The World Diamond Council (WDC), representing the global natural diamond value chain, has raised concerns over proposed U.S. tariffs that could place the $117 billion American jewellery industry at significant risk. In a formal appeal, the WDC urged the U.S. Administration to exempt natural diamonds (HS Codes 7102.10 and 7102.31) from the ongoing tariff review and include them in Annex II, citing their critical role in the nation’s economic and manufacturing sectors.

Natural diamonds, though not produced in the U.S., are essential to the health of the domestic jewellery market — a sector supporting over 200,000 American jobs and generating over $91.5 billion in annual sales. The combined impact of jewellery manufacturing and exports adds another $25.5 billion to the economy each year.

The WDC warns that tariffs on natural diamonds would effectively act as a consumption tax, raising prices on popular items like engagement rings and anniversary jewellery, placing additional financial strain on American families. Retailers are already experiencing inventory concerns, with inflationary pressures beginning to impact consumer prices.

“A tariff would destabilize the supply chain, weaken U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and increase costs for consumers,” said Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council. “We support the U.S. Government’s goal of fair trade, but urge an exemption for natural diamonds to protect jobs, competitiveness, and consumer access.”

The United States is the world’s largest consumer of natural diamond jewellery. The WDC emphasized that continued access to these goods is vital to preserving the innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship that define the American jewellery industry.

WDC members are actively engaging with U.S. officials, calling for a collaborative resolution that supports fair trade without undermining one of America’s most valuable consumer markets.

On the famous Indian festival, Akshaya Tritiya, a day considered auspicious for new beginnings and valuable purchases, Craftier, a premium lab-grown diamond brand with multiple flagship stores, introduces its Special Solitaire Collection. This latest launch is a blend of classic luxury and modern finesse, offering a unique opportunity to own a refined collection of lab-grown solitaire jewelry that enhance your everyday wardrobe with timeless elegance.

The collection features more than eight shapes of solitaires, customizable according to personal style and preference in yellow, white, and rose gold. With a carat weight starting from 1.00 and above, each piece receives IGI certification for quality, authenticity, and brilliance. Since the collection offers everything from classic round-cut designs to unique bespoke shapes, Craftier combines innovation with unmatched precision.

“Since Akshaya Tritiya symbolizes wealth, fortune, and new beginnings, it inspires people to invest consciously. Our solitaire collection is an amalgamation of luxury with sustainable choices, both of which hold emotional, artistic, and material value,” states Mr. Achal Gupta, Founder of Craftier. “Each piece in this collection speaks volumes about conscious luxury, timeless style, and personal expression.”

Craftier’s commitment to customer satisfaction is underlined by its robust Lifetime Exchange and Buyback Policy. The Lifetime Exchange allows patrons to upgrade their jewelry at any time.

As an atelier celebrated for its unique approach with lab-grown diamonds, Craftier is synonymous with love embellished by craftsmanship, transparency, and environmental responsibility.

Botswana’s Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe has expressed strong confidence in the ongoing efforts to secure a buyer for De Beers, as Anglo American prepares to divest from its diamond operations. His remarks, delivered during an interview in Washington, suggest that the process is progressing well and that there is broad international interest in acquiring Anglo’s 85 per cent stake in the iconic diamond company.

The sale comes amid Anglo American’s strategic pivot away from diamonds and other assets to concentrate on copper, a sector currently yielding higher returns. De Beers has seen its valuation decline sharply in recent years, with Anglo having written down its value twice in the past 13 months. Once a cornerstone of the group’s portfolio, De Beers is now valued at $4.1 billion, significantly lower than when Anglo assumed full control in 2012.

Crucially, Gaolathe indicated that Botswana — already holding a 15 per cent stake in De Beers — is considering a substantial increase in its ownership, potentially up to 50 per cent. Such a move would mark a major shift in the company’s ownership structure and could redefine the power dynamics within the global diamond industry. Botswana, as one of the world’s largest diamond producers, has long been a key partner in De Beers’ supply chain, and this increased stake would reinforce its strategic influence over the sector.

The government’s willingness to expand its stake also reflects a broader effort by resource-rich nations to assert greater control over their mineral wealth and to ensure that profits from extraction are more equitably shared. If realized, Botswana’s expanded role in De Beers could serve as a model for other producing countries seeking to balance economic development with stronger national participation in global value chains.

With a sale or IPO expected by the end of 2025, the coming months will be critical in shaping the future of one of the diamond industry’s most storied names. Will Botswana emerge as a dominant shareholder, or will another global player step in? Either way, the outcome is likely to reshape the contours of the international diamond trade.