International News
Gold prices jump near record high as Israel-Iran conflict escalates
Gold prices rose sharply on Friday, June 13, 2025, coming close to their all-time high. This came after Israel launched a major military attack on Iran, hitting important nuclear and military sites. In response, Iran sent over 100 drones toward Israel, causing fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Gold prices remain firm as markets focus on Israel’s attacks on Iran.
XAU/USD continues to climb, with prices holding firm above $3,400 while US equities and risk assets plunge. Michigan consumer sentiment and expectations beat estimates, with inflation expectations falling. But ‘risk-off’ tone remains.
Because of these rising tensions, many investors rushed to buy gold, which is often seen as a safe place to put money during uncertain times. This demand pushed spot gold prices up to $3,417.10 per ounce, and gold futures for August delivery to $3,436.90—both near their previous record highs of around $3,500 reached in April 2025.
At the same time, new data showed that inflation in the U.S. is slowing down. This has increased hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve might lower interest rates soon, which also supports gold prices.
In short, the mix of Middle East conflict and signs of lower U.S. inflation is making gold more attractive to investors looking for stability during uncertain times.
DiamondBuzz
Diamond Slump forces Debswana to diversify into copper, platinum and solar
Diamond-centric mining models is giving way to broader resource portfolios
Debswana Diamond Company, the 50–50 joint venture between the Botswana government and De Beers, is moving to diversify into copper, platinum and renewable energy as the prolonged downturn in natural diamond demand pressures earnings and forces the industry to rethink its growth strategy.
The company’s board has approved plans to invest in a portfolio of non-diamond projects after revenue fell 46% in 2024, the latest available financial year, highlighting the scale of the downturn in the global diamond market.
The move signals a strategic shift toward commodities with stronger long-term demand fundamentals, particularly copper, which is central to global electrification and energy-transition infrastructure.
Debswana’s diversification reflects a broader industry pivot as diamond producers confront weak consumer demand, rising competition from lab-grown stones and elevated inventories across the supply chain.
The shift is also visible among smaller exploration companies. Botswana Diamonds recently rebranded as Botswana Minerals, signalling its own strategic focus on copper exploration rather than diamonds.
Together, these moves underscore a growing consensus across the sector: the era of diamond-centric mining models is giving way to broader resource portfolios anchored in energy-transition metals.
-
National News2 hours agoThis Women’s Day, Dhirsons Jewellers Celebrates the Milestones in a Woman’s Journey
-
BrandBuzz18 hours agoThe Pearl Edit: Thoughtful Women’s Day Gifting by GIVA
-
BrandBuzz19 hours agoAugmont Launches SPOT 2.0: One Platform. Every Product. Efficient Business
-
BrandBuzz22 hours agoSenco Gold & Diamonds Launches “SHAPE OF YOU”- AI Application for Women’s Day Celebration
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.