DiamondBuzz
Russian government could buy rougher from Alrosa
The Russian government could buy more rough diamonds from the state-run miner Alrosa, as it faces ongoing G7 sanctions and weak global demand.The Finance Ministry says it will assess the situation after seeing second quarter results.Alrosa last week reported a 77 per cent slump in profits for 2024 (down to $223m) and has said it could suspend some less profitable activities and lay off some of its 35,000 workers.
In December 2024, ALROSA, Russia’s leading diamond mining company, reached an agreement to sell a batch of rough diamonds to the Gokhran of Russia, the state repository for precious metals and gemstones. This batch included a notable 390-carat diamond, the largest discovered in Russia over the past decade, unearthed from the Ebelyakh deposit in Yakutia in September 2023.
This transaction occurred in the context of ongoing international sanctions and a global downturn in diamond demand, which have impacted ALROSA’s traditional sales channels. The Gokhran’s purchase provided financial support to ALROSA during these challenging times.
The Russian government has indicated plans to continue such purchases, with the federal budget allocating up to 154.5 billion rubles (approximately $1.55 billion) for acquiring precious metals and gemstones for the Gokhran between 2025 and 2027. Alrosa has previously offloaded excess inventory to Gokhran, the Russian State Precious Metals and Gemstones Repository in times of weak demand.
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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