News: Polished market flat during summer lull. US jewelers optimistic for 2H despite economic uncertainty and inflation +9.1% in June. Rough prices stable at De Beers sight. Manufacturers competing for responsibly sourced rough. Cutters have reduced operations due to scarcities and lower polished demand; larger factories shifting between natural and lab-grown production based on availability and price trends. Gahcho Kué 2Q production -29% to 1.3M cts. Chow Tai Fook 1Q sales -4% due to China pandemic resurgence. Watches of Switzerland FY revenue +37% to $1.5B, profit doubles to $121M. Iris Van der Veken named executive director of Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 for sustainability.

Lisa Bridge, CEO of jewelry chain Ben Bridge, talks with Rapaport’s Avi Krawitz about her recent appointment as president of the American Gem Society and the mood among US retailers.

Antwerp-based manufacturers Taché and Samir Gems bought the Lesotho Legend from Gem Diamonds back in 2018. After a delay due to Covid-19, the final product hit the headlines this month as an exquisite set of Van Cleef & Arpels jewels.

With major companies falling prey to hacker attacks, it’s only a matter of time until smaller jewelers become the next victims of digital fraud. Security experts explain the surest ways of navigating the risks.