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Botswana’s VP expresses  confidence in  ongoing efforts to secure a buyer for De Beers

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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.

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DiamondBuzz

Jewelbox Expects Festive Momentum as Consumers Embrace Versatile Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery

In an exclusive JewelBuzz interview, Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-founder, Jewelbox, shares insights on festive jewellery demand, evolving consumer preferences, the growing acceptance of lab-grown diamonds and the brand’s latest personalised diamond offering, Signed Diamonds

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Jewelbox, a contemporary lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, is witnessing an evolving jewellery consumption landscape, with consumers increasingly prioritising versatile designs, personal expression and value. As festive and wedding purchases gain momentum, the brand sees growing opportunities in everyday fine jewellery, gifting and personalised diamond offerings.

In an exclusive interview with JewelBuzz, Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-Founder, Jewelbox, discusses expectations for the current festive season, changing consumer sentiment, the growing appeal of lab-grown diamonds and the brand’s latest festive offering, Signed Diamonds, which brings a personal touch to diamond jewellery.

Jb: What are your expectations with regard to jewellery sales during the current festive season?

Vidita Kochar : Every year, the festive season is a strong period for jewellery consumption, with both gifting and self-purchases contributing to demand. Jewellery continues to hold a unique position in Indian celebrations, but the nature of consumption is evolving. Customers are increasingly looking beyond traditional occasion-led purchases towards versatile pieces that can be worn regularly. At Jewelbox, we expect lab-grown diamond jewellery to benefit from this shift, particularly in categories such as everyday fine jewellery, statement pieces and gifting. We remain optimistic about festive demand and expect to see sustained momentum across our retail and digital channels.

Jb: What is the current consumer sentiment regarding jewellery purchases?

Vidita Kochar: Consumer sentiment towards jewellery remains encouraging, although purchasing behaviour is becoming increasingly discerning. Customers are placing greater emphasis on design differentiation, product quality, versatility and the overall value proposition. There is also a discernible shift towards self-purchasing, with consumers increasingly viewing jewellery as a personal expression rather than an occasion-led purchase. Within this evolving landscape, lab-grown diamonds are finding greater acceptance, particularly among younger consumers who appreciate the ability to access fine jewellery across a wider range of designs and price points.

Jb: Are you launching any festive or wedding collections this season? If yes, please share the details?

Vidita Kochar: At Jewelbox, our focus this season is on offering jewellery that brings together contemporary design, versatility and craftsmanship. Our collections cater to festive celebrations as well as weddings, with designs that transition effortlessly from special occasions to everyday wear.

With changing consumer preferences reshaping the jewellery landscape, versatility, personalisation and design-led offerings are emerging as important purchase drivers.

Jewelbox’s focus on contemporary lab-grown diamond jewellery and innovative concepts such as Signed Diamonds reflects its approach to connecting with the evolving expectations of modern consumers. As the festive and wedding seasons bring renewed opportunities for the industry, the brand remains focused on making diamond jewellery more accessible, expressive and meaningful.

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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.

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