Supplier News
De Beers Group Invests $2 Million in Kelp Blue, an innovative Start-Up Focused on Growing Underwater Kelp Forests to Lock Away CO2

The investment supports a pioneering nature-based solution for sequestering carbon and increasing biodiversity, while supporting job creation and sustainable economic development in Namibia. De Beers will have access to potential carbon credits generated by Kelp Blue to complement the company’s core carbon reduction and removal strategies as it strives to be carbon-neutral across its operations by 2030.
VDB Hosts 2nd Mercury Ring Event on Its Online Auction House App

Fully Transparent Lab Grown Diamond Auction Runs Feb 15 – 17, 2022.
Men’s Engagement Solitaire Collection: Rethink Bold

New York City: Smiling Rocks launches its latest collection for the charismatic gentlemen -Men’s Engagement Solitaire Rings collection studded in lab grown diamonds. It is available in 6 different rings designs with round and fancy diamonds.
IGI Appoints John Pollard to Head of Education

Antwerp, Belgium: The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory, has named John Pollard Senior Director of Education.
Gemological Science International Achieves Global Accreditation as Verifier of Sustainability Rated Diamonds

New York, NY: Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, achieved SCS Global Gem Identification Verification Provider accreditation for its laboratories and offices around the world. All SCS-007 certified diamonds that are graded, scanned, and laser inscribed by GSI, and which have accompanying information on laser inscription, diamond dimensions, and carat weights, can carry the approved Sustainability Rated claim of achievements.
Tracy Matthews Launches “The Desired Brand Effect,” a How-To Guide for Thriving Jewelry Businesses

New York, New York -- Internationally renowned jewelry designer, entrepreneur, mentor and podcast host, Tracy Matthews, has spent the last twenty-five years building three successful seven figure businesses. Inspiring owners to shift one’s mindset and become a Chief Visionary Officer, Matthews introduces practical applications for jewelers and makers looking to scale up. As founder of jewelry business accelerator, Flourish & Thrive Academy, Tracy has advised hundreds of designers, trademarking The Desired Brand Effect system, which helps designers bring their offline businesses online. “The Desired Brand Effect: Stand Out in a Saturated Market with a Timeless Jewelry Brand,” is Tracy Matthew’s first book, available for sale on November 9, 2021 on Amazon, in paperback, and on Kindle.
VDB Launches VDB Online Auction House

Virtual Diamond Boutique (VDB) hosts the first-ever fully transparent lab grown diamond auction series.
Gemological Science International Launches ASSURANCE by GSI™
New York, NY: Gemological Science International (GSI), the leading gemological organization for major U.S. jewelry retailers, announced today the official launch of its new Assurance by GSI™ – a multi-faceted solution that offers various services for retailers. The new initiative includes an e-commerce fulfillment program and drop-ship service to consumers, as well as quality control for all new merchandise.
IGI Launches Sustainability Campaign "Jewelers On A Mission"
New York, NY — The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory, is uniting the industry with a new campaign focused on carbon neutrality. “Jewelers On A Mission” invites eligible stores to complete a brief application describing why sustainability is important to their business and community. The winner will receive up to $5,000 in credits toward becoming carbon neutral and all participants will receive IGI’s playbook and roadmap to improving sustainability efforts. As the first gemological laboratory to commit to carbon neutrality, IGI recognizes the financial commitment such transformation requires and is honored to help a fellow “Jeweler On A Mission” take steps toward preserving the environment.