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Natural diamonds have to rediscover their relevance to a jaded consumer that wants to separate themselves from the past

By Edahn Golan

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Martyn Charles Marriott, drawing on 45 years in the diamond industry, in a blog  titled Co-Operation between African Diamond Producers on the IDMA website, advocates for a new era of co-operation among African diamond producers, seeing the current debate around De Beers’ future as an opportunity. He proposes forming a diamond “OPEC,” reminiscent of the stability once maintained by the Oppenheimers’ Central Selling Organization (CSO). The CSO, through a stockpile, quota system, and vast generic advertising  historically benefited the entire industry. Marriott believes a collective entity involving nations like Botswana and Angola would be more stable and bankable than a single-country approach.

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JewelBuzz spoke to noted diamond industry analyst Edahn Golanon his take on Marriott’s view and how practical and feasible this “ nostalgic yearning” was. This is what Edahn Golan has to say:

I don’t think that resurrecting a monopoly is possible, much less legal. I understand the nostalgic yearning for the ‘good old days,’ but that is not where the solution will be found. On the contrary, the industry at large – and De Beers in particular – needs to evolve and adapt. They both need to reinvent themselves. 

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Natural diamonds have to rediscover their relevance to a jaded consumer that wants to separate themselves from the past, a consumer market that wants luxury that doesn’t shout bling. Most importantly, diamonds should stand for values that are relevant to today’s cultural norms. 

That is where diamonds will find their future, not by reimposing tight control on the pipeline.

I also read Chaim Even-Zohar’s column. I worked with him for many years and hold deep respect for both him and his approach to the industry. 

That said, I believe Botswana does not need to go all in on owning De Beers.The country already receives more than 75% of the diamond revenue generated locally, along with a portion of the revenue De Beers earns from its operations in Namibia, Canada, and South Africa. Expanding that share or seeking a larger cut from other countries would only deepen Botswana’s dependency on diamonds.

Instead, Botswana should diversify its income sources and invest more internally, a process it should have initiated more than a decade ago. 

For example, if it channels investment into its international airport and succeeds in expanding tourism, the country would generate greater income, reduce its reliance on luxury sales, improve foreign currency inflows, and, in the process, expose more of the world to its diamonds.

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The Great Jewellery Retail Reset: Are You Ready for What’s Coming Next?

By Shivaram A,Retail Business Mentor

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As gold prices fluctuate and customer mindsets evolve, the jewellery retail business stands at a turning point. Those who adapt with guidance will thrive — others may struggle to stay relevant.

Over the last year, jewellers across India have been living through a storm of uncertainty. Gold rates have risen, fallen, and risen again — shaking customer confidence and confusing buying behaviour. While many stores reported higher sales values during festive months, the actual number of pieces sold told a different story.

Customers were walking in — but walking out with fewer items. The same budgets, smaller volumes. The emotional connect with gold remained, but the buying intent was changing quietly beneath the surface.

A Shift in Buying Behaviour: Lighter, Smarter, More Selective

Jewellery, once seen as a long-term investment, is now also viewed through the lens of practicality and personal style. The younger buyer isn’t chasing weight anymore; they’re chasing meaning, design, and comfort.

Heavy necklaces and bangle sets have become slower movers, while rings, earrings, and lightweight chains are finding quick takers. Even as the “value” of inventory rises with gold prices, the “velocity” of sales — how quickly products move — has slowed down.

This creates an illusion of growth on paper but a challenge in reality: slower rotation, tighter margins, and customers whose expectations are changing faster than most jewellers are prepared for.

Two Customers, Two Worlds

At one end are traditional families — loyal, price-conscious, and deeply rooted in their relationship with their family jeweller. At the other end stands the new-age urban customer — salaried, educated, and brand-aware.

This second group is the real disruptor. They don’t see gold as an emergency asset but as an accessory that defines lifestyle. They browse online, compare designs across stores, and choose convenience over custom.

For them, jewellery is fashion — not finance. And that single shift is rewriting the rules of the game.

Competition Is Heating Up

As independent jewellers fight to maintain margins, larger chains are expanding quietly — opening new showrooms, entering Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, and capturing the very customers smaller stores once depended on.

Adding to the mix are non-jewellery investors and new entrants drawn by the industry’s steady performance compared to other sectors. With over 10,000 new stores expected to open in the next few years, competition will only intensify.

This means the traditional family jeweller can no longer depend solely on legacy, relationships, or word-of-mouth. What’s needed now is strategy, structure, and smarter decision-making — powered by data, training, and mentorship.

Change Is Hard — But Help Is Available

Transitioning from a legacy business model to a modern retail approach isn’t easy. It involves rethinking everything from sales processes to staff mindset, from customer experience to inventory strategy.

But the good news is — you don’t have to do it alone.
Every successful transformation begins with one conversation — a discussion about where you are, what’s changing, and how to move forward one step at a time.

That’s where mentorship makes the difference. A seasoned guide can help you see patterns others miss, avoid expensive mistakes, and build a roadmap that’s realistic and sustainable.

Jewellery retail is evolving — and those who evolve with it will shine brighter in the years ahead.
While change is always tough, it is also necessary. The key is to take it step by step, guided by experience and insight.

If you’re wondering where to start or how to navigate the next phase of your business transformation — let’s talk.

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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.

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