Revisiting the Issue of Competition in the Diamond Market: Some Specific Features of Socialist Emulation between the USSR and De Beers (Part 3)

11 october 2010

Revisiting the Issue of Competition in the Diamond Market: Some Specific Features of Socialist Emulation between the USSR and De Beers (Part 2)

04 october 2010

Revisiting the Issue of Competition in the Diamond Market: Some Specific Features of Socialist Emulation between the USSR and De Beers (Part 1)

27 september 2010

There is no written history of rough exports in the Soviet Union from 1946 to 1957 and it is unlikely it will ever find its chronicler for a number of reasons. Official data about these export operations are non-existent. Who was the buyer of these diamonds is not known for certain. But in any case this diamond flow did not appear to be so small (as well as its source, which is most important) as to escape the attention of the De Beers Corporation, which at that time firmly held its monopolistic position in the diamond market.

Gold Revolution in China

20 september 2010

From the inception of New China, i. e. the People’s Republic of China, and some years before the emergence of the Shanghai Gold Exchange this country practiced a strict system of state control and regulation over transactions involving gold. Since 1982, China liberalized the market of gold products and by 1992 the state was pursuing a policy of floating prices for the yellow metal according to which gold prices in the home market were corrected for a certain period under the influence of changes in the international market of gold.

Competing Giants: ALROSA and De Beers

13 september 2010

As a result of the global economic crisis which brought about a sharp contraction of demand in 2009, De Beers, the all-time leader in diamond business, conceded its place to Russia’s ALROSA which was able to outstrip its competitor by major performance indicators due to the support rendered by the Russian state. Thus, the balance in this market segment which seemed unshakable before the crisis was broke.

Franchising, a Life Saving Buoy

06 september 2010

For a long time already jewelry franchising has been a sought-after pattern of doing business in the jewelry industry of China. The global financial business has turned this model even more popular as franchising gives a chance to lower bankruptcy risks for newly established businesses and reduce start-up investments. However, if earlier jewelry brands were frantically promoting their franchise opportunities, now facing the recession they one after another are seeking shelter under the umbrella of larger industry players.

Diamond producing countries seek predictable market conditions

01 september 2010

Evolution of relationships between De Beers and the Government of Botswana is one of the most intriguing subjects being topical at the diamond market in 2010. Current agreements regulating distribution of diamonds produced by Debswana being a 50/50 joint venture of De Beers and the Government of Botswana and the country’s major diamond miner will expire by the end of the year. According to ongoing agreements, all Debswana production is distributed to 16 sightholders through Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) equally owned by De Beers and Botswana.

"Diamond" Podium for Antwerp’s Indians

30 august 2010

The Indians continue to strengthen their positions in the diamond business of Antwerp. Staunch adherents of Jainism, a religion preaching non-violence and vegetarianism, they wear suits tailored in Italy and drive around in posh Mercedes cars. Though not all of them managed to get higher education, today they are heads of large companies commanding a 60-percent share in the global diamond trade.

ALROSA Reports Success

23 august 2010

Recently ALROSA released a voluminous report for the first six months of 2010. The majority of its statistics demonstrate positive dynamics in the company’s performance.

Namibia diamond industry back to glory days, albeit slow

16 august 2010

There is an old axiom, which says “funny how things change” and when one compares what was the state of diamond mining in Namibia last year to the current situation, this maxim comes in handy.