DiamondBuzz
GJEPC engages Belgian diplomats and trade officials in key discussions at BDB
A high-level Belgian delegation arrived at the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai on 3rd December, bringing renewed focus to the deep commercial and cultural ties that link India and Belgium’s diamond sectors.
The Belgian delegation included HE Ambassador William Asselborn, Director for Asia and Oceania at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai; Brigadier General Mario Engels, Defence Attaché from the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, along with senior representatives from Flanders Investment and Trade.Eva Verstraelen and Filippe De Potter.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, and Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, joined Mehul Shah, Vice President, BDB, and other bourse officials in welcoming the delegation for a formal interaction and tour of the world’s largest diamond trading complex.

“Our relationship with Belgium has been built on trust, respect, and years of working together. Antwerp and Mumbai have grown alongside each other, supported by our diamond businesses, our artisans, and the many Indian families who made Antwerp their home. As the industry evolves, there is real opportunity for us to work even more closely in technology, new ideas, and smoother trade, strengthening the future of our diamond partnership.” Kirit Bhansali said.
DiamondBuzz
Richemont and Signet Jewelers Could Join Global Diamond Consortium In Bid For De Beers
Richemont, Signet Would Connect The Consortium To Key Global Growth Vectors Spanning Luxury High Jewelry and Mass-Market Retail.
The Global Diamond Consortium (GDC)
Richemont and Signet Jewelers are reported to be in talks about joining the Global Diamond Consortium (GDC), the preferred bidder for De Beers according to a Bloomberg News report.
GDC was selected in July 2026 as one of Anglo American’s preferred bidders for De Beers as part of Anglo American’s ongoing corporate restructuring.
The potential inclusion of Richemont—owner of luxury Maisons including Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels—and Signet Jewelers—the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry, operating brands such as Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Jared—would connect the consortium to key global growth vectors spanning luxury high jewelry and mass-market retail.
Strengthening the Natural Diamond Ecosystem: Participation by major luxury brands and global retail leaders reinforces commitment across the entire value chain—from responsible mining and manufacturing to consumer engagement.
Balanced Governance Structure: Discussions center on potential minority equity positions that would support long-term category growth while maintaining appropriate separation between ownership and commercial strategy.
Broad Stakeholder Participation: The consortium continues to advance talks with host governments, including discussions with the Government of Botswana regarding a potential increase in its equity share in De Beers from 15% to approximately 25%, alongside participation from private investors and southern African host nations.
Discussions between GDC, Richemont, Signet, and participating government stakeholders remain ongoing. Terms of any potential participation, including the size of equity interests, have not been finalized and remain subject to regulatory approvals and definitive documentation.
-
International News16 hours agoUS Holiday Shopping Expected To Top $1 Trillion For The First Time: NRF
-
National News10 hours agoBelgian Consul General H. E. Mr. Pierre Stverlynck Graces BDB Annual Day
-
National News11 hours agoLimelight Lab Grown Diamonds Crosses 100 Stores Milestone This Dussehra: Targets 200 In 2027
-
New Premises11 hours agoJoyalukkas Opens Its 2nd Bengaluru Showroom in Jayanagar

