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
Botswana Says Stable Relationship With De Beers Vital to Diamond Recovery
Botswana Also Wanted to Move Further up the Diamond Value Chain, While Reducing its Economic Dependence on Diamonds Through Manufacturing, Energy, Agriculture, Tourism and Financial Services
Botswana Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe said a stable relationship with De Beers was crucial to the recovery of the natural diamond market, warning that uncertainty over the partnership had created an opening for lab-grown diamonds.
Speaking at Chatham House on Sept. 17, Gaolathe said Botswana and De Beers had historically worked together during market downturns through rough-diamond stockpiling and marketing.
His comments come as Anglo American seeks to sell its 85% stake in De Beers. Botswana has signalled an interest in increasing its role in the diamond company.Gaolathe said, however, that Botswana’s ambitions went beyond simply increasing its ownership. After decades in the diamond industry, the country had developed expertise across the value chain,
Botswana currently owns 15% of De Beers, while Anglo American is seeking to sell its 85% stake. Botswana has indicated it wants a larger role but would not risk its finances simply to increase ownership, Gaolathe said.
He said Botswana also wanted to move further up the diamond value chain, while reducing its economic dependence on diamonds through manufacturing, energy, agriculture, tourism and financial services.
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