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The Diamond Standard ETF: a solution to the natural diamond industry’s crisis

ETF will be positioning natural diamonds as an investment asset, similar to precious metals. A diamond ETF can unlock new demand and stabilize prices

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The natural diamond industry faces a critical challenge: plummeting prices due to the rise of lab-grown diamonds.  Consumers, often misled into believing lab-grown diamonds are equivalent to natural ones, are opting for the cheaper alternative, undermining the value and reputation of natural diamonds. This trend threatens millions of jobs and the value of existing diamond holdings.  Traditional marketing efforts are unlikely to succeed in the age of social media skepticism.

The solution lies in positioning natural diamonds as an investment asset, similar to precious metals.  Just as ETFs revitalized the markets for gold, silver, and other metals, a diamond ETF can unlock new demand and stabilize prices.  Diamond Standard has received approval to launch such an ETF.

The Problem: Lab-grown diamonds, while chemically similar, lack the scarcity and economic contribution of natural diamonds.  Their proliferation is confusing consumers and devaluing natural diamonds, leading to excess inventory and potential bankruptcies within the industry.

The Solution:  The Diamond Standard ETF will create a new avenue for demand by attracting institutional investors. This will differentiate natural diamonds from lab-grown, establish them as a tangible investment, and provide the industry with a much-needed boost.  This investor demand will drive up the value of all natural diamonds, benefiting the entire industry.

The Opportunity: Diamond Standard needs $200 million in initial assets to launch the ETF.  They propose acquiring excess diamond inventory from vendors in exchange for ETF shares.  Post-IPO, the ETF projects to purchase $3 billion worth of diamonds from participating vendors.

How it Works:  Vendors can contribute their excess inventory (polished, round, natural diamonds, specific carat, color, clarity, and cut requirements) to the ETF in exchange for shares at a 10% premium on wholesale. This allows vendors to monetize slow-moving inventory, participate in the ETF’s potential growth, and gain a Right of First Refusal to sell more diamonds to the ETF post-IPO.

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DiamondBuzz

De Beers Group Launches “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” Program at IIJS Bharat Signature to Revolutionize Natural Diamond Accessibility in India

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De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, marked a significant milestone in the Indian jewellery landscape with the official launch of the “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” program at IIJS Signature. The star-studded event featured actress Sonakshi Sinha, who joined Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President of De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, to unveil an initiative dedicated to making natural diamonds an integral part of daily life for the modern Indian consumer.

The “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” (Diamonds are for You) program is strategically designed to promote natural diamonds by raising awareness, boosting market visibility,and creating a seamless connection between retailers and consumers. With a focus on modern designs and attractive price points, the program also lets local retailers use De Beers Group campaigns as their own—second-piercing earrings, ‘Bestie’ bracelets, and ‘Intention’ pendants. It positions diamonds as a lifestyle choice for self-expression and daily wear.

Speaking at the launch, Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President of De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, detailed the evolution of the brand’s storytelling, stating, “De Beers Group has a rich legacy of creating iconic ritual campaigns that have shaped how the world perceives diamonds. With ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye,’ program we are evolving that narrative for the Indian market to another level.

We are not just selling jewellery, we are making natural diamonds more accessible and desirable in India. Our goal is to empower retailers through INDRA (Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance)  to ensure that every ‘First Diamond’ journey is as credible as it is beautiful.”

Kirit bhansali

Speaking on the occasion, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, “IIJS has always been a powerful platform for shaping the future of India’s gem and jewellery industry, and the launch of ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’ at IIJS Signature reinforces that role. GJEPC is proud to partner with De Beers Group on the INDRA (Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance) project, which is a critical step towards strengthening domestic demand for natural diamonds.

By empowering retailers, enhancing consumer confidence, and expanding access across metros and Tier 2 markets, this initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to grow the natural diamond category sustainably within India.”

The program ‘Heera Hai Aapke Liye’, rests on few strategic pillars aimed at industry growth and scalability:

  • Stocking & New Consumer Opportunity: Identifying gold wholesalers and distributors across 15–20 cities to focus on a first-phase target of 500 retailers.
  • Retailer Advantage: Providing a “Design Advantage” and strict “Product Hygiene,” backed by a clear buy-back policy and robust training and marketing support via the INDRA alliance.
  • Heera Hai Aapke Liye is robust entry-level product kit featuring earrings, bangles, bracelets, etc supported by exclusive visual merchandising (VM) for display.
  • Growth and Scalability: A PAN-India reach strategy designed to unlock new business opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers.

As India continues to grow as the world’s second-largest market for retail diamond jewellery, De Beers Group remains committed to strengthening the natural diamond narrative. By combining the emotional appeal of natural diamonds with the practical “Heera Hai Aapke Liye” framework, De Beers aims to build a sustainable future for the category across both metros and Tier 2 cities. De Beers and GJEPC aim to expand the base of Natural Diamond buyers, increase self-purchase consideration, and establish long-term credibility for the category.

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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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