DiamondBuzz
41st World Diamond Congress To Tackle Geopolitics and Shifting Consumer Tides
Industry To Discuss Russian Sanctions, African Supply Dominance, and A Looming Generational Handover.
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) announced Friday that the 41st World Diamond Congress will convene in Singapore from July 12–15, 2026. The four-day summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the $100 billion jewelry market, which is currently wrestling with the rise of lab-grown alternatives and tightening transparency requirements.
Five Pillars of the 2026 Agenda
The Congress has structured its programming around five core challenges that are expected to define the industry’s trajectory through the end of the decade:
- African Supply Leadership: A deep dive into the continent’s evolving role from a raw material source to a strategic power player.
- The Asian Pivot: Executives will explore untapped potential in the ASEAN bloc, specifically targeting emerging middle-class wealth in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
- Geopolitics and Sanctions: Critical sessions will address the ongoing trade-related restrictions that have reshaped global supply chains since 2022.
- The Demand Deficit: Stakeholders will brainstorm strategies to revitalize the global desire for natural diamonds over synthetic competitors.
- Generational Transition: A focus on integrating the “next gen” of leadership into the traditionally conservative diamond pipeline.
A Strategic Crossroads
The Congress will host an international mix of government representatives, manufacturers, and trade bodies. It noted that the ASEAN region represents a vital frontier for trade as traditional Western markets mature.
The timing of the event is strategic; it will run concurrently with the Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE), bridging the gap between raw supply discussions and the high-end retail sector.
Market Outlook
For many in attendance, the primary concern remains the “natural vs. lab” debate. As Gen Z and Millennial buyers prioritize ethical sourcing and price transparency, the industry is under pressure to refine its narrative. The Congress is expected to serve as the primary forum for establishing a unified marketing front to bolster natural diamond demand.
Registration for the event remains open, with the industry’s top brass expected to finalize the roster of panel participants in the coming weeks.
DiamondBuzz
Susie Dewey Appointed Chief Marketing Officer At Natural Diamond Council
Seasoned Global Marketer Joins To Elevate The Narrative Of Natural Diamonds and Drive Cultural Relevance Worldwide
The Natural Diamond Council today announces the appointment of Susie Dewey as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), marking a significant step forward in strengthening its global marketing leadership and cultural influence.
Susie joins the organisation with over 17 years of experience shaping and evolving globally recognised fashion and lifestyle brands. She has held senior leadership roles across internationally renowned companies, including Tapestry, NET-A-PORTER and Michael Kors, following an early career in PR at Topshop and Burberry.
Throughout her career, Susie has led integrated marketing strategies, global partnerships and high-profile brand activations—building a strong track record of driving brand growth, customer acquisition and cultural relevance across international markets.
In her role as CMO, Susie will lead the Natural Diamond Council’s global marketing and communications strategy, further elevating the narrative of natural diamonds and strengthening the organisation’s position at the intersection of culture, creativity and impact.
Susie brings an integrated approach to modern marketing, combining creative and commercial thinking to translate brand vision into insight-led campaigns that deliver measurable business impact. Known for her instinctive understanding of brand building, she has consistently positioned brands at the centre of cultural conversations.
A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader, Susie is deeply committed to building high-performing teams and fostering environments where talent can thrive.
– Amber Pepper, CEO, National Diamond Council
“Susie’s appointment marks an exciting moment for the Natural Diamond Council. Her ability to connect brand, culture and commercial impact makes her exceptionally well placed to lead our global marketing efforts.”
– Susie Dewey, CMO, National Diamond Council
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Natural Diamond Council at such a pivotal time. The opportunity to shape the global narrative around natural diamonds is one I’m truly passionate about.”
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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.