DiamondBuzz
Wealthy Russians Surge in Investment-Grade Diamond Purchases Amid Market Uncertainty
Demand for polished diamonds up by 60% as individuals diversify portfolios with gemstones following VAT abolition and growing financial volatility.
Wealthy Russians are increasingly turning to investment-grade diamonds, with purchases of polished stones rising by 60% last year, according to VTB, the country’s second-largest bank. This surge in demand is attributed to the government’s decision to abolish VAT on diamond purchases, which has made gemstones a more attractive investment option.
Oksana Semenenko, vice president at VTB and head of its private banking division, explained that the rarity and uniqueness of diamonds make them especially appealing during times of rising financial market instability and tighter investment restrictions. Many affluent clients are now incorporating alternative investments, including diamonds, into their portfolios, typically allocating 5-10% of their assets to these tangible assets for diversification.
This shift comes amid increasing sanctions from the G7 and restrictions on Russian currency, which have impacted Russian diamond exports. In response, Alrosa, the state-run diamond mining giant, is turning to alternative markets to sell its goods. The company’s Diamond Exclusive program focuses on polishing its largest and highest-quality diamonds, particularly stones of 3 carats or more, to be sold directly to investors through partnerships with VTB and other financial institutions.
DiamondBuzz
Dubai Diamond Exchange Expands Board With Three New Appointment
New Board Appointments Strengthen DDE’s Expertise In Global Markets, Governance and Responsible Sourcing.
The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), part of DMCC, has expanded its Board of Directors with the appointment of Neil Ventura, Weizhang Liang and Wafa Jaffery, strengthening its leadership across global diamond markets, governance and responsible sourcing.
The board will continue to be chaired by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC. The new appointments are aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for the global diamond and precious stones trade.
Neil Ventura joins as Member and Secretary of the DDE Board. He brings more than 35 years of experience across mining, trading, jewellery and technology, having held senior roles at De Beers and Anglo American. He currently serves as Special Advisor to DMCC’s Precious Stones Ecosystem.
Weizhang Liang, former President of the Guangzhou Diamond Exchange and China’s Kimberley Process focal point for over 15 years, joins the board with extensive expertise in international diamond policy and the Chinese market. He also advised the UAE’s Kimberley Process Chairmanship in 2025.
Wafa Jaffery, a longstanding member of DMCC’s Precious Stones team, was elected to the Board of Directors of the World Diamond Council in 2026. She also serves on the Kimberley Process Task Force and the Responsible Jewellery Council Standards Committee.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, said:
The appointments would enhance the exchange’s ability to support the industry’s growth and evolution.
“The strength of the Dubai Diamond Exchange has always been built on the depth of expertise within DMCC’s precious stones ecosystem. These appointments reflect the calibre of leadership that DMCC has developed over many years and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading centres for the diamond and precious stones trade.”
The DDE is the world’s largest diamond tender facility and a major marketplace for rough and polished diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls. Operating within DMCC, it provides infrastructure and trading facilities that connect miners, manufacturers, traders, financiers and retailers across the global diamond supply chain.
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