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WGC REPORT Central banks expect official sector gold holdings to increase against a  backdrop of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. 

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More than nine in ten (95%) reserve managers indicated that they  expect central banks to continue increasing their gold holdings in the next 12 months,  according to new 2025 data released by the World Gold Council today.1 This is a record  high since it was first tracked in the 2019 survey and represents a 17% increase from the  2024 findings. 

The 2025 Central Banks Gold Reserves (CBGR) survey, which collected data from a record  73 of the world’s central banks, also finds that nearly 43% of central banks plan to add to  their own gold reserves within the next year. Reserve managers’ favourable view of gold  persists even in the face of record-high gold prices2 and 15 successive years of central  bank gold buying. 

Gold continues to be used as a safe-haven asset to help mitigate risks as ongoing  economic and geopolitical uncertainty continues to weigh on reserve managers. The top  three current motivations for holding the asset have shifted to its long-term store of value  (80%), its role as an effective portfolio diversifier (81%), and its performance in times of  crisis (85%). 

Central banks in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDE) have once again  maintained their positive outlook for gold’s future share in reserve portfolios. Notably, 28  out of 58 (48%) EMDE respondents thought that their own gold reserves would increase in  the next 12 months, compared to 3 out of 14 (21%) of advanced economy respondents,  more than last year. Although interest rate levels remained a key component of both  groups’ motivators for holding gold, inflation (84%) and the geopolitical situation (81%)  were top of mind for EMDEs, while 67% and 60% of advanced economy respondents felt  the same.  

Notably, more central banks are increasingly storing gold domestically: 59% said they  have gold in domestic storage, up from 41% in 2024. Additionally, most respondents (73%) 

see moderately or significantly lower US dollar holdings within global reserves over the  next five years. However, respondents also believe that other currencies, such as the euro  and renminbi, as well as gold, will increase their share over the same period. 

Shaokai Fan, Global Head of Central Banks & Head of Asia-Pacific (ex-China),  commented:  

“After eight years of conducting this survey, we have reached an important milestone:  nearly half of the central bank respondents intend to increase their own gold holdings in  the coming year. This is remarkable, especially considering how many record-high prices  we’ve hit so far in 2025. Notably, this reflects the current global financial and geopolitical  environments. Gold remains a strategic asset as the world faces uncertainty and tumult.  Central banks are concerned about interest rates, inflation, and instability – all reasons to  turn to gold to mitigate risk.” 

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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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