JB Insights
Anglo American writes down De Beers’ value by US $1.6 bn
As part of its annual financial results, Anglo American wrote down De Beers’ book value by $1.6 billion, principally relating to goodwill (brand value).
The diamond giant is now valued at $7.6 billion. Its write-down was driven “by lower prices than previous forecasts reflecting a reduction in forecast consumer demand,” Anglo American said in its year-end financial report. “This reflects macroeconomic uncertainty mainly in the U.S. and China.”
Other factors cited by Anglo: “the timing of differentiation between lab-grown and natural diamonds, the impact of recycling, the latest…estimates and life of asset plans for the mines and, less significantly, the financial impact of revised contractual terms [between De Beers and] the government of the Republic of Botswana (which are expected to be finalized during 2024).”
In a separate financial statement, De Beers said the industry began to stabilize over the fourth quarter. “Retail demand improved over the end-of-year holiday season, especially in the United States, helping to ease midstream inventory pressure,” it said. “However, with ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, it is anticipated that recovery in rough diamond demand will be gradual.”
De Beers’ statement added: “The ongoing focus on diamond provenance—especially given the expected introduction of Russian diamond import restrictions by G7 nations—has the potential to reinforce demand for De Beers’ rough diamonds, supported by the blockchain Tracr platform. The global supply of rough diamonds is anticipated to continue to decline owing to the maturity of major mines and limited new discoveries.”
Johnson says the write-down “has no tangible impact and is simply an accounting assessment of the current value of the business compared with the value it was assigned at the time Anglo American purchased its majority shareholding [in 2012]. The new carrying value reflects the very challenging macroeconomic environment but has no bearing on our confidence in the positive long-term outlook for natural diamonds.”
Education
The New-Age Jewellery Professional: Why Tech Education for Jewellery Industry is the Biggest Growth Driver
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The jewellery industry is no longer defined by craftsmanship alone. Today, it sits at the intersection of design, technology, sustainability, finance, branding, and global trade. As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, structured education and continuous skill development are emerging as the most powerful growth catalysts for the sector.
For a dynamic industry like India’s jewellery market, education is not optional — it is strategic.
From Karigar to Knowledge Professional
For decades, the backbone of the industry has been generational craftsmanship. While this legacy remains invaluable, modern jewellery businesses now demand professionals who understand:
- Gemology and diamond grading
- CAD and 3D jewellery design
- Retail management and consumer psychology
- Digital marketing and brand storytelling

- International trade compliance and tariffs
- ESG and sustainability frameworks
Institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America and the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery have played a key role in formalising education pathways, helping transform traditional artisans and retailers into globally competitive professionals.
Trend Watch: Rise of Tech-Integrated Learning
One of the strongest education trends shaping the industry is technology integration.
- CAD & CAM Training: Digital prototyping reduces costs and speeds up product development cycles.
- AI in Retail Forecasting: Data-driven inventory planning is replacing intuition-based buying.

- Blockchain Awareness: Traceability in diamonds and coloured gemstones is becoming a compliance requirement rather than a luxury.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Expertise: As lab-grown diamonds gain market share, understanding grading, pricing dynamics, and consumer positioning has become critical.
Educational programs now increasingly blend online modules with hands-on workshops, enabling faster upskilling for working professionals.
The Bridal Economy & Consumer Education
India’s bridal jewellery segment continues to drive demand, but the modern bride is informed and research-oriented. She compares:
- Natural vs lab-grown diamonds
- Hallmarking standards

- Ethical sourcing claims
- Design originality
Retailers who invest in staff education see higher trust conversion rates. Well-trained sales professionals are no longer “salespeople” — they are consultants guiding life-defining purchases.
Financial Literacy in Jewellery
Another emerging area is financial education within the industry itself. With gold functioning as both adornment and asset, professionals must understand:
- Gold monetisation frameworks
- Hedging strategies

- Commodity price cycles
- Working capital management
Structured knowledge helps businesses move from being inventory-heavy traders to strategically managed enterprises.
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
Global buyers increasingly demand proof of ethical sourcing and environmental compliance. Education around responsible mining practices, supply-chain transparency, and ESG reporting is becoming central to export competitiveness.
Industry bodies such as the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council regularly conduct seminars and workshops to align Indian exporters with evolving global standards.
The Future: Hybrid Skills Will Win
The next generation jewellery professional will not be defined by a single skill. The future belongs to those who combine:
- Design sensibility
- Technical expertise
- Business acumen

- Digital fluency
- Ethical awareness
For a sector contributing significantly to India’s exports and employment, education is the bridge between heritage and high growth.
Knowledge is the new luxury. As the jewellery industry transitions into a more organised, tech-enabled, and globally integrated ecosystem, continuous learning will determine who leads and who lags. The sparkle of the future will not just come from diamonds — it will come from informed minds shaping the industry.
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