Dubai’s total trade of rough diamonds increased by 36 per cent to reach $3.03 billion (Dh11.12bn) at the end of the first six months of 2008, as announced by Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), a subsidiary of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). 

During the first six months of 2008, rough diamond imports to the emirate grew by 23 per cent to reach $1.15bn from $937 million, during the same period in 2007. This was mainly driven by high volumes imported from Angola (75 per cent), and a 138 per cent rise in imports from China. 

Add some Rok Chix sparklers to the mix, and suddenly winter doesn't seem so cold and gloomy after all.

This winter's Rok Chix collection features vibrant gemstones, including amethyst, rose quartz, amazonite and smoky quartz as well as deep midnight blue freshwater pearls. And to heighten the luxurious look they've also used pure, hand-dyed silk in a range of colour/gemstone combinations, including purple/amethyst, pink/rose quartz and aqua blue/amazonite.

On Friday in the Thai Pavilion at the India International Jewellery Show, Somchai Phornchindarak, chief executive officer of the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair and vice president of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, said the U.S. ban on the importation of Burmese rubies is a "big problem."

He said the bulk of the rubies imported into Thailand for cutting, polishing and exporting to markets around the world are of Burmese origin, and that their biggest market is the United States.

The 'rock crystal' used in ancient times to make crystal balls and bowls, is today more often seen set in
gold jewellery. Throughout history, quartz has been the common chameleon of gemstones, standing in for more expensive gemstones ranging from diamond to jade. But the incredible variety of quartz is now beginning to be appreciated in its own right,sucn like amethyst, citrine, ametrine, rose quartz, rutilated quartz and other varieties. Let me see.

“I’ve been practicing photography since the beginning out of necessity, now it’s a hobby,” said Gurhan. Having surpassed the necessity of the photography of his jewelry, Gurhan now shoots artistic ensembles of pieces.

 The photographs are vignettes of collections including his primary gold line, his precious and colored gemstone line, platinum line and oxidized silver with gold line. In addition, Gurhan creates one of-kind pieces using materials he collects over time such as antique micro mosaics, coins and Egyptian scarabs. The company even provides copies of these images to its retailer base as part of their training and informational packet.

De Beers said its contribution to the earnings of mining group Anglo American plc, which holds a 45% stake in the diamond producer, was US$166 million, up from US$156 million for the same period last year.

An economic downturn in the United States, which accounts for around half of all diamond jewellery sales, could have an impact on the second six months of the year, it said. Strong growth in China, India, Russia and the Middle East, however, has helped balance some of the US impact.

The event has been organized by Jaipur Gems to blend the fervor of the cultural heritage of Rajasthan in Mumbai.

Exhibition cum sale will be open to both traders as well as visitors. The event will remain open from 11am-7 pm .The festival will be held at Jaipur Gems showroom at Hughes Road, Mumbai.

Aluminum Oxide (al2o3) is the base mineral for the beautiful red ruby, also known as corundum. On the Mohs scale, their score of nine is second only to that of the diamond.

Corundum comes in many colours but the best known, the rarest and dearest is the red ruby. The name comes from the Latin word rubrum meaning red. In ancient times it has been referred to as ‘carbuncle’ meaning a small burning coal or ember.

The GSO reported that the results helped lift the country’s commodity exports in the first seven months of the year to $607 million, six times higher than the same period last year.

Previously, the Government has not allowed the export of gold, only gold jewellery. Every year, domestic firms export roughly $30-40 million worth of jewellery to markets, including the United States, France and Germany.

More India business stories.Under GSP trade agreement, developing countries receive preferential access in the form of reduced tariffs for their goods entering the EU market. The European Commission said in a statement that jewellery, pearls, precious metals and stones from India would be eligible for the duty benefit under the scheme.

 However, Sanjay Kothari, chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, said, "The relaxation would not benefit the Indian industry much as the EU forms a very small part of our market. More India business stories.Most EU countries already offer duty-free entry for these products, so there is not much to gain." Kothari added the industry would certainly benefit in a large way if the USA restores Indian gem and jewellery products under its GSP system.