The World Gemological Institute appoints first Far East Chairman
by Jo BlackThe World Gemological Institute (WGI) has appointed Rafael Aharoni as the institute’s first Chairman for China, Hong Kong and Macau.
The Israel based WGI, which is a nonprofit gemological research center and diamond grading laboratory, announced the appointment of Aharoni at the Macau Jewellery & Watch Fair held in Macau this week.
Rafael Aharoni is an [...]
Pangea DiamondFields convoy carrying bulk sampling plant arrives at Longatshimo River project
by Jo BlackPangea Diamondfields plc, the mid-tier diamond producer and exploration company, announces that the convoy carrying the bulk sampling plant for the Longatshimo River project has arrived on site in the DRC and plant construction is now in progress.
Following the decision to ship the plant and equipment for bulk sampling activities at Longatshimo River on a [...]
Canada’s Buffalo Hills Project announces $7 million exploration program
by Jo BlackPure Diamonds Exploration Inc. provides the update of activities for the Buffalo Hills Project , northern Alberta. In 2008 Diamondex Resources Ltd. and Shore Gold Inc. will conduct a $7 million exploration program, which will include the largest single drilling program ever conducted on the Project.
Under this exploration program, a 14,000 metre delineation drill [...]
The Tiffany & Co. Foundation provides funding for TransFair USA to explore feasibility of Fair Trade Certified(TM) Diamonds
by Jo BlackTransFair USA, the nation’s only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade Certified(TM) products, has been awarded a $100,000 grant from The Tiffany & Co. Foundation to assess the feasibility of Fair Trade certification for diamonds. TransFair USA will begin conducting the study in early 2008 to investigate this possible new category, which would support the [...]
Rockwll completes brokered private placement with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Listing
by Jo BlackRockwell Diamonds Inc. has completed the brokered private placement and has issued a total of 24,010,285 common shares at a price of Cdn0.60 per share for total proceeds of Cdn CAD14,460,771 concurrently with listing of Rockwell shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
The company issued 500,000 common shares and paid a cash fee of Cad300,000 to [...]
Safeguard Independent Jewellery Valuation Service launches new Jewellery Assessment Report
by Jo BlackSafeGuard Independent Jewellery Valuation Service is launching a new “Jewellery Assessment Report” in response to requests from many manufacturers, importers and retailers.
They are looking for an independent assessment of multi stone diamond, or diamond and coloured stone rings, to verify the quality, give the consumer confidence and help to secure the sale.
The new report, [...]
Signet appoints non-executive director
by Jo BlackLesley Knox (age 54) has joined Signet Group plc (“Signet”) as a non-executive director. Ms. Knox has since 2004 been Chair of Alliance Trust PLC and is also a non-executive director of HMV Group PLC and Hays PLC, positions she has held since 2002.
Lesley Knox was in 1999 Founder Director of British Linen Advisers Limited, [...]
Diamonds North recovers 550 Diamonds from 81.75 Kilograms of Tuktu-1 Kimberlite
by Jo BlackDiamonds North Resources Ltd. announces high diamond counts from the Tuktu-1 kimberlite located on the Company’s 100% owned Amaruk property in the Pelly Bay Diamond District of Nunavut. A total of 550 diamonds have been recovered from an 81.75 kilogram reverse circulation/percussion drill-hole sample from the Tuktu-1 kimberlite. A bulk sample program is planned for [...]
Opening of Redesigned Diamond Museum to launch Israel’s Rough Diamond Conference
by Jo BlackThe opening ceremony of the totally redesigned and renovated Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum will launch Israel’s Third International Rough Diamond Conference on February 11, 2008. The museum is a subsidiary of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI).
The opening, which will take place at 10:00 am at the museum, located within the Israeli Diamond Industry complex in [...]
Israeli Diamond Industry to shine at Vicenzaoro Winter 2008
by Jo BlackThe Israeli Diamond Industry will shine brightly at Vicenzaoro Winter 2008, to be held from January 13 – 20, 2008. An Israel Diamond Pavilion featuring leading Israeli manufacturers and exporters will once again be strategically placed on the prestigious Diamond Avenue in Pavilion G.
This year IDI will host the largest contingent ever, with nine Israeli [...]
Vaaldiam Resources first sale from Duas Barras returns US$1.05 million for 6,421.77 carats
by Jo BlackVaaldiam Resources Ltd. has completed its first sale of diamonds from its 100%-owned Duas Barras Mine for US$ 164.16 per carat, yielding total gross proceeds of US$1,054,227.74. This first production parcel contained 24,730 diamonds with a total weight of 6,421.77 carats, and represented production generated during the commissioning of the production plant at Duas Barras [...]
Sarin Technologies to expand business in Southern Africa, China
by Jo BlackIsrael-based Sarin Technologies, a supplier of technological tools to the diamond manufacturing industry has plans to expand its business activities in southern Africa and China due to the increasing demand in those areas for the firm’s diamond manufacturing products.
Earlier in 2004, following the same strategy, the company had opened two regional offices in India, [...]
Tahera Diamond Shares rises on TSX
by Jo BlackAn unexpected hike in the shares of Tahera Diamond Corp has raised speculation that the company may be a takeover target.
Following the rise in shares, Tahera Diamond Corporation has issued a statement in light of today’s trading activity and at the request of Regulation Services Inc., on behalf of the Toronto Stock Exchange, that [...]
Mano River Resources registers loss in first nine months of FY08
by Jo Black The Board of Mano River Resources Inc. has issued the accounts of the company for the financial quarter ended October 31, 2007. The company has registered a net loss grew 51 percent to $1.24 million during the nine month period ending October 31, 2007.
During the nine months period ended October 31, 2007: (a) The [...]
Israel’s 2007 Diamond Trade Figures Best Ever
by Jo BlackIsrael’s diamond trade figures for 2007 showed a substantial rise in all areas, making 2007 the best year ever for the Israeli Diamond Industry.
According to figures released by Shmuel Mordechai, Israel’s Diamond Controller in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, net polished diamond exports in 2007 totaled $7.076 billion, a 7 percent rise over [...]
Shrenuj & Co. to enter China and West Asia
by Jo BlackShrenuj & Co, the diamond and jewellery firm, plans to enter the Chinese and West Asian jewellery retail market.
With a consolidated turnover of Rs 9.52 billion ($244 million), Shrenuj has retail presence in international markets such as the US, Hong Kong, France and Australia.
Pranava Bhargava, group general manager, marketing, said that the company [...]
India’s GJEPC wants DTC to reconsider sightholders selection
by Jo BlackIndia’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has expressed concern over the elimination of a number of Indian companies by the De Beers Diamond Trading Company (DTC) for the contract period 2008-2011.
DTC has pruned the number of its sight holders from 94 to 75 in its list for the period 2008-2011. The eliminated [...]
Sarin Technologies launches product videos
by Jo BlackSarin Technologies, a world leader in supplying technological tools to the diamond industry, is launching a series of short product demo movies aimed at providing the industry with a quick and easy-to-understand introduction to a selection of the company’s products. The product demos, which last several minutes, show real-life situations and the way in which [...]
Endiama to List on Angolan Stock Exchange in Q1 2008
by Jo BlackAngola ’s state owned diamond company, Endiama E.P is among the first of twenty seven companies set to list on the Angolan Stock Exchange and Derivatives (BVDA) which is scheduled to begin operating in the first quarter of 2008.
Reports reaching here from Angola suggest that the combined value of the 27 companies set to [...]
India assumes the chair of Kimberley Process Certificate Scheme (KPCS)
by Jo BlackIndia has assumed the chair of Kimberley Process Certificate Scheme (KPCS) for the period 1.1.2008 to 31.12.2008. India is one of the founding members of KPCS. In November 2006, India was unanimously selected to hold the Vice Chair if the Scheme for 2007 and therefore, Chair of the Scheme for 2008. Namibia has been selected [...]