The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has appointed Neil Ventura, a seasoned diamond industry executive and former De Beers leader, as special adviser for its Precious Stones Ecosystem, the organization announced Sunday via X (formerly Twitter)

Ventura brings over three decades of global experience in the diamond and precious stones sector, including key leadership roles at De Beers and Anglo American. In his new position, he will provide strategic direction for the DMCC’s growing ecosystem, with a particular focus on the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), which now hosts more than 1,300 member companies.

His responsibilities will span both natural and lab-grown diamonds, covering market development, ethical sourcing, compliance, and platform visibility. He will also help shape initiatives aimed at boosting international trade and attracting new participants to Dubai’s diamond hub.

Ventura is widely recognized for driving innovation across the diamond value chain. At De Beers, he spearheaded the development of De Beers Auction Sales, co-founded the Tracr blockchain platform, launched Lightbox Jewelry — the group’s lab-grown diamond brand — and created GemFair, a social initiative designed to empower artisanal miners.

Alongside his new advisory role at DMCC, Ventura continues to serve as an expert adviser to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and is actively involved with Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm.

US-based fine jewellery brand Angara has officially entered the Indian market, bringing a rich heritage in gemstone craftsmanship and a disruptive direct-to-consumer (D2C) model designed to reshape how Indians shop for fine jewellery.

Founded by Indian-origin entrepreneurs Ankur and Aditi Daga, Angara has grown into a $100 million+ enterprise across the US, UK, and Australia, renowned for its handcrafted pieces featuring gemstones, diamonds, and pearls. Now, the brand is bringing its unique approach to India’s dynamic jewellery landscape, offering bespoke, made-to-order creations that combine traditional artistry with modern technology.

“India’s jewellery market is at a pivotal moment,” said Ankur Daga, Founder & CEO. “People are moving away from generic, mass-produced designs and gravitating towards pieces that reflect their individuality. We’ve perfected this digital-first model globally, and now it’s time to bring that innovation home.”

Angara’s India strategy is anchored in its vertically integrated, digital-first model, which empowers customers to personalise every aspect of their jewellery—from gemstone and carat size to metal type and setting. The brand leverages an intuitive online platform enhanced with AI-driven recommendations, delivering both superior quality and transparent pricing by cutting out intermediaries.

“Indian buyers have traditionally faced a choice between conventional jewellers and expensive luxury brands,” added Aditi Daga, Co-founder. “Angara bridges that gap by offering elegant, meaningful, and affordable fine jewellery—tailored to each individual.”

The brand’s entry comes at a time when Indian consumers are shifting from heirloom pieces to more expressive, everyday elegance. As interest in coloured gemstones rises and the diamond market evolves with lab-grown alternatives, Angara’s expertise in rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and other precious stones positions it well to meet emerging demands.

With over 1 million customers globally and operations in Ireland, Canada, Thailand, and now India, Angara is also eyeing a future offline presence. Plans are underway to launch experiential retail spaces that will complement its digital platform, offering hands-on interaction without compromising the brand’s hallmark of customisation.

To support its Indian expansion, Angara has built an end-to-end supply chain that ensures ethical sourcing, exceptional craftsmanship, and consistent quality. Its made-to-order model aligns with the growing appetite for sustainable, conscious luxury in India.

Angara’s launch marks more than just the arrival of a new brand—it signals a bold reimagining of India’s fine jewellery market. With a legacy of craftsmanship, a passion for innovation, and a focus on personalisation, Angara is ready to redefine how Indian consumers experience jewellery.

• Gold prices fell more than 3% yesterday after reaching $3500, and the market appears to have peaked in the short term. Markets are still digesting President Donald Trump’s softer tone on the US-China trade war, as well as his turnaround on wanting to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that heavy tariffs between the United States and China must be decreased before trade talks can proceed, but he emphasized that President Trump will not unilaterally lower duties on Chinese imports. However, he noted that a full trade agreement could take two to three years to complete.
• Although recession worries have subsided, the global economy has already suffered significant harm, and rebuilding trust in the United States as a dependable trade partner will take time. In this context, gold is projected to be highly supported.

Technical Triggers  

• In the short term, gold prices are expected to trade in the range of $3270 (~Rs 94000) to $3400(~Rs 96500). The long-term technical outlook will only turn negative if we begin printing lower lows and lower highs.
• Silver prices have given a breakout above $33(~Rs 97000), now the next target is $35 (~Rs 100,000).