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
Sarine Expands Indian Footprint, Unveils GCAL Laboratory In Mumbai
The facility is located in the SEEPZ, a major hub for India’s gem and jewelry export trade. By establishing a footprint directly within SEEPZ, the company aims to streamline logistics for local manufacturers and international exporters.
Israel-based diamond technology firm Sarine Technologies has officially inaugurated a new GCAL by Sarine jewelry certification and quality assurance laboratory in Mumbai, marking a key expansion in one of the world’s primary gem manufacturing markets. The opening of our SEEPZ lab expands GCAL by Sarine’s capabilities in India into jewelry certification and brings services closer to manufacturers and exporters
The facility is located in the Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ), a major hub for India’s gem and jewelry export trade. By establishing a footprint directly within SEEPZ, the company aims to streamline logistics for local manufacturers and international exporters.
Key Takeaways for Investors and Industry Watchers:
- Strategic Positioning: Operating inside SEEPZ cuts turnaround times for major manufacturers, addressing growing industry demand for localized supply chain efficiency.
- Global Network: The Mumbai lab complements existing GCAL by Sarine grading facilities in Surat—India’s diamond-cutting epicenter—and New York, linking crucial production pipelines directly to the U.S. consumer market.
- Service Expansion: The new center broadens Sarine’s core offerings in the region beyond rough and polished diamond analysis to include full-scale finished jewelry certification.
PNGS Reva Diamonds Unveils Official E‑Commerce Platform, Marking A New Digital Chapter In Omnichannel Luxury
Palmonas Celebrates Its 101st Store, Marking A Journey Built On Trust, Community and A New Way Of Experiencing Jewellery
Imposition Of MDR On UPI Transactions Imposes Additional Financial Burden On Gold Trade Sector — KGSMA
PNGS Reva Diamonds Unveils Official E‑Commerce Platform, Marking A New Digital Chapter In Omnichannel Luxury
GJC Is Concerned and Disappointed With The Introduction Of MDR On UPI Merchant Transactions Above ₹2,000
Imposition Of MDR On UPI Transactions Imposes Additional Financial Burden On Gold Trade Sector — KGSMA
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National News3 hours agoPNGS Reva Diamonds Unveils Official E‑Commerce Platform, Marking A New Digital Chapter In Omnichannel Luxury
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National News7 hours agoGJC Is Concerned and Disappointed With The Introduction Of MDR On UPI Merchant Transactions Above ₹2,000
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National News6 hours agoImposition Of MDR On UPI Transactions Imposes Additional Financial Burden On Gold Trade Sector — KGSMA
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National News6 hours agoPalmonas Celebrates Its 101st Store, Marking A Journey Built On Trust, Community and A New Way Of Experiencing Jewellery
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