Exclusive

Failed embargo, new crises: the unintended consequences of CAR's diamond embargo

The Kimberley Process embargo on the Central African Republic (CAR) diamonds, while intended to sever the link between the precious stones and armed conflict, ultimately created a cascade of damaging consequences that hurt the very people it...

07 july 2025

SDT: Empowering youth to shape the future of South Africa's diamond industry

South Africa’s State Diamond Trader (SDT) has emphasised that young professionals are not only the industry's future but are already driving change today. SDT Marketing and Communication Manager Tsholofelo Tselapedi told Rough & Polished...

30 june 2025

Diamond entrepreneur on passion, challenges, and the future of African beneficiation

For Desmond Madumetja Ratsoma, the co-founder and director of OCGems, diamonds represent far more than sparkling gemstones—they symbolise Africa’s untapped potential, craftsmanship, and economic transformation. In an exclusive interview, the emerging...

23 june 2025

Andrey Yanchevsky: A brand is much more than just a name

Andrey Yanchevsky is the CEO and founder of the LA VIVION jewellery company. Over 20 years in this business, he has worked his way from a software programmer to a member of the board of directors, gaining experience in various sectors of the jewellery...

09 june 2025

Jonathan Kendall: Industry must focus on the diamond dream

From a lengthy career at the De Beers Group to playing a major role at CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, Jonathan (Jonnie) Kendall is enjoying his diamond journey as much as ever today. He took time out from his busy schedule to speak...

26 may 2025

The Russian Arctic to add territory the size of one Greece

06 february 2024
Arctic

On behalf of the Russian president, the government has approved the inclusion of two municipalities of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug and Yugra - Berezovsky and Beloyarsk - to the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. The bill will be introduced for approval to the State Duma soon.

The total area of the two new Arctic regions is just equal to one Greece at 130,000 square kilometers. At the same time, their population is only 52,000 people, according to arctic-today.ru.

Alex Shishlo for Rough&Polished

Print version