Articles and News

New York, NY—Rio Tinto Diamonds has announced the launch of a global design competition aimed at inspiring creativity and innovation across four categories of diamond jewelry design. Competition categories include: Champagne Diamonds, Silvermist Diamonds, Canadian Diamonds, and Sustainable Jewelry.

These categories reflect the diverse nature of Rio Tinto’s diamonds, and its commitment to sustainable jewelry practices, said Rebecca Foerster, manager of Rio Tinto Diamonds’ US Representative Office.

“We are delighted to be announcing this competition at a time when the jewelry industry is hungry for product innovation and design. This competition has a number of unique categories which will provide the opportunity for both new and emerging designers to showcase their craft,” she said.

The competition is open to entrants from the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, China, India, and Australia. There are two levels of entry: “Rising Star” and “Master Craftsman.” Participating designers will have the opportunity to express the inspirations for their creations as well. 

Deadline for entries is October 26. Judging will be held in New York on November 2.  Eight winning designs will be selected by a panel of elite jewelry designers, fashion experts, and celebrity stylists. The winning designs will be showcased at a suite at the 2012 Oscars, and will be given significant media exposure. 

Click here for a complete list of competition rules. Click here for the Rising Star Entry Form. Click here for the Master Craftsman Entry Form.

Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100% ownership of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60% stake in the Diavik mine in Canada (shown above left), and 78% interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. It also has an advanced diamond project in India, and is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process and a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council. For information about the competition or the company, see www.riotintodiamonds.com or call the New York office at (484) 753-2193, email  rtd.reception@riotinto.com. 

Bangkok, Thailand--Ganoksin, the online jewelry design and manufacturing resource forum, announces a new online jewelry exhibition dedicated to the theme "Differences Unite Us."

Jewelry artisans from around the world may submit photographs of up to 6 pieces at no charge. All entries must be in jpg format, and at least 600 pixels wide. Only top quality images will be accepted; Ganoksin staff will not judge design work, but reserves the right to refuse low-quality photographs. Additionally, images with watermarks, copyright notice, edited frames, edited backgrounds, or other Photoshop effects will not be accepted.

Images must be submitted with entry form completely filled out (click here to access the form). Up to three images are allowed per form; six total entries are permitted but must be accompanied by two forms. Web URLs provided by entrants must not be for a site that will require viewers to sign up or be part of a group.

Entries will be accepted between August 11 and November 30. All submissions are subject to editor evaluation.

Ganoksin sponsors the jewelry list Orchid, with list members from all over the world, speaking from a wide range of technical and aesthetic experiences. The exhibition theme grew out of a desire to celebrate the creativity encompassed in this wide variety. Artists are free to interpret the theme in any way they choose. There is no limit on materials.

London, England—Gerald Rothschild, a long-time Diamond Trading Company broker died August 16 at age 86. Rothschild had a 60-year career in the diamond industry, beginning with London broker I. Hennig and culminating in his own company, which obtained one of the first DTC sights in China.

“Gerald Rothschild played a remarkable role in the worldwide development of our industry, having been instrumental in the growth of most of the major centers that were established following World War II," said Moshe Mosbacher, president of the Diamond Dealers Club in New York. "As DTC brokers, he and his colleagues were the people who went out into field, established relationships with up and coming companies, nurtured their development and obtained for them rough diamond supplies."