The Weekly Gems: News and Videos from Around the Web

This week we’ve been reading opinion pieces by industry leaders — starting with Rapaport Group Chairman Martin Rapaport issuing his “Synthetic Diamond Prices Crashing” consumer alert. Lab-grown diamonds are seen in a different light in an op-ed from Dubai; a dealer reports back on colored-stone prices in Bangkok; and you can get your own British royal family jewels, or as close as it gets.

The future of lab-grown

In Gulf News, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the executive chairman and CEO of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), looks at how lab-grown diamonds can be used in high-end jewelry as well as at consumer demand, in the larger context of falling prices (subscribers only).

Firsthand report

Jeremy Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems went to Bangkok and shares his experience of buying and sourcing ruby and sapphire. His takeaways for the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) website offer a good overview of current pricing.

Will gold keep its luster?

A former chief investment strategist at Bridgewater Associates analyzes the positioning of the biggest countries’ central banks in regard to their gold reserve in the Financial Times, as an indicator of what investors should be aware of.

Virtual education

If you couldn’t make it to the recent NYC Jewelry Week, there are many virtual events to cure your FOMO and indulge your love of all things jewelry and gemstones. Webinars cover a wide range of topics from e-commerce to the icons of Indian design, through a tour of the Gübelin Gem Museum.

Playing it safe

Not to dampen the holiday spirit, but the festive season is rife with crimes against retailers.
Jewelers’ Security Alliance president John Kennedy and Andrew Chipman, vice president of Jewelers Block at Berkley Asset Protection, discussed prevention in a National Jeweler webinar.

The world’s most coveted ring

Bonhams will host an auction of costumes, props and furniture from TV drama The Crown in early 2024. One of the lots will be the replica sapphire and diamond engagement ring originally gifted to Diana Spencer and later to Catherine Middleton, reports Something About Rocks.

Main image designed by David Polak.