Good hopes at Marange fields

Zimbabwe, an exciting opportunity has been acquired in the Marange Diamond Fields in Zimbabwe. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been established with Vast to develop diamond ventures in Zimbabwe. Vast has exclusive access to the Hermitage Concession (Block T1A) in Marange. Initial work done has identified several targets for placer deposits, as well as potential for the older conglomerates mined elsewhere in the area.

Botswana has an initial 13% interest which could rise with subsequent funding. The first US$1m funding will be supplied by Vast. According to John Teeling, Chairman- Botswana Diamonds about the Marange Future, “ In better times for junior explorers we believe Botswana Diamonds would be riding high, getting access to the Marange diamond fields, anticipating a new partner in Sunland seeing progress on the Maibwe Project and receiving revenue and working towards a maiden resource at Thorny River.

Kagem emerald auction earns $28.4m

US$28.4 million in foreign exchange earnings has been raised from an auction of high-quality Zambian emeralds – including the exceptionally rare 5,655 carat (1.13kg) Inkalamu emerald - held in Singapore last week.

The sale of gemstones from the Kagem mine in Lufwanyama was witnessed by Mr Paul Chanda, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development along with other officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, Zambia Revenue Authority and the Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Development Corporation Mateyo Kaluba.

Lupita spotted with Platinum Jewelry

Lupita Nyong’o wore Platinum jewelry from Harry Winston to the WSJ. Magazine 2018 Innovator Awards in New York recently. She spotted with Secret Combination cascading drop diamond necklace, set in platinum of 58.53 carats, Sunflower diamond earrings, set in platinum weight 4.62 carats, Sparkling cluster diamond ring, set in platinum of 2.34 carats and Pirouette diamond ring, set in platinum, 2.83 carats.

Blue Diamond Ring to lead Sotheby’s NY the auction

Holiday treasures at Sotheby’s NY is announced the preview! Un-wrap Magnificent Jewels this December would include A Mesmerizing 10.62-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring to lead the auction is estimated of $20 to 30 million. Another key jewels from the collection of Barbara Sinatra is also featuring her 20.60-carat diamond engagement ring, gifted to her by Frank in a Glass of Champagne would be brought at holiday treasures at Sotheby’s NY.

Just in time for the holidays, Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale is set to take place on 4 December. Leading the sale is a rare and mesmerizing pear-shaped 10.62-carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond. In addition to diamonds and gemstones of the very highest quality, the event will showcase signed jewels with extraordinary provenance, headlined by the collections of Barbara Sinatra, Margaretta “Happy” Rockefeller, and several distinguished private collections.

PM launches EoDB Grand Challenge

PM launches Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge, addresses cross-section of Industry representatives

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, launched the Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge at an event in Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi.

The objective of this challenge is to invite innovative ideas based on Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, Blockchain and other cutting edge technology to reform Government processes. The platform for the Grand Challenge is the Startup India Portal.

SEZ study Report Submitted

The Baba Kalyani led committee constituted by the Ministry of Commerce& Industry to study the existing SEZ policy of India submitted its report to the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, in New Delhi.

The objectives of the committee were to evaluate the SEZ policy and make it WTO compatible, suggest measures for maximizing utilisation of vacant land in SEZs, suggest changes in the SEZ policy based on international experience and merge the SEZ policy with other Government schemes like coastal economic zones, Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor, national industrial manufacturing zones and food and textiles parks.

First Assay and Training Institute of India launched

The World Gold Council (WGC) and MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd. have jointly launched the ‘Precious Metals Assay and Training Institute’ (PMATI) to develop a new generation of skilled assayers. The initiative is a world class training facility that will establish assaying as a certified qualification and career in India, and will directly enhance the integrity of gold and the standardisation of best practices in the precious metals industry.

A qualified assayer is a person who is proficiently trained in verifying the purity of gold in ornaments, coins and bars and must adhere to high standards of professional conduct. The process of assaying is vigorous, highly technical, and needs ample knowledge. This is one of the most sought-after skills in the gold industry.

Cycle 9 remains lower than previous & YoY!

Anglo American rough diamond sales value

For De Beers' ninth sales cycle of 2018

Anglo American plc announces the value of rough diamond sales (Global Sightholder Sales and Auction Sales) for De Beers' ninth sales cycle of 2018, amounting to $440 million.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO of De Beers Group, said: "As the industry's focus turns towards the key end of year retail selling season, rough diamond sales continued to be in line with expectation during the ninth cycle of the year. While demand for smaller, lower quality rough diamonds continues to see some challenges, the latest cycle saw some signs of improvement in this area as factories in India begin to reopen after Diwali."

                [1] Cycle 9 2018 provisional sales value represents sales as at 19 November 2018.

                [2]Cycle 8 2018 actual sales value is restated following the earlier publication of a provisional figure for the eighth sales cycle of 2018.

                [3]Sales values are quoted on a consolidated accounting basis. Auction Sales included in a given cycle are the sum of all sales between the end of the preceding cycle and the end of the noted cycle.

Good Thanksgiving Weekend arrives in US?

Retailers are preparing for one of their biggest weekends of the year as an estimated 164 million people are already planning to go shopping Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

“Whether it’s heading to the stores after finishing their turkey or going online on Cyber Monday, consumers will be shopping all weekend and retailers will be ready to meet the demand,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retail is a vibrant, dynamic and competitive industry, but one thing is certain – consumers are the winners no matter which day or which way they shop.”

Swarovski Dealer opens a new store

Recently Mahesh Diamond, exclusive Dealer of Swarovski Zirconia in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana state opens one more-bigger shop in Hyderabad for selling exclusive Swarovski Zirconia. A Timeless Appeal of Swarovski Zirconia a popular trend in gold and silver Jewellery in India.

Mr Rajendra Jain, Managing Director, India - Swarovski Gemstones inaugurates the new shop & office along with Mr Manoj Pareek, Mr Mahesh Pareek family, Mr Vivek Gurung from Swarovski and branding partners of Swarovski Gemstones Mr Mahendra Tayal- Anmol Jewellers Hyderabad, Mr Ashok Agrawal - Kailashnath & Co; Mr Arun Agrawal - Arun Jewellers, and others like Mr Mahaveer Jain- Vipin Gems. Vicky Agrawal- V. S. Jewellers, Rajaram Jewellers and entire Jewellery fraternity of Hyderabad graced the occasion with their presence.