US requiring self-declaration for diamond imports as ban on Russian goods expands to those manufactured in third countries. Rapaport requesting clarification from OFAC on several points as Rapaport US Diamond Protocol receives support from more than 1,500 trade members. Hong Kong 2023 polished imports -1% to $14.6B. Hong Kong shows disappointing, with slow sales and weak Chinese presence. Good overall market for round, 1 ct., D-H, SI diamonds; weaker market for VVS. 1 ct. RAPI -0.7% in Feb. Okavango March sales -79% YOY to $22.5M after company increased some reserve prices and did not offer large specials. RJC names Dave Meleski as chairman.

Roi Sheinfeld, managing partner of diamond manufacturer M&B Group, came on the Rapaport Diamond Podcast this week to review the recent Hong Kong fair, which occurred amid sluggish Chinese consumer demand.

The first episode of Rapaport’s new series, GemTalks, focused on diamond verification and why it’s important to check every stone given the recent wave of undisclosed lab-grown goods.

André Chervin’s intricate decorative objects are on public display for the first time. His daughter Carole talks us through the process of their creation.