International News
Rio Tinto Unveils Rare 158ct Yellow Diamond from Diavik Mine in Canada
One of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever discovered in Canada, the 158.20-carat gem is a remarkable find as Diavik Mine nears closure.
Rio Tinto has uncovered a rare and exceptional 158.20-carat yellow diamond at its Diavik Mine in Canada, marking one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever found in the country. This stunning discovery is also among only five yellow diamonds weighing over 100 carats to be unearthed by the company at Diavik throughout its 22-year history. Notably, Diavik is primarily known for producing white diamonds, with less than 1% of its output being yellow stones.
The Diavik Mine, which is set to close next year, is also responsible for several significant yellow diamond finds, including Canada’s largest yellow diamond, a 552.74-carat gem discovered in 2018, and the 187.7-carat Diavik Foxfire found in 2015.
With the closure of the Argyle mine in Australia in 2020, Diavik is now Rio Tinto’s sole diamond asset. Patrick Coppens, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Rio Tinto’s diamond business, expressed excitement over the unique beauty and purity of the Diavik diamonds, eagerly anticipating the future of this extraordinary find.
International News
De Beers Group Reports H1 2026 Production Surge
The company reported a significant increase in production volume while maintaining its full-year production target of 21 to 26 million carats.
De Beers Group today released its operational and sales performance update for the second quarter and first half of 2026. Driven by strong recovery efforts and strategic access to higher-grade ore bodies, the company reported a significant increase in production volume while maintaining its full-year production target of 21 to 26 million carats.
Despite market pressures stemming from broader macroeconomic volatility, the company continues to advance operational streamlining and cost-optimization initiatives to ensure long-term resilience.
Key Highlights & Operational Summary
- Q2 Production Surge: Production jumped 88% year-on-year to 7.8 million carats in the second quarter, bringing total H1 output to 14.9 million carats (+46% YoY).
- Volume Growth: Consolidated H1 sales volume expanded 13% to 12.4 million carats (total sales volume up 20% to 14.8 million carats).
- Full-Year Guidance Reaffirmed: Full-year output remains targeted at 21–26 million carats, with second-half production planned to balance out via scheduled maintenance and a temporary operational pause at the Venetia mine.
- Resilient High-Value Demand: While entry-level categories faced broader pricing shifts, pricing for higher-value natural diamonds remained firm, providing baseline support to the overall index.
Market Dynamics & Strategic Response
Trading conditions during the first six months of 2026 reflected ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainties and regional conflicts that weighed on general consumer sentiment. Additionally, lower-value natural categories experienced continued pressure from lab-grown alternatives.
In response, De Beers actively adjusted its sales strategies, utilizing its inventory mix to meet existing market demand. While lower-value inventory sales shifted the average realized price to $105 per carat for H1, the company noted that underlying value indices for premium, higher-grade natural goods remained stable throughout the period.
Outlook & Portfolio Optimization
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, De Beers will align production output directly with global demand signals. The anticipated surge from H1 will be offset by:
- The previously announced two-year operational pause at the Venetia mine.
- Planned facility maintenance at the Orapa and Jwaneng operations in Botswana.
Anglo American continues to execute its operational transformation and strategic divestment plans for De Beers, ensuring capital discipline and long-term organizational value.
GUZEMA Fine Jewelry Opens First U.S. Boutique In New York’s SoHo
De Beers Group Reports H1 2026 Production Surge
Canada Faces 50% US Import Tariffs; Gemstone Exemption Under Review
GUZEMA Fine Jewelry Opens First U.S. Boutique In New York’s SoHo
Akoirah by Augmont Celebrates The Family We Choose With A Thoughtfully Curated Friendship Day Gifting Edit
De Beers Group Reports H1 2026 Production Surge
-
New Premises44 minutes agoGUZEMA Fine Jewelry Opens First U.S. Boutique In New York’s SoHo
-
National News1 day agoAkoirah by Augmont Celebrates The Family We Choose With A Thoughtfully Curated Friendship Day Gifting Edit
-
International News5 hours agoDe Beers Group Reports H1 2026 Production Surge
-
International News5 hours agoCanada Faces 50% US Import Tariffs; Gemstone Exemption Under Review
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.