In this column, we have lamented more than once that the anti-money laundering rules applicable to the diamond and jewelry industries are not harmonized. Every government interprets the basic 40 and 9... Read More...

It is quite unusual to write about a “money-laundering through diamonds” transaction that is still in progress, but the following article summarizes events related to a lawyer who is now very well known to residents of Singapore, the police, and participants in the diamond market there. Read More...

At the World Diamond Congress, a suggestion was made to the major producers in attendance to reduce rough prices. Thank goodness the producers made it clear that they are not about to make such a move. Even a public “hint” that producers might lower prices would result in an instantaneous loss of billions... Read More...

In our industry, there are some “defining moments” – occasions one will come to refer to as the time “before” or “after.” A few seemingly off-the-cuff, but nevertheless clear and pointed, remarks made... Read More...

Freakonomics is the title of a best seller by “rogue economist” Steven D. Levitt who explores the hidden side of everything. Looking beyond conventional wisdom, he searches for linkages behind... Read More...

“Conjuring images of pristine sandy beaches adorned by lone palm trees, the offshore economy has been attracting attention recently. Offshore captivates our imagination with its contradictory promises: it is the last frontier, the last remaining truly exotic feature of the age of global capital. This is the domain of the ‘permanent tourists,’ a nomadic tribe of tax exiles floating between... Read More...

Did President George W. Bush initiate a major diplomatic change in policy vis-a vis Iran, or did he reluctantly agree to a diplomatic u-turn because he was "forced" to do so by his European partners? Read More...

“FinCEN regulations powerless to stop illegal international gem trade,” notes a scary headline of an article written by Professor John Zdanowicz, Ph.D. that is featured in an authoritative money-laundering... Read More...

It all started when De Beers, which for legal reasons couldn’t go downstream and operate its own jewelry retail stores, entered into a 50/50 percent joint venture with... Read More...

Has the GIA fallen victim to an enormous hoax? Months of investigative journalism by this author have revealed several facts that ostensibly contradict material assertions made by plaintiffs in the now-settled lawsuit in the Supreme Court ... Read More...