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The 10 Most Read Diamond Stories of 2016
Dec 21, 2016 4:23 AM
By Rapaport News
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RAPAPORT... Grading misdemeanors, undisclosed synthetics
and the glamour of super-sized diamonds emerged as the most alluring themes
impacting the industry in 2016.
In a year that will most likely be remembered for historic macro-economic
developments such as India’s demonetization policy, the U.K.’s Brexit vote, the
U.S. presidential election and China’s continued slowdown, it was
trade-specific stories that peaked readers’ interest.
This year’s list of 10 most read stories on
Diamonds.net was dominated by grading issues as the labs, once again, played a
role in exposing wrongdoers and advancing technological developments both in grading and
detecting synthetics.
We have our favorites for the year, and there were
important developments that perhaps should have made the list. But, as it stands,
here are the stories that got readers clicking in 2016:
1. Six
More Arrested in GIA Hacking Case
January 27
After the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uncovered 1,042 grading reports were altered by external hackers, law enforcement took action.
2. HRD
Uncovers Tampered Diamond Grading Reports
September 8
Three employees were fired from HRD’s Mumbai laboratory after accepting financial incentives for tampering with grading reports.
3. GIA
Spots Undisclosed 5ct. Synthetic Diamond
October 18
The GIA reported discovering the “largest”
CVD synthetic diamond it had examined to date, weighing 5.19 carats. The
cushion modified brilliant, J-equivalent color, VS2-equivalent clarity was
submitted to its Hong Kong laboratory with no indication it was not natural.
4. The
Rough Guide: Who's Buying Where and Why
June 30
Avi Krawitz’s analysis of the rough uptick
in the earlier part of the year included a comprehensive list of traders and manufacturers
that buy rough from major mining companies.
5. Dubai
Probing Rough Diamond Values
August 25
Our interview with Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the Dubai-based 2016 chair of the Kimberley
Process, outlined his plans for a standardized rough valuation system.
6. De Beers
Claims Greater Accuracy, Consistency in Diamond Grading
March 31
Our interview with Jonathan Kendall, president of IIDGR, revealed the De Beers subsidiary's goals in the diamond grading space and some technological developments to look out for.
7. Graff
Diamonds’ Profit Slumps 74% in 2015
May 24
The tough global conditions impacted even the high-end luxury sector.
8. De
Beers to Launch Synthetics Checker
September 1
IIDGR unveiled its PhosView synthetics
detection equipment at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.
9. Lucara's Diamond Sale of a Lifetime
May 11
In many aspects the auction of the 1,109-carat
Lesedi La Rona was unprecedented even if the stone failed to sell at Sotheby's.
10. Graff
Reveals 105ct. Flawless Diamond in Paris
June 21
Graff Diamonds unveiled a pear, 105.07-carat,
D-color, flawless diamond to coincide with the opening of a new store in Paris. |
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Rapaport News
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