DiamondBuzz
Diamond sanctions “not feasible”: Russia deputy finance minister
The EU’s “softening of sanctions” was inevitable, according to Russia’s deputy finance minister Alexey Moiseev.He was speaking after the announcement last week that “grandfathered” goods – diamonds imported from Russia before the 1 January imposition of sanctions – would be allowed, and that the implementation of a traceability scheme had been postponed by six months to 1 March 2025.
“This is the next confirmation that what the Western countries propose is not feasible at this stage,” Moiseev said”As I said at the St. Petersburg [International Economic] Forum, this is the manifestation of a kind of a neocolonial policy of these countries, which infringes upon not merely Russia but also all the Western market players. I believe therefore this [softening of sanctions] was inevitable.”
Elsewhere in the Russian media, ABNews reports claims that EU countries have suffered a 25 per cent drop in diamond revenue so far this year, down from $3.59 bn to $2.69bn.
DiamondBuzz
41st World Diamond Congress To Tackle Geopolitics and Shifting Consumer Tides
Industry To Discuss Russian Sanctions, African Supply Dominance, and A Looming Generational Handover.
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) announced Friday that the 41st World Diamond Congress will convene in Singapore from July 12–15, 2026. The four-day summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the $100 billion jewelry market, which is currently wrestling with the rise of lab-grown alternatives and tightening transparency requirements.
Five Pillars of the 2026 Agenda
The Congress has structured its programming around five core challenges that are expected to define the industry’s trajectory through the end of the decade:
- African Supply Leadership: A deep dive into the continent’s evolving role from a raw material source to a strategic power player.
- The Asian Pivot: Executives will explore untapped potential in the ASEAN bloc, specifically targeting emerging middle-class wealth in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
- Geopolitics and Sanctions: Critical sessions will address the ongoing trade-related restrictions that have reshaped global supply chains since 2022.
- The Demand Deficit: Stakeholders will brainstorm strategies to revitalize the global desire for natural diamonds over synthetic competitors.
- Generational Transition: A focus on integrating the “next gen” of leadership into the traditionally conservative diamond pipeline.
A Strategic Crossroads
The Congress will host an international mix of government representatives, manufacturers, and trade bodies. It noted that the ASEAN region represents a vital frontier for trade as traditional Western markets mature.
The timing of the event is strategic; it will run concurrently with the Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE), bridging the gap between raw supply discussions and the high-end retail sector.
Market Outlook
For many in attendance, the primary concern remains the “natural vs. lab” debate. As Gen Z and Millennial buyers prioritize ethical sourcing and price transparency, the industry is under pressure to refine its narrative. The Congress is expected to serve as the primary forum for establishing a unified marketing front to bolster natural diamond demand.
Registration for the event remains open, with the industry’s top brass expected to finalize the roster of panel participants in the coming weeks.
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