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Masisi’s Diamond Legacy

Botswana’s outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi made quite an impression when he was introduced to the diamond industry at the 2019 JCK Las Vegas show.  Just one year in office, the well-spoken leader proved to be an eloquent and powerful advocate for natural diamonds. He told the American audience about the impact their industry has on […]

The WDC’s Push for Digitization in the Kimberley Process Achieves Significant Progress, with the Successful Delivery of UAE’s Secured Digital Certificates

Speaking at the conclusion of the 2024 Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary, World Diamond Council (WDC) President Feriel Zerouki commended significant advancements in the KP’s modernization efforts. Driven by the WDC’s commitment to improving transparency and traceability in the diamond trade, at this year’s Plenary session the UAE showcased its pilot for QR-coded secure digital certificates. […]

Lab-Grown Diamond Grading Is Becoming Its Own Thing

At the JCK Show, I was with a group of people who work with lab-grown who were upset that a certain lab was supposedly lax in its lab-grown grading. “It doesn’t matter,” one said. “It’s only lab-grown.” I’ve complained in the past that some people in the lab-grown world sometimes devalue their product, and that’s […]

Is Diamond Production on the Decline?

The drop in diamond recoveries is a response to market conditions, but also a reflection of diminishing prospects for viable new mines. Diamond miners are postponing sales and reviewing their production plans amid the weak market environment. “We have taken the proactive decision to defer the upcoming August-September tender from our South African operations, to […]

Securing Botswana’s Diamond Legacy

Tourism could be central to the country’s post-mining plans, says Debswana executive. What connects Prince Harry and Kim Kardashian? Probably quite a lot of things, but among them is that they have both been to Botswana.  Harry famously vacationed with Meghan Markle in the southern African country, while Kardashian has visited the Jwaneng diamond mine. The […]

Anglo American Confirms De Beers Is Up for Sale

Confirming recent reports, Anglo American said today that De Beers will be “divested or demerged” from its portfolio. In an online investor presentation, Anglo CEO Duncan Wanblad said he expected the sale of De Beers—as well as a number of Anglo American’s other holdings, including its platinum unit—will be completed by the end of 2025. Spinning […]

Forevermark Becoming India-Focused Jewelry Brand

De Beers is pulling the plug on any Forevermark activities in the United States, as it transforms the loose diamond brand into a jewelry line focused on the Indian market. “From January 2026, Forevermark will [become] a jewelry brand,” said a letter to Forevermark partners signed by Sandrine Conseiller (pictured), who became CEO of De […]