Diamond warning over DRC trade
A diamond industry watchdog has called for stricter controls on gemstone exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). About US$700m — estimated to be half of Congo’s foreign exchange earnings — comes from the diamond trade annually...

Six in 10 consumers see recession: survey
Six in 10 consumers say a recession is likely in the next three to six months, according to a survey on holiday spending released on Wednesday...

Rolex continues support of Alzheimer's research
Rolex has once again taken up its role as underwriter of the annual Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala, an event held last month in honor of screen legend Rita Hayworth, who was stricken with the disease while in her 40s.

Groomgroove.com debuts engagement ring calculator
Groomgroove.com, an engagement and wedding Web site for men, now offers a new diamond engagement ring calculator. The calculator allows the groom to enter his gross salary and then calculates what tradition dictates he should spend on a diamond engagement ring.

AGTA supports strengthening embargo on Burmese goods
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced that it fully supports proposed legislation pending in Congress that seeks to strengthen the embargo of materials originating in Myanmar (formerly Burma) in an effort to stem the human-rights abuses occurring in the country.

Blue Nile 3Q sales up 26.5 percent
Net sales at Blue Nile increased 26.5 percent to $67.4 million in the third quarter ended Sept. 30, compared with $53.2 million in the third quarter of 2006, the company announced today.

Gold prices march north
In London, gold prices zoomed to near all-time-high levels of USD 850 an ounce, a price last seen 28-years ago, on brisk buying influenced by dollar weakening and crude rising to record highs.

Palladium Declines as Slowdown May Stall Use; Platinum Advances
Palladium fell in London on speculation slowing U.S. economic growth will allow automakers, the biggest users, to rely on inventories. Platinum advanced.