South African workers union to strike at Petra Diamonds’ Koffiefontein mine

Artificial diamond-maker Scio Diamond Technology (OTC_BB:SCIO) has announced plans to dramatically raise shipments on the back of record production levels.

Laboratory grown diamonds have the potential to become the best “conflict-free” alternative to original precious gems, as these man-made rocks are gathering momentum in the high-end jewellery world, says Clive Hill, founder and president of Washington Diamonds.

Rio Tinto’s Argyle pink diamonds have been combined for the first time with imperial jade in a piece of jewellery. The necklace, known as The Argyle Empress, was designed by luxury jeweller Chow Tai Fook and is valued at $5.5 million.

A jaw-dropping 158.2-carat diamond worth over $1.5 million, which was discovered in Russia early this month by Alrosa, was shown to the public for the first time Thursday.

Africa-focused Petra Diamonds (LSX:PDL) sees "green shoots" of demand in the wake of a price slump this year for the precious gems.

A 50 million year old fossil has been uncovered in the Ekati diamond mine in Canada's Northwest Territories.

It has been a challenging year in the diamond market, with prices for rough stones dropping about 20%. But RBC Capital Markets analyst Des Kilalea sees some “green shoots” that suggest a turnaround may be in sight.

GE is one of 30 companies participating in a pilot program to implement guidelines on conflict minerals due diligence developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Africa-focused diamond miner Petra Diamonds (LSX:PDL) expects production for the year ending June 2013 to rise by around 30%.