DiamondBuzz
Israel Delegation at Qatar Diamond Conference
It’s a notable development in what has been a stormy relationship between two countries that have no official diplomatic ties.
A delegation from Israel visited Qatar for the inaugural Doha International Diamond and Gem Conference.It’s a notable development in what has been a stormy relationship between two countries that have no official diplomatic ties. Qatar was the first Gulf state to establish official relations with Israel, which opened a trade office in Doha in 1996.But those ties were severed ties in 2009 during Israel’s Operation Cast Lead in Gaza and have not been restored since.
The delegation included Nissim Zuaretz, president of the Israel Diamond Exchange in Ramat Gan, and Eran Zini, its CEO. They were invited by the Qatari minister of commerce and industry Faisal Al-Thani, they entered the country on their Israeli passports and no attempts were made to conceal the fact that they were from Israel, according to a Globes report.
The three-day conference in Doha, at the end of last month, discussed “out-of-the-box strategies” to advance the diamond and colored gemstone industry, with over 200 visitors from 30 countries.
“The dialogue with them was very pleasant, and they received us respectfully,” Zuaretz told the Globes financial news “They know the potential of the Israelis, and what is happening with Trump may bring about a change in the economic strategy with them.”
Qatar hosted the leaders of Hamas until November 2024, played a key role in mediating talks between Israel and the Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza war and has donated over $6bn to US universities to expand its influence and promote its interests.
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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