DiamondBuzz
De Beers India MD Calls for Better Tech to Distinguish Synthetic and Natural Diamonds
De Beers India managing director Amit Pratihari expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in synthetic diamond sales, emphasizing the importance of clear disclosure to consumers. He highlighted the need for proper certification and reliable grading institutions to distinguish natural diamonds from lab-grown ones, adding that the company’s in-house lab, which used to serve only De Beers brands, is now available to other retailers as well. The natural diamond industry, he noted, is collaborating with the Gems and Jewellery Exports Promotion Council and the government to standardize quality certifications and grading parameters.
While Pratihari does not view the synthetic diamond market as direct competition, he acknowledges the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds and the need for regulation to ensure consumers are well-informed. India, following the Federation Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, now mandates that synthetic diamonds be clearly labeled as such, with further developments expected in grading standards.
In terms of retail growth, De Beers is optimistic about India’s diamond market, projecting it will grow from $8.5 billion in 2024 to $17 billion by 2030. To tap into this potential, the company plans to significantly increase its retail presence, including opening 100 exclusive outlets for its Forevermark brand, with the goal of reaching $100 million in sales by 2030.
DiamondBuzz
Dholakia Lab Grown Diamond Secures Over Rs 800 Crore Funding
Funding Earmarked For High-Impact Vertical Scaling and Infrastructural Fortification
Dholakia Lab Grown Diamond (DLGD) has successfully executed a definitive investment agreement, securing over Rs 800 crore in a premier growth-stage funding round. This transaction represents one of the most significant capital injections within India’s Lab-Grown Diamond (LGD) ecosystem. The consortium was led by Abakkus PE, with strategic participation from ICICI Ventures IAF5, Amal Parikh, and a syndicate of high-profile institutional investors.
The newly mobilized liquidity is earmarked for high-impact vertical scaling and infrastructural fortification, specifically:
- Production Augmentation: Substantial investment in high-throughput growing technology to meet burgeoning global demand.
- Liquidity Management: Strengthening the working capital framework to support expansive operational cycles.
- Retail Proliferation: Accelerating the strategic rollout of a comprehensive pan-India retail footprint to capture domestic market share.
In a pivot toward high-margin industrial applications, DLGD is leveraging its proprietary synthesis capabilities to produce high-precision single-crystal diamonds. This initiative positions the firm as a critical component supplier for cutting-edge sectors, including:
- Quantum Computing & Semiconductors: Utilizing diamond’s superior thermal conductivity and electronic properties.
- Defense & Optics: Engineering specialized materials for high-stress aerospace and optical environments.
- Thermal Management: Providing heat-dissipation solutions for next-generation hardware.
Leveraging the multi-decade heritage of the Hari Krishna Group, DLGD maintains a robust, fully integrated value chain. This end-to-end oversight—encompassing synthesis, precision polishing, jewelry artisanal manufacturing, and international distribution—solidifies its competitive advantage in the sustainable luxury corridor.
As a pioneer in the sector, DLGD’s early-mover advantage—evidenced by its successful penetration of the US retail market as early as 2018—provides a seasoned foundation for its current expansion. By bridging the gap between luxury aesthetics and deep-tech utility, DLGD is poised to redefine the economic landscape of synthetic carbon structures on a global scale.
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