) is believed to have cleared the proposal of Netherlands-based Star Diamond group to set up a joint venture in India to undertake diamond business.

Diamonds in the news: De Beers gets OK for its first Canada diamond mine. (Warning, there is an annoying audio ad on the linked to page.)

Excerpt:

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) - Diamond giant De Beers said Tuesday it had crossed the last regulatory hurdle in its quest to build its first diamond mine in Canada.

The world's No. 1 diamond producer has received a water license from the Canadian government, the last permit it needed to start construction work at its Snap Lake project, which is located just south of the treeline in the remote Northwest Territories.

Diamonds in the News: Steinmetz wants that Jaguar Diamond back!

Excerpt:

As reported previously, when Christian Klien slammed his F1 Jaguar into the barrier during the Monaco Grand Prix, after getting tangled up on the run down from Mirabeau, the recovered wreckage did not include one of the valuable Steinmetz diamonds fixed rather optimistically to the nosecones of the Jaguars as part of a joint promotion between the two companies.

Diamonds in the news: DIAMOND SALES UP 38% AT TRANS HEX.

Excerpt:

Diamond sales at South Africa’s Trans Hex Group for the year ending March 31st 2004 were 38 percent higher in dollar terms at US$144.1 million, compared to US$103.7 million one year earlier, while in terms of rand the increase was 9.5 percent.
Attributable income for the year fell by 15 percent, resulting in an 18 percent decrease in headline earnings per share in rands, though in constant currency and diamond price terms, headline earnings per share rose by 29 percent over last year. In dollar terms, the headline earnings per share increased by 12 percent to 31 cents from 27 cents for the comparable period of 2002/2003.

Diamonds in the news: Jaguar's crash proves costly with loss of diamond.

Excerpt:

Christian Klien, slammed his car into a metal barrier at a hairpin turn on the first lap of the Formula One race.
"We're searching a very large area for a very small diamond," Jaguar spokesman Nav Sidhu. "We're not expecting someone to turn up and say, 'Hey, we've found your diamond.'"
Jaguar will reward anyone who does hand in the 108-carat gem with a new X-series car worth 25,000 pounds, Sidhu said. Jaguar, owned by Ford Motor Co., had a diamond fitted in the nose of both its race cars (Mark Webber drives the other car) as part of an accord with Steinmetz Diamond Group.

Diamonds in the news: Tri-Valley Exec to Visit Canadian Diamond Mines.

Excerpt:

F. Lynn Blystone, president and chief executive officer of Tri-Valley Corporation (Amex: TIV - News) in Bakersfield, California, has been invited to join a select group of the Alaska Miners Association to tour the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines in the remote Canadian Northwest Territories.

Diamonds in the news: Lateegra Signs Agreement with Aggressive Diamond Drilling.

Excerpt:

Lateegra Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:LEG) (FRANKFURT:LTG) announces it has entered into an agreement with Aggressive Diamond Drilling Ltd whereby Aggressive will carry on surface diamond drilling and other service's on the Company's Todd Creek and Poly Properties located in the Stewart area. The work is to consist of a series of drill holes at a minimum of 700 meters, but total footage may extend beyond 1600 meters.

Diamonds in the news: SouthernEra gets DRC diamond permits.

Excerpt:

Canada's SouthernEra Resources has been awarded 41 exploration permits in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for diamonds.
These permits are focused around the historical diamond-mining centre of Mbuji-Mayi in the Kasai-Oriental Province.
In the mid-1980s this province was producing up to 20 million carats of diamonds per year and has produced two of the 'top-ten' largest gem quality diamonds in the world.
In June 2003 the DRC Mining Registry (Geological Survey) was opened for the first time under the new World Bank-funded Mining Code (Law 007/2002).
The new Mining Code, which conforms to world best practice, has resulted in renewed interest in the DRC on the part of international exploration and mining companies.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond Discoveries Updates Website.

Excerpt:

Diamond Discoveries International Corp. (OTCBB:DMDD) is pleased to announce the launch of it's newly designed website reflecting managements commitment to providing timely and accurate information to our shareholders and the public. The website will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis. www.diamonddiscoveries.com
Diamond Discoveries International Corp. would also like to announce that we will be exhibiting at the New York Diamond Expo 04 on June 2 and 3, 2004. We look forward to all existing shareholders and potential investors to visit us at our booth No. 1510.
About New York Diamond Expo 2004
Open for the first time to qualified private investors, the New York Diamond Expo presents investment and diversification opportunities with the leading explorers and producers of rough diamonds. Significant emerging prospects in Canada are featured at this conference which draws the world's top global mining executives, government policy makers, natural resource analysts and financial advisors.

Diamonds in the news: Alrosa targeted at diamond market of Japan.

Excerpt:

Russia's diamond giant Alrosa will negotiate in Japan May 23-29 on its participation in Japan's diamond business over the visit of Sakha's government delegation to Japan, sources with the company told AK&M.

Purchase of mining equipment from Japanese makers will be the 2nd core issue.

Diamonds in the news: Otish Announces Exploration Claims in Northern Quebec's Diamond Exploration Region.

Excerpt:

Otish Mountain Diamond Company, Inc. (OTCBB:OMDC), an American diamond exploration company with rights to 75,000 acres of mining claims for diamond exploration activities located in Northern Quebec, Canada, announces today that, with diamond mining and production activities in Canada experiencing dramatic growth, the Company foresees strong economic potential in its 75,000 acres of diamond exploration claims.
Northern Quebec diamond exploration remains at a very early stage, with the potential for the discovery of world class deposits remaining high when compared to producing countries such as South Africa and Botswana. The relatively unexplored nature of large areas of Canada, along with continuing evolution of geological models for North America, ensures that diamond occurrences will continue to be identified. Quebec has recently experienced a significant number of important diamondiferous kimberlites discoveries.

Diamonds in the news: EKATI DIAMOND PRODUCTION FALLS.

Excerpt:

Diamond production at BHP Billiton during the quarter ending March 31st 2004 fell by 40 percent to 1,015,000 million carats from 1,704,000 million carats during the previous quarter ending December 31st 2003. This decrease reflects the completion of processing from a pocket of high grade material from the Koala pit in December 2003, though March 2004 quarter production was in line with the March 2003 quarter.

Diamonds in the news: I'M A £40M DIAMOND THIEF.. & I GOT AWAY WITH IT.

Excerpt:

JOAN Hannington strides into the luxury hotel, takes a good look around and asks: "Anyfing 'ere worf nicking?" No one knows quite how to react until Joan, wearing a trilby, bright-red lipstick and sunglasses starts laughing like a drain.
Not so long ago nobody was laughing, least off all some of London's most exclusive jewellers as she conned them out out of &L&40million of gems over ten years.
And she was never caught.
Joan was so good at what she did that she was known as The Godmother. Now the book she has written about her life is to be turned into the movie Diamond with Gwyneth Paltrow playing Joan.
Joan is set to collect &L&1million from the film rights and jokes that it will be the first "straight" money she has ever earned.
Despite the tell-all book and movie, Joan, 47, is not worried that the boys in blue will be knocking on her door. Sipping on another large vodka and coke, she points out coolly that her story "could all be a pack of lies".

Diamonds in the news: Synthetic diamonds threaten diamond industry. Fakes are not perceivable even under the microscope.

Excerpt:

New synthetic diamonds threaten to flood the diamond industry in Israel and abroad. The fakes, manufactured from carbon, look identical to perfect natural diamonds. Udi Shintal, a diamond supervisor at the Ministry of Industry, says that the synthetic stones are produced and polished in a process similar to that undergone by natural jewels.
Blemishes can be usually deducted by magnifying a diamond 10 times under a microscope. However, when a synthetic diamond was checked in Belgium, no blemishes were found, even after the diamond was magnified 50 times. This would make it very difficult for a regular diamond merchant to detect a problem, said Shintal.

Diamonds in the news: Brazilian Indians massacre diamond miners.

Excerpt:

MORE than 40 bodies of illegal miners killed at close range by spears, arrows and clubs have been removed from an Indian reservation in northern Brazil.

Indigenous warriors of the Cinta Larga (Wide Belt) tribe have carried out the attacks in order to defend their 6.7 million-acre reservation from illegal prospectors mining diamonds. The tribal lands are believed to have some of the largest diamond deposits in Brazil.

Diamonds in the news: De Beers in Botswana JV

Excerpt:

Beers, 45 percent held by Anglo American, on Thursday announced it had established a joint venture with African Diamonds plc to explore for diamond bearing deposits, or kimberlites, in Botswana.
The joint venture is 51 percent held by De Beers and 49 percent by African Diamonds.
De Beers' interest will climb to 70 percent once a bankable feasibility study, funded by De Beers, has been completed. De Beers and African Diamonds will each contribute certain license areas to the joint venture exploration programme.

Diamonds in the News: Diamond Discoveries Files 10-K Report.

Excerpt:

Diamond Discoveries International Corp (OTCBB:DMDD) is an US exploration company with executive offices in Vancouver, B.C. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Diamond Discoveries (Canada) Inc., it controls certain mineral permits in the Torngat Mountains Peninsula, north-eastern Quebec. The Company is focused on exploring for diamonds. The Company has located more than 50 kimberlite dykes and several kimberlite pipes. This summer, they plan on actively sampling the targeted areas for diamonds both by bulk sampling and core drilling.

Jewelry in the news: Amazon.com launches jewelry store.

Excerpt:

Amazon.com Inc. of Seattle has launched a jewelry store on its Web site as the e-tailer continues to expand its offerings. The company said the Jewelry store took orders from more than 100,000 customers during the beta test.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond giant mum on Repulse exploration.

Excerpt:

The company that owns the Ekati diamond mine in the Northwest Territories is keeping quiet about its plans for exploration near Repulse Bay this summer.
BHP Billiton has been exploring in the area near Repulse Bay since 1989.

Diamonds in the news: De Beers in new diamond exploration venture.

Excerpt:

JOHANNESBURG: South African mining giant De Beers finalised yesterday a joint venture with African Diamonds to explore and develop new diamond mines in Botswana, the companies announced.

Diamonds in the news: Angola deports diamond dealers

Excerpt:

Lisbon - Angola has deported some 60 000 illegal immigrants since launching a major crackdown on clandestine diamond prospecting by foreigners in December, Portugal's Lusa news agency reported on Tuesday.
Most of the 50 000 illegal immigrants were detained by Angolan security forces in the diamond-rich northeastern provinces of North Lunda and South Lunda, a military official told daily newspaper "Jornal de Angola".
The overwhelming majority of the immigrants detained came from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which borders the two provinces, the paper said.
Among the illegal immigrants found to be involved in clandestine diamond mining in the former Portuguese colony were 876 soldiers from the DRC, it added.

Diamonds in the news: Globes [online] - Polished diamond exports up 13% in March 2004.

Excerpt:

Net polished diamond exports (excluding returns) totaled $538 million in March 2004, 13% more than the $477 million exported in March 2003. Net polished diamond exports totaled $1.72 billion in January-March 2004, 14% more than the $1.51 billion exported in the corresponding period last year.
Net rough diamond totaled $230 million in March 2004, 48% more than the $156 million exported in March 2003. Rough diamond imports in January-March rose by 51%, despite riding prices and trading during 2003.
Rough diamond imports totaled $415 million in March, 41% more than the $294 million imported in March 2003.
Net polished diamond imports totaled $310 million in March 2004, 6% more than the $292 million imported in March 2003.
Supervisor of diamonds at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Udi Sheintal said demand from the US, Western and Eastern Europe, and the Far East was responsible for the 14% increase in net polished diamond exports since the beginning of the year.

Diamonds in the news: Forbes.com: SouthernEra mulls separate platinum, diamond firms.

Excerpt:

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) - SouthernEra Resources Ltd. is considering splitting its platinum from its diamond interests into two separately listed companies, the Toronto and London-listed mining company said Tuesday.

SouthernEra's key asset is a 73.1 percent stake in Messina Ltd., a South African producer of platinum.

Its chief diamond asset is the marginal Klipspringer mine, also in South Africa. SouthernEra temporarily shut down diamond production at the site in December, blaming a stronger rand for making the operation unprofitable.

It plans to restart mining when the rand depreciates. The firm also has diamond interests in Angola and other parts of Africa, and Canada and Australia.

Diamonds in the news: Growing Demand Brings Diamond Exporters To Home Turf

Excerpt:

NEW DELHI: Exporters of cut-and-polished diamonds are now setting their sights on the fast-growing domestic diamond jewellery market with over 30 branded diamond players expected to enter the market in the next couple of years. The process is being driven by factors like the demand shifting in favour of diamond-studded jewellery and shrinking profit margins in the exports business.

Diamonds in the news: Aber Diamond Corporation completes purchase of majority interest in Harry Winston Inc.

Excerpt:

TORONTO and NEW YORK, April 2 /CNW/ - Aber Diamond Corporation ("Aber" or
the "Company") (TSX-ABZ, Nasdaq-ABER), the premier publicly traded diamond
company, Harry Winston Inc. ("Harry Winston"), one of the world's leading
luxury jewellery and watch retailers, and Fenway Partners, Inc., a
New York-based private investment firm, today announced that Aber has acquired
a 51% controlling interest in Harry Winston.
"This investment in Harry Winston is the next step in realizing our
objective of building value in a diamond business that exploits synergies
between the two bookends of the diamond pipeline, mining and retailing" said
Mr. Robert Gannicott, CEO of Aber. "These are the two segments of the industry
with the most attractive returns of a scale interesting to a public company.
We believe that our strength and knowledge as a diamond producer will enhance
Harry Winston's access to the appropriate polished diamonds to support growth
in its business."
"This is a great day in the 70 year history of Harry Winston", said
Mr. Ronald Winston, Chairman of Harry Winston Inc.

Diamonds in the news: Speaking for stones.

Excerpt:

"One side of jewelry concentrates attention to an attractive part of the body," said Gurhan. "Another side - it covers something up."

So a necklace might cascade down, pointing to a cleft between the breasts; earrings might be tiered, showing off the line of the neck instead of the ear lobes. Gurhan believes in creating his jewelry for real people, real women. He has a bucolic outlook on his art.

"I'm not like a painter, but a shoemaker," he said. "First, it should be comfortable to wear, emotionally and physically. Then you can look at the aesthetic."

Gurhan is smitten with gems and perceives a magical quality in them. It comes out in his enthusiasm.

Jewelry in the news: CIBJO UNDERGOES CHANGES.

Excerpt:

At the recent World Jewellery Confederation 2004 held in Bangkok, Thailand, where some 150 members of the jewelry, precious metals and gemstones industries from 26 countries discussed High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) diamond treatments, synthetic diamonds, corundum and pearl treatments, the Kimberley Process and Best Practice Principles over a period of three days, Gaetano Cavalieri was elected as President for a third term.

Diamonds in the news: Miners, conservationists, even jewelers at odds over mining

Excerpt:

Those necklaces, rings and watches in the jewelry case may be a lot more expensive than many people think, conservationists contend.
Jewelry also carries the cost of environmental damage from mining for their gold, silver and other precious metals, according to a new public relations campaign that is putting pressure on jewelry retailers to reject minerals from big polluters.
The campaign has already prompted the president of Tiffany & Co. to shift his attention from the jewelry cases on Fifth Avenue to the Cabinet Mountains wilderness area of Montana.
Tiffany recently purchased a large advertisement in The Washington Post to demand the federal government reject a proposed mine in the Montana wilderness and reform the 132-year-old law that encourages hardrock mining over conservation in the West.

Diamonds in the news: GIA Buys Land for Expansion of Carlsbad, Calif., Facility.

Excerpt:

Apr. 8--CARLSBAD, Calif. - Officials with the Gemological Institute of America, a worldwide powerhouse in the jewelry business, said Wednesday that they are adding room for expansion and hundreds of new employees.
The institute recently purchased almost 11 acres adjacent to its 18-acre campus from the Carltas Co. for $5.4 million, said Gary Hill, director of community development at the institute. Founded in 1931 in Los Angeles, the institute moved its world headquarters to Armada Drive in Carlsbad in 1997.
Hill said the most immediate need for the land will be an expanded parking lot to handle all the new employees expected in the next several years.

Diamonds in the news: Red-carpet jewelry glitters at Albert's.

Excerpt:

SCHERERVILLE: Store clerk models $2.5 million diamond-studded Oscar gown

Diamonds in the news: De Beers to raise rough diamond prices 5%.

Excerpt:

De Beers Diamond Trading Company (De Beers) announced yesterday that it would raise its prices for rough diamonds at the next sight by 5%. The price hike will probably have an adverse effect on Israel's diamond industry.
Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association (IsDMA) chairman Moti Ganz told "Globes" that De Beers' price hike would cause losses to diamond merchants until prices for polished diamonds could be raised in 2-3 months, and even force some diamond merchants out of business altogether.
Industry sources believe that Israeli diamond merchants are liable to be stuck with inventories of polished diamonds from new purchases that are more expensive than polished diamonds purchased from the earlier, cheaper, deliveries. The result will reduce the profitability of diamond transactions, and possibly drive polishers out of business. At this stage, no diamond polishing is expected to take place during the Passover holiday next month.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond exploration heats up again.

Excerpt:

There's another diamond exploration rush in the Northwest Territories and this time it's very near the Yukon border.
Ottawa handed out more than 600 prospecting permits in the N.W.T. this year. New results from Diamondex Resources in the western Arctic spurred on a scramble for permits in the past two months.
Geologist Scott Casselman is in the Whitehorse office of Aurora Geosciences, which handles mining contracts across the North. He knows all about the latest exploration action.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond products face price hikes.

Excerpt:

"Because of great demand for diamonds all over the world, the raw material providers raised prices while cutting supply, which created a dilemma for most Chinese diamond processing companies whose profit margins have been further lowered and are short of raw materials," said China Diamond Manufacturers' Association Chairman Guo Zhiyue.

Diamonds in the news: Huge Diamond among Dresden Treasures.

Excerpt:

The Green Vault's most famous gem is the 41-carat green diamond, so colored, it's believed, because of prolonged exposure to radioactivity centuries ago. It was purchased by Prince Elector August III in 1742 for the enormous sum of $150,000.
"This is a sister jewel, if you will, to what most of us Americans know as the Hope Diamond that is in the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural History," says Jack Kyle, the Jackson exhibition's executive director.
If emeralds are your green gem of choice, there's a hand-carved moor presenting a platter full of the green jewels. He and a similar companion should feel right at home in Jackson.

Diamonds in the news: Russian miners eager to tap Sierra Leone's diamond fields.

Excerpt:

FREETOWN : Russia's state-run mining company Alrosa has dispatched a team to Sierra Leone in hopes of winning a bid to exploit the west African state's lucrative Kimberlite diamond mining industry, official radio reported.

A decade-long rebel war in the impoverished Atlantic coastal country was largely funded by illegal trade in so-called "blood diamonds".

Diamonds in the news: ANGOLA: New body to monitor diamond-mining sector.

Excerpt:

The Angolan government has set up a new security body to monitor the lucrative but loosely controlled diamond-mining sector.

A newly established security agency, the Corpo de Seguranca de Diamantes (CSD), will monitor the storing, classification and transportation of diamonds.

The Seattle Times weighs in on the Gemesis and Apollo Diamonds story: Fake diamonds making a real impression.

Excerpt:

A question has dogged the jewelry industry for decades: If humans could make a perfect diamond in a laboratory — indistinguishable from one mined from the ground — what would it be worth?
This query has gone unanswered since the first synthetic diamond was manufactured in the 1950s. Beautiful stones have been created, but nothing that couldn't be identified as man-made.

Until now.

Diamonds in the news: Venus Williams out of Diamond Games in Antwerp due to injury.

Excerpt:

The significance of missing the tournament is made greater by the fact that any person to win three times in five years is rewarded with a tennis racket studded with 1,700 jewels worth over AUS$1.6million.

Diamonds in the news: Dream diamond sows division.

Excerpt:

Johannesburg - The discovery of a 13.7 carat white diamond in a Ventersdorp mine in North West has rekindled a fight over royalty rights in a divided community on whose land the digging takes place.

The diamond, discovered by Tirisano Diamond Mine on Easter Sunday 2003, has been on display since January 14 in London.

It is part of the sensual Valentine's Day theme at Garrard, one of the UK's most celebrated brands and known for being at the cutting edge of luxury jewellery design.

The diamond has already caused a stir in South Africa as exposure to ultraviolet light causes it to fluoresce bright pink, one of the rarest colours.

The Beeb covers the huge 100m euro Belgian theft of Diamonds in February last year. I bet this story will become a film soon.

Excerpt:

In February last year 100m euros (£65m) worth of diamonds vanished from vaults under the Belgian city of Antwerp during a heist which was straight out of the Hollywood movie Ocean's Eleven.
Detectives believe an Italian gang were responsible but the stones are still missing and may never be found.
Ever since the beginning of the 16th century Antwerp has been the world's diamond-cutting capital.
Over half the world's diamonds are traded in the Belgian city's gem district, a maze of streets close to the train station. Diamond merchants in Antwerp have a combined annual turnover of $23 billion.

Slashdot covers Diamond Age Coming Soon and The Galaxy's Largest Diamond on Valentine's Day.

Diamonds in the news: Bids Wanted For Diamond Studded Jaguar.

Excerpt:

The Orange British Academy Film Awards is hosting an auction of a $115,000 (£60,000) Jaguar, fitted complete with two diamonds in the walnut facia. The Sunexis-cut 1 carat diamonds account for a third of the value of the car.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond jewellery exports grow by 39 per cent.

Excerpt:

If the recent observations of the diamond industry experts and diamond jewellery makers are to be considered, India soon will be a world leader of branded and non-branded diamond jewellery.
What more, the domestic market too is showing a positive growth trend.
Over the last few years, many diamond polishers and cutters from the country's diamond city, Surat, have established their names as makers of branded diamond jewelleries.

Diamonds in the news: ALROSA obtains license for exploring Irkutsk diamond deposits.

Excerpt:

.The Russian diamond producer ALROSA obtained a license for exploring diamond deposits in the Irkutsk region of Russia. Yesterday, the corresponding documents were signed by Natural Resources Minister Pyotr Sadovnik and ALROSA President Vladimir Kalitin, sources in the Natural Resources Ministry told RBC.

Diamonds in the news: Europe's largest diamond field eyes float.

Excerpt:

Russian diamond monopoly Alrosa may seek a London Stock Exchange listing for a subsidiary developing Europe's largest diamond field, business newspaper Vedomosti reports a senior executive as saying.

The IDI has launched a new website.

Excerpt:

Diamond-il, is the comprehensive source of information about this leading world diamond center. Established by the Israel Diamond Institute, a public interest company charged with promoting the diamond industry, the Portal will assist you with all of your business needs in Israel. Here you'll find background on who's who in the industry, facts and figures, information on news and events, and tips on doing business with Israeli diamantaires.

Diamonds in the news: Tahera a step closer to Canada's next diamond mine.

Excerpt:

British Columbia (Reuters) - Production at what is expected to be Canada's third diamond mine is on track to kick off late next year or early in 2006, project owner, Tahera Corp. , said.

The small exploration firm cleared a major hurdle Friday in the development of its Jericho diamond project in Nunavut when the territory in Canada's north said it was happy with findings of a study into the environmental impact of a mine.

Diamonds in the news: Armenia Diamond Production Rises 31% in 2003.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond explorer Paramount to float.

Excerpt:

Diamond hunter Maureen Muggeridge is chairing a new exploration company Paramount Mining Corp Ltd which will float this week after closing a $3.5 million capital raising oversubscribed.
Ms Muggeridge, who led the field sampling team that discovered the famous Argyle diamond deposits in Western Australia, said there was potential in Australia for more major discoveries.
The company expects to float on the Australian Stock Exchange on Friday ahead of a two-year $2 million exploration program to develop its WA diamond prospects.

Diamonds in the news: Govt, barons reach pact over diamond park .

Excerpt:

SURAT : The proposed gems and jewellery park at Ichhapore is finally all set to take off with a breakthrough in talks between the Surat diamond industry and the Gujarat government.

Diamonds in the news: Leviev obtains 36 Namibian diamond mining concessions

Excerpt:

Sakawe Mining Corporation (Samicor), a subsidiary of the Lev Leviev group of companies, has obtained 36 mining concessions from the Namibian government. The concessions are potentially worth $180 million.
The deal strengthens Leviev's challenge to De Beers Diamond Trading Company (De Beers), which controls over 40% of the world's diamond mines. Leviev's control of Namibia's diamonds adds to his exclusive rights in other African countries obtained in recent years.

Diamonds in the news: Rockwell Closes Deal With GMD on Royce Diamond Claims and Completes $3.0 Million Financing.

Excerpt:

The Royce Claims host one of the most focused diamond exploration targets in Canada's premier diamond province. Two principal diamond indicator mineral trains have been identified by prior exploration on the property; the Wheeler Lake and Bessonette trains are defined by G-10 garnets, ilmenites and chromites that are chemically compatible with the diamond stability field. The heads of these trains have not been drill tested for their compelling diamond potential. The Royce targets are further defined by airborne geophysical results. Rockwell plans to initiate detailed ground geophysics in February 2004 to refine specific drill targets for testing.

Diamonds in the news: Citrix Connects Diavik Diamond Mines Employees Across the Remote Canadian Arctic

Excerpt:

When diamonds were discovered in the Canadian Arctic in 1991, many considered the area to be nearly inaccessible. But today the Northwest Territories is the site of one of the most extensive mineral rushes in North American history. DDMI's primary asset is a majority interest in the Diavik Diamond Mine, a large tract of land that hosts the Western Hemisphere's second diamond mine, over 300 kilometers northeast of Diavik's headquarters in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Because DDMI's operations are often spread across great distances, secure, easy and instant access to information is key to the success of its mobile workforce. DDMI is using MetaFrame Presentation Server to deliver information, processing capabilities and high-use business applications to a variety of contractors and engineers via satellite link, regardless of their location. With anywhere, anytime access to critical information, DDMI is able to improve productivity and communication across great distances.

Diamonds in the news: MOTI GANZ ELECTED PRESIDENT OF IDMA.

Excerpt:

Moti Ganz, 43, has been unanimously elected as the President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association, following recent elections.
Ganz, a second-generation diamantaire, began his work in the sector in 1982 as an independent exporter, and today manages the DTC sightholding company Moti Ganz, which has won the prestigious Outstanding Exporter Award

Diamonds in the news: Diamond cut grades topic of Centurion breakfast

Excerpt:

The Gemological Institute of America introduced some of its key findings on cut grade research at a breakfast seminar during the recent Centurion jewelry show held Feb. 1-5 at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Ariz. GIA intends to incorporate expanded cut information on all its grading reports and Diamond Dossiers for all standard round D to Z color diamonds, possibly as early as later this year.
In a move certain to arouse controversy, GIA has definitively stated that a range of proportions can produce a top cut grade, rather than having only one single set of proportions be considered the benchmark.

Diamonds in the news: Dismay over diamond mining code

Excerpt:

The Central African Republic's new mining code lacks transparency and allows for undue government interference in the sector, experts have said.
The new code was passed on Wednesday after extensive consultations with officials from the World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank who visited Bangui last month.

Diamonds in the news: GOKHRAN PLANS THREE DIAMOND AUCTIONS IN 2004

Excerpt:

The Gokhran, Russia's state depository for precious metals and gemstones, plans to hold three auctions for rough diamonds weighing 10.8 carats or more this year, with the first taking place late March or early April.
Last year, the Gokhran held three auctions in 2003, selling 60 percent of the 405 lots on offer at the first auction, over 90 percent of 531 lots at the second, and 62 percent of 295 lots at the last auction of the year in October 2003.

Diamonds in the news: NUNAVUT BOARD APPROVES EIS FOR JERICHO DIAMOND PROJECT

Excerpt:

The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) has recommended the approval of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Tahera Corporation/s Jericho Diamond Project in Nunavut.

Diamonds in the news: Women ringing diamond changes.

Excerpt:

THERE'S little doubt diamonds are a girl's best friend, but it's a long 60-year wait after the wedding for that diamond anniversary gift . . . or is it?

A revised list of wedding anniversary gifts is set to challenge the "traditional" list and in the 21st century, making it to 10 years of wedded bliss is all that's needed to secure that diamond.
"According to statistics, almost 50 per cent of couples who marry today will be divorced in seven years," said relationships expert Allan Pease. "So making it to 10 years really is quite an achievement."

Diamonds in the news: Gemesis Launches Comprehensive Diamond Identification Program with EGL USA.

Excerpt:

PRNewswire/ -- In today's complex diamond market, Gemesis has extended its commitment to protecting consumers and the jewelry industry by providing comprehensive identification for Gemesis Cultured Diamonds through EGL USA. The New York City-headquartered lab has created reports for a small quantity of lab-created diamonds in the past. This is the first time EGL USA will create a comprehensive identification program for a major man-made diamond producer that will include full certificates and laser inscription.

Diamonds in the news: Gemesis Cultured Diamonds(TM) and Joe Jewelry(TM) Team to Honor Sting and Support MusiCares(R).

Excerpt:

Gemesis(TM) and acclaimed designer Joe Schubach have partnered to donate a one-of-a kind design to the MusiCares Foundation in support of the 2004 Person of the Year tribute dinner, honoring multi-Grammy winning artist, Sting. Both Gemesis and Schubach are honored to contribute to musicians in times of need. Gemesis creates beautiful yellow Cultured Diamonds, grown in its state-of-the art facility in Sarasota, Fla. Gemesis Cultured Diamonds have received unprecedented consumer and trade attention, for making beautiful fancy yellow diamonds accessible to most jewelry buyers. Gemesis is proud to team with artisans like Joe Schubach and his signature Joe Jewelry line.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond-seekers file on 64 million acres.

Excerpt:

The long, cold line-ups in front of the mining recorder's office in Iqaluit paid off this week as mining companies received their much-coveted prospecting permits.
This past November, warmly dressed diehards stayed on 24-hour rotation until Dec. 1, the day Indian and Northern Affairs Canada would accept the first permit applications for exclusive rights to look for gems, diamonds and other precious metals on Crown land in Nunavut.

Diamonds in the news: BANKER CHARGED WITH INSIDER TRADING INVOLVING FORMER DIAMOND COMPANY.

Excerpt:

Andrew Rankin, managing director of mergers and acquisitions at Royal Bank of Canada investment banking arm, has been charged with 10 counts of insider trading and passing tips about impending mergers under the Ontario Securities Act by Ontario's stock market watchdog, one of them relating to a diamond company.

Diamonds in the news: Teeling shares soar after diamond find.

Excerpt:

Shares in African Diamonds, the exploration firm chaired by entrepreneur John Teeling, jumped more than 10pc this morning after the company discovered diamonds in Botswana.

Diamonds in the news: A Dress, A Diamond, A Cocktail, Music and the GG.

There will be an interesting prize in an Auckland fundraiser, involving ice and diamonds:

Excerpt:

In this major fundraising event for the Auckland Philharmonia, one hundred guests will be treated to two hours of indulgence: a private viewing of the latest Trelise Cooper fashion; live orchestral music by the Auckland Philharmonia; sumptuous canapés; and wickedly tasty "42 Below" Cocktails - each cocktail will contain a cube of ice which, for one lucky guest, will melt away to reveal an exquisite diamond. A small auction featuring luxurious items will also be held during the evening.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond merchants: 2003 was both industry's record and worst year

Excerpt:

Although Israel exported a record amount of diamonds in 2003, diamond merchants said today that the year was nonetheless the worst in the industry's history. Diamond exports, including polished diamonds, rose by 5.9% to $5.5 billion.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond biggie to set up units in US and China.

Excerpt:

SURAT/AHMEDABAD: The Rs 1000-crore diamond processing and jewellery maker Laxmi Diamonds group plans to have diamond jewellery manufacturing presence in the US and China to cater to the growing demand in the US and Far-East markets. The company is in advanced stages of negotiations with a diamond jewellery manufacturing and marketing company in the US and a diamond jewellery maker in China to pick up majority stake in those companies.

Diamonds in the news: GARY RALFE BRIEFS BELGIAN PRIME MINISTER ON SOC.

Excerpt:

"The Belgian share of DTC's sales in the first half of 2004 will rise from 34 percent of total worldwide DTC rough sales to 37 percent. This increase is already reflected in the "Intention to Offer" (ITO) agreed with Belgian clients, "says De Beers managing director Gary Ralfe in a briefing with Belgian's prime minister Guy Verhofstadt. That was the good news. The bad news that the Belgian leader learned was that De Beers is "convinced that diamond manufacturing will gravitate to where it is most economically efficient. However, Belgian technical expertise will continue to give Antwerp a market niche, "the prime minister was told, leaving him wondering what exactly is meant by "market niche".

Diamonds in the news : NGO CONCERNED OVER DRC DIAMOND TRAFFICKERS HELD IN ANGOLA.

Excerpt:

Non-governmental organization Voices without Voices has alleged that Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) nationals, detained in Angola over accusations of diamond trafficking, are being held in ‘inhuman conditions’. In a statement aired on the Roman Catholic radio station Ecclesia, the NGO expressed concern for their lives, and denounced the forced repatriation of DRC nationals.

Diamonds in the news: Kimberley Process Helps Protect Diamond Industry

Excerpt:

The Botswana government, anxious to protect its diamond industry from the taint of conflict diamonds, has been an energetic supporter of the Kimberly process, aimed at stamping out the unofficial trafficking in the lucrative gems.
A global certification system, identifying the origin of all rough diamonds, is the cornerstone of the Kimberley process. Sixty countries involved in the production, export and import, and trade in rough diamonds have signed up to the Kimberley agreement, pioneered by South Africa.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond hunt dice seen loaded in favor of Canada.

Diamonds in the news: Antwerp diamond exports up 12%.

Excerpt:

Antwerp, the self-styled diamond capital of the world, saw exports of polished diamonds increase 12 per cent last year to a record $7.19 billion (£4 billion).
The figures, fired by strong sales in America, point to a continuing recovery for diamond jewellery. Exports to the US from Antwerp amounted to $2.59 billion last year, more than a third of the total.

Diamonds in the news: Honour for Surat diamond institute.

Excerpt:

Surat-based Indian Diamond Institute (IDI) has been recognised as a centre of excellence by the state government.

Diamonds in the news: Thousands of Illegal Diamond Miners Expelled

Excerpt:

At least 10,000 Congolese, mostly illegal miners, have been expelled from Angola since December 2003 under inhumane conditions, a Congolese human rights organization said on Thursday.
"They were forced back by the military and hundreds of others have been arrested and detained in subhuman conditions," Dolly Ibefo, vice-president of the rights body, Voice of the Voiceless (Voix des Sans Voix), said.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond sales add sparkle to economic gloom

Excerpt:

International, Arab clients are key to Lebanon's growing jewelry industry, which brings in more than $400 million in export earnings a year

Diamonds in the news: Ruben Rosario wrote an article about diamonds called What the diamond hunter discovered for Pioneer Press.

Diamonds in the news: Gemesis and man made diamonds are in the news again, this time in an article in the Orlando Sentinel.

Diamonds in the news: Etruscan: Garrard Displays the Unique Tirisano Easter Diamond to Celebrate Valentine's Day.

Excerpt:

The 13.7 carat diamond was discovered by Etruscan Diamonds (Pty) Ltd. at its Tirisano Diamond Mine in South Africa on Easter Sunday 2003. Etruscan Diamonds is owned 51% by Etruscan Resources Inc, a Canadian gold and diamond mining company, and 25% by Mountain Lake Resources Inc, also Canadian based. The diamond has already caused a considerable stir in South Africa as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light causes the diamond to fluoresce bright pink; a vibrant hue ideally suited to the stunning display that Garrard will have in place to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Diamonds in the news: GLOBAL JEWELRY INDUSTRY FUTURE TO BE DISCUSSED AT CIBJO ANNUAL CONGRESS.

Diamonds in the news: Dad hands diamond hunt to daughter.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond mania hits Arctic. Prospecting firms stake record claims in Nunavut, NWT.

Canadian Diamond mining is really picking up. The next 10 years should see a large shift Northwards.

Diamonds in the news: Police withdraws from C'garh diamond belt.

Diamonds in the news: NATURAL COLORED DIAMOND ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED.

Diamonds in the news: RESEARCH ALERT-Merrill ups Diamond Offshore to 'neutral'.

Diamonds in the news: MSNBC weighs in with their version on the topic of right hand rings: Rings of power: The heck with proposals; women are buying their own diamonds.

Diamonds in the news: Farmer's Diamonds Go to Waste But Are Recovered.

Diamond Innovations in the news: This is a fabulous invention! Russian scientists invent 'painless' diamond marking.

Diamonds in the news: Dubai's role as diamond hub to be discussed.

Diamonds in the news: DIAMOND PARK TO BE ESTABLISHED IN HARYANA.

Diamonds in the news: Romios Delays Diamond Drilling On Its Lundmark-Akow Lake Property.

Diamonds in the news: NUM wants to meet Rex Diamond.

Diamonds in the news: Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC) to host The World Diamond Council.

Diamonds in the news: Trade balance contracts as diamond exports sparkle.

Diamonds in the news: 2 CARAT DIAMOND FOUND AT US DIAMOND FIELD ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

Diamonds in the news: PAN ASIA MINING RENAMES TO CHINA DIAMOND.

Diamonds in the news: Dubai is world's third largest diamond market.

Diamonds in the news: US lifts Sierra Leone, Liberia sanctions under pact .

Diamonds in the news: Diamond prices are sparkling.

Diamonds in the news: Haryana woos diamond units.

Diamonds in the news: Angola expels diamond diggers.

Diamonds in the news: CANADIAN DIAMOND PRODUCTION OVERTAKES SOUTH AFRICA.

Diamonds in the news: ic Berkshire reports that a family in Reading will be the first in the country to use LifeGem's services.

Diamonds in the news: Canada could top world diamond production: analyst.

Diamonds in the news: Angola: Army Clamps Down On Illegal Diamond Traffickers.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond firm Aber to issue stock, eyes dividend.

HAARETZ has an article about the new list of DeBeers sightholders that was just released by the diamond syndicate.

Diamonds in the news: Victoria Resource Corporation: Diamond Drilling Intersects High Grade Gold at Mill Canyon, Nevada.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond industry adds lustre: Statscan.

Diamonds in the news: World rough diamond prices set for rise.

Diamonds in the news: State-Owned Diamond Company Might Rescind Contract With Trans Hex.

In an article by Malcolm Prior, the BBC is the latest to cover the LifeGem story.

Diamonds in the news: Vault Minerals Inc.: Positive Diamond Drill Results from Lebel Gold Property, Kirkland Lake, Ontario.

Diamonds in the news: Hindujas cable TV, diamond trade among Rs224.42 FDI approvals.

Diamonds in the news: PSAC handily wins diamond mine vote.

Diamonds in the news: Rapaport's Maiden Rough Diamond Tender Opens Today.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond Industry Regulator Faces Revamp Or Abolition This Year.

Diamonds in the news: Russia to increase diamond mining in 2004.

Diamonds in the news: Rough diamond prices poised to continue rising.

Diamonds in the news: Hallelujah: Park yields diamond on Christmas.

Diamonds in the news: ARMENIA PLANS TO INCREASE POLISHED DIAMOND OUTPUT TO US$400 MILLION.

Diamonds in the news: DIAMOND.COM SALES TOP US$1 MILLION DAILY OVER HOLIDAY PERIOD.

Diamonds in the news: State delays could kill 650 diamond mining jobs.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond Discoveries Engages May Davis Group.

Diamonds in the news: GJEPC CHAIRMAN CALLS ON INDIA TO BECOME DIAMOND TRADING HUB.

Diamonds in the news: Jobs, jobs, jobs for Inuit at diamond mine.

Diamonds in the news: The New York Times joins the crowd with their article on The Right-Hand Diamond Ring.

Diamonds in the news: A diamond beats a pair of hearts.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond sector urged to focus on trading.

Diamonds in the news: Rapaport Launches First Indian Rough Diamond Tender.

Diamonds in the news: DFO critical of diamond mine's plan for lake.

The History Channel's Modern Marvels TV show is playing Diamond Mines today. Try to catch it... but if you do miss it, you can purchase it on video.

Excerpt:

Diamond Mines
Half a mile below the earth's surface, men mine for rough diamonds--a pure carbon substance. Brilliant when cut and polished, they are marketed as the most precious gem in the world. From the earliest mines of the 4th century BC to today's technological wonders in South Africa, we explore the history and technology of the diamond mine.

Diamonds in the news: 'Diamond murder' men get bail.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond riches twinkle dimly.

Diamonds in the news: Swallowed diamond ring shows up as evidence in U.S..

Diamonds in the news: Diamond Bank wind-up opposed.

Diamonds in the news: India to emerge as direct diamond sourcing base after Belgium.

Diamonds in the news: Gateway To Russia - Article - Rare 158.8-carat diamond mined in Russia.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond Fields obtains shareholder approval for subscription receipts financing.

Diamonds in the news: IOL reports : Murder after illegal diamond deal loses shine.

Yasmin Le Bon models 14 carat pear-shaped "Blue Empress".

Excerpt:

British model Yasmin Le Bon, models the 'Blue Empress,' one of the rarest diamonds in the world, flanked by a security guard during an unveiling at the Harrods department store in central London, November 26, 2003. The priceless 14 carat pear-shaped natural blue diamond, which will reside in Harrods under round-the-clock surveillance until December 23, is the signature piece of an eleven-piece collection by Los Angeles designer Christian Tse and has been mounted into an 18 carat white gold necklace surrounded by white diamonds.

Diamonds in the news: A Dutch Jeweler sent 4,000 former clients a promotion to mark the store's 10th anniversary. 200 letters had a diamond in them and the others a CZ. But many clients simply trashed the mailing thinking it was junk mail!

Diamonds in the news: 150 year old antique diamond ring was snatched during a street robbery.

Diamonds in the news: Angola: Army Warns of Action On Illegal Diamond Prospectors.

DisInfo.com has published a book about diamonds called Glitter & Greed.

Diamonds in the news: Buying a Diamond This Holiday Season? These Top 10 Tips Will Protect You, Your Investment.

Diamonds in the news: Another news story on Teeling and the Diamond find mentioned below.

Diamonds in the news: 0.36 CARAT DIAMOND RECOVERED FROM DANIEL ALLUVIAL DIAMOND PROJECT.

Diamonds in the news: Teeling firm finds diamond in Africa.

Diamonds in the news: KANSAI AND VICTORY CONCLUDE DIAMOND SELLING AGREEMENT.

The New Scientist has an article about computer simulations of how diamonds scatter light to help Diamond Cutters come out with new cuts.

Diamonds in the news: Armenia Diamond Output increases 37.4%.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond scrips sparkle in bull run.

Gitanjali has filed patents for 25 cuts they have pioneered.

Excerpt:

India has traditionally been a mass processing base for diamonds but now those manufacturing skills are translating into intellectual property or branded diamonds. The Rs 1,000 crore (Rs 10 billion) Gitanjali Group has become the first indian diamond company to apply for patents for 25 diamond cuts it has pioneered. A sign that the Indian diamond industry is moving from low-end diamonds to high-end customers, reports CNBC-TV18.

American Airlines has a Jewelry contest on their website. They are offering Diamond Chandelier Earrings and a Tag Heuer watch. You can enter the contest without booking. Good luck!

TACY ltd reports that Botswana diamond exports are up 33%.

The Lesotho government announced last week that an exciting discovery of 3 large diamonds was recently made at the Let'eng Diamond Mine. The largest was 215 carats and the smallest 99.25.

The Portland Tribune has an article on one of the weirdest things to hit the Diamond scene in a long time. Diamonds are forever, and now so is Angus the cat.

The Marco Island Sun Times has an article on synthetic diamonds.

Here's a News 9 Videocast showing some fancy color diamonds.

Kirkland Lake region target of diamond exploration.

Excerpt:

A Quebec-based diamond exploration company has identified diamond indicators on its property near Kirkland Lake.

With its drilling campaign complete, Dianor Resources has identified three sets of kimberlite dykes on its Pacaud joint-venture property with Globex Mining in the Kirkland Lake area.

Though still evaluating and plotting the data, company president John Ryder is encouraged by the drill results to date in his search for diamonds in northeastern Ontario.

The Sacramento Bee has an article on 'Right-hand' diamonds marketed to women as power sign. They mention that Halle Berry and Sarah Jessica Parker have one, however I think this idea will still take a little while to pick up steam. Will be interesting to see how it turns out once the Christmas Season is over and numbers are reported.

One thing seems to be true though, put enough marketing into something, done well of course, and it will eventually sell.

North Star Diamonds to commence drilling by mid-December on Superior Craton Project.

Excerpt:

The company is planning to commence drilling on its Superior Craton Project mid-December.
President, Walter Stunder says: "December is going to be an exciting month for North Star. The planning was and is to drill the Superior Craton Project before Christmas, weather dependant. The conditions have been both favorable and cooperative such that drilling will begin by mid-December barring any unforeseen weather changes. The drill targets indicate classic kimberlite signatures and we are anxious to get drilling to reveal exactly what lies at depth."

TheStar.com has a nice article on Harry Winston.

Brazilian Diamonds arranges $3.5 million dollar placement.

Excerpt:

Brazilian Diamonds has arranged the placement of 6,000,000 new shares totaling approximately US$3.5 million following the recent decision to list its shares on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

CBC Saskatchewan reports...

Excerpt:

SASKATOON - The Canadian diamond industry might be one of the first to benefit from the Synchrotron in Saskatoon, now that studies are underway to determine ethical diamonds from questionable ones.
The few diamonds produced in Canada are laser-etched with a distinctive polar bear. It is supposed to be a guarantee the stones are not so-called "blood diamonds." Those gems come from places like Sierra Leone and Rwanda and have been used to bankroll deadly civil wars. However, there is nothing stopping unscrupulous dealers from engraving any diamond with the mark.

If you're in Arkansas, try to catch this event. Sounds like a lot of fun for DiamondPhiles.

Excerpt:

Gems from the Crater of Diamonds
Big celebration at nation's unique park
Saturday marks another celebration of the first diamonds found in Pike County, Arkansas by John Huddleston! Some remember John Huddleston as `Diamond King" because of his good fortune in 1906 when he found diamonds on his 160 acre farm.

Largest Diamond does not sell...

Excerpt:

The largest diamond ever to go under the hammer failed to find a buyer at a Sotheby's sale in Geneva in what was supposed to be the climax of a glittering week of jewellery auctions

103.83 carat D/IF Diamond to be auctioned in Geneva.

Excerpt:

An employee of Sotheby's holds the largest D color internally flawless diamond offered for auction in Geneva, November 12, 2003. The diamond, weighing 103.83 carats, is the first classic cushion-shape of more than 100 carats to be offered and is estimated to fetch US$ 8,000,000. The auction will be held on November 20 in Geneva.

The Viselia Times-Delta has a basic article on buying Diamonds.

Excerpt:

While shopping, beauty should still outshine science; follow your eye, your heart, experts say

Brigadier General Carter Clarke has been invited to speak at the Inaugral Rapaport International Diamond Conference.

Excerpt:

The founder of the Gemesis Corporation, Retired Brigadier General Carter Clarke, will be a featured speaker today at the Inaugural Rapaport International Diamond Conference. The conference is billed as the most comprehensive diamond industry conference of the year and will take place at New York's Palace Hotel. Clarke will give a presentation on how Gemesis Cultured Diamonds are making fancy colored diamonds accessible to a much broader range of consumers, as well as bringing new sales opportunities to retail jewelers.
Clarke's inclusion as a key speaker signals the growing interest in and acceptance of laboratory-created diamonds by key industry influencers. "If we position synthetic diamonds as a legitimate differentiated product category, they will be beneficial to consumers and possibly benefit the natural diamond industry as they inspire demand for natural diamonds," says Martin Rapaport, CEO of the Rapaport Group, a leading international diamond and jewelry organization and the founder and publisher of the Rapaport Diamond Report, the primary source of diamond price and market information for the diamond trade.

There's a new fashion afoot, Diamonds, fashionable teeth ornament in east province.

Excerpt:

Usually regarded as hallmarks of wealth and elegance, diamonds have a found a new place to sparkle, namely human teeth.
Jiangsu Hefei Medical and Health Club, a private hospital mainly serving foreigners and local professionals in this capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, launched its diamond teeth decorating service in August as a trial, but received unexpected success among female fashion followers.
So far, the hospital has conducted some 40 diamond operations, said Song Yangchen, a doctor from the hospital.

The New York Daily News has an article about Iman, the face of DeBeers.

Excerpt:

Have diamonds hardened Iman's heart?
The Somali-born supermodel, who signed a $1.7 million contract as the face of De Beers LV two years ago, failed to show up at the launch of its London store last November.
Some wondered at the time whether she was silently protesting the company's mining practices in Botswana. She said at the time that she would look into the company's treatment of its miners and local tribespeople.
Yet, Iman is expected to attend the New York opening of De Beers' diamond jewelry boutique on Fifth Ave. next year. Last month, she cut the ribbon for three new stores in Tokyo.

Sotheby's is auctioning a D/IF Diamond on November 20th in Geneva.

On the 27th of October they will be auctioning some Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite for example this chain necklace, set with a pear-shaped diamond weighing 56.03 carats, to the pavé-set diamond surmount, completed by a link-chain necklace, mounted in platinum, surmount detachable, photographed unmounted. The largest DIF pear-shaped diamonds over 25 carats sold at auction:

Casavant Mining Kimberlite International Announces Purchase of 25 Mineral Claims and Ground Magnetic Survey Update

Excerpt:

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 2003--Casavant Mining Kimberlite International (OTCBB:CMKM) is pleased to announce the purchase of 25 mineral claims from North Sask Ventures Limited (a private company), approximately 10,912 acres in the Fort a la Corne area. After airborne magnetic surveys were conducted in the Fort a la Corne area, most of these claims were staked by previous claim holders, due to anomalies that were acquired from data taken from the airborne magnetic surveys. Two of the 25 claims are adjacent to known diamond-bearing property operated by Kensington (KRT), Cameco, DeBeers Joint Venture in Fort a la Corne. Claim #S-135017 is south of kimberlite body #152 and claim #S-15016 is north of kimberlite body #168 both which are operated by the joint venture. Claim #S-135018 is adjacent and north of Shore Gold's (SGF) Birch Lake kimberlite. The remaining mineral claims are strategically located and are currently surrounded by numerous other claims held by CMKI and other claim holders in the area.

Hello DT'ers,
I wanted to introduce our company to y'all.
Diamonds by Lauren, and our parent company, Rock Diamond Corp specialize in very fine diamonds and custom made platinum jewelry for diamonds. If you haven't seen our stuff: We carry many white diamonds- but one of our unique specialties is the amazing selection of NATURAL fancy colored diamonds and jewelry we offer- always keeping our prices extremely competitive.
Our offices are located in the Diamond District of New York City- but we do not have a "walk- in" store. We invest our time and effort into internet sales.
Up until now our only store was on eBay.... currently we're working to design an internet store specifically for DT'ers. We've already opened the DT store ( as of 7/12 there's only one item) - and we're having a construction sale.

Please stop on in.
Any suggestions of things you would like to see- or anything else- would be greatly appreciated