DiamondBuzz
GJEPC Hosts De Beers’ Sean Lin for strategic discussions on reviving natural diamond demand in China
De Beers and GJEPC explore deeper collaboration to boost natural diamond demand in China amid improving consumer sentiment and a clear price divide with lab-grown diamonds.
Sean Lin, VP Sales, De Beers Group, visited the GJEPC head office in Mumbai on 27 November, where he was received by Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Anoop Mehta, Convener – Diamond Panel, GJEPC; Ashish Borda, Convener – PMBD, GJEPC; and Ajesh Mehta, former Convener – Diamond Panel, GJEPC. The meeting touched on strengthening collaboration to promote natural diamond jewellery in China, including ongoing work with Chow Tai Fook.
Lin noted that consumer interest in natural diamonds is gradually improving, supported by signs of market recovery. He also shared that lab-grown diamonds in China largely remain in the low price, accessory-style segment, typically under USD 150 and sold through mass retail formats. This trend is helping preserve the value perception of natural diamonds among Chinese consumers.
Both sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation and support natural diamond jewellery category growth through targeted promotional initiatives and consumer education.
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.
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