International News
Botswana’s GDP hit by global diamond slump
Botswana’s real GDP (gross domestic product) shrank by 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, largely as a result of the global slump in diamond demand. It rose by 5.3 per cent in the same quarter of 2023.iamond production – which accounts for 80 per cent of the country’s export revenue – fell by 27.3 per cent, according to government-run Statistics Botswana.
The real value added by diamond traders recorded a negative growth of 46.8 per cent, compared to a 3.7 per cent increase in the same period last year. The mining and quarrying sector saw its real value fall by 24.8 per cent.The downturn in GDP was “primarily influenced by a decrease in real value added of the diamond traders, mining & quarrying, water & electricity, and manufacturing industries,” the report said. “Conversely, all other industries experienced positive growth rates of 0.5 percent and above.”
Earlier this month Botswana’s central bank warned that the country may fall short of a target set earlier this year for the economy to grow by 4.2 per cent.
International News
Van Cleef & Arpels Gives Its Iconic Alhambra a Pink Enamel Makeover
The Maison Introduces Five New Alhambra Creations Featuring Translucent Pink Enamel and Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled a vibrant new chapter for its iconic Alhambra collection, introducing translucent pink enamel to the signature four-leaf clover motif for the first time. The new creations combine the Maison’s emblem of luck with yellow gold, bringing a fresh, contemporary expression to the enduring design.
The new five-piece selection comprises a Vintage Alhambra pendant, five-motif bracelet, 10-motif necklace, 20-motif long necklace and Magic Alhambra two-motif earrings. The earrings additionally feature guilloché yellow gold, adding texture and contrast to the pink enamel.



The distinctive pink is the result of several years of research at Van Cleef & Arpels’ enamel workshops. Inspired by the historic 17th-century “gold-ruby” technique, the colour is created using fine particles of gold rather than traditional pigments. Carefully controlled particle size, shape and concentration produce the desired translucent hue.
Adding to its visual depth, the enamel contains tiny bubbles, giving each Alhambra motif a distinctive character while creating subtle variations as the surface catches and reflects light. The motifs are framed by the Maison’s signature gold beaded contours, further enhancing the interplay between the pink enamel and yellow gold.
Since its debut in 1968, Alhambra has continually evolved through different stones, materials and colours while retaining its instantly recognisable four-leaf clover silhouette. The introduction of enamel marks another significant step in that evolution, bringing together heritage craftsmanship, technical innovation and contemporary colour.
With its new pink interpretation, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to reinvent one of jewellery’s most recognisable motifs, demonstrating how traditional savoir-faire can give a familiar icon an entirely new expression.
-
National News9 minutes agoDeepa Jewellers IPO Subscribed 43x
-
National News58 minutes agoIndians Are Increasingly Monetizing Idle Gold
-
National News48 minutes agoMCX Gold and Silver Decline On Rising US Dollar and Higher US Bond Yields
-
National News19 hours agoZi Launches As A Modern Indian Design House Redefining Everyday Luxury

