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
Anglo American Advances De Beers Separation Amid Challenging Diamond Market
Anglo American Emphasized That The De Beers Carve-Out Remains A “Central Pillar” Of Its Transformation Plans
Anglo American plc has confirmed steady progress in separating its iconic diamond subsidiary, De Beers Group, as part of a broader portfolio restructuring amid persistently subdued market conditions. This development underscores the mining giant’s strategic pivot away from diamonds toward higher-margin commodities.
In its Annual General Meeting (AGM) address, Anglo American emphasized that the De Beers carve-out remains a “central pillar” of its transformation plans, running parallel to divestments in steelmaking coal and nickel assets. In a year characterized by volatile markets and slow economic recovery in China, and with weaker iron ore prices and cyclically low diamond prices, Anglo American delivered a stable operating and financial performance.
Post-exit, Anglo American plans to refocus on premium segments like copper, high-quality iron ore, and crop nutrients, effectively shedding exposure to the cyclical diamond trade. Production guidance for De Beers holds steady at 21-26 million carats for 2026, with output adjustments aligned to prevailing demand.
While specific timelines for completion remain undisclosed, Anglo American anticipates providing further updates throughout 2026 as the sale process unfolds. This move signals deepening structural shifts in the global diamond supply chain, potentially reshaping rough diamond availability and pricing dynamics for Indian polishers and exporters.
With natural diamond prices under pressure from lab-grown alternatives and softening luxury demand—exacerbated by China’s uneven recovery—Anglo’s exit may prompt consolidated output cuts, stabilizing rough prices in the medium term but challenging mid-tier producers reliant on consistent volumes.
Stakeholders await clarity on potential buyers, with speculation centering on strategic investors or sovereign funds eyeing long-term diamond assets.
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