South Africa's State Diamond Trader (SDT) operations manager Conrad Van Der Ross has witnessed the diamond industry transform over three and a half decades—from his nervous start as a De Beers trainee sorter in pre-democracy South Africa to helping shape the country's beneficiation strategy and reclaim the South African diamond brand on international stages like Hong Kong.
In an interview reflecting on his career, Van Der Ross shared insights on breaking through industry gatekeepers, SDT's deliberate choice to train professionals from outside the diamond sector, and what it will take for the next generation to leave a lasting legacy.
Below are excerpts of the interview.
You started your career as a trainee sorter at De Beers in 1991. What do you remember about those early days, and how did that experience shape your path?
This question is actually forcing me to go down memory lane. A young [man] who has always known and heard about diamonds, thanks to the Open Mine Museum, but has never physically seen one. I had an opportunity as De Beers was hiring trainee sorters, I applied and subsequently started my career in 1991. Remembering that this was pre-democracy as I entered Harry Oppenheimer House scared, anxious and fearful. The first thing that stood out to me of course, was this product called the diamond that I have only heard of and now am being taught how to sort and value it.
This diamond industry provided me with an opportunity to travel and the first was the opportunity to work in London, the United Kingdom in 1997, working there for a year, where my understanding was further developed with increased possibilities. More than just being in a foreign country with cold weather, it was the welcoming and support I received from amazing people I worked there.
On my return, I was transferred to The Diamond Development Company (Diamdel SA—Johannesburg, wholly owned subsidiary of De Beers). Here the exposure went further than the sorting aspect, I was now exposed to valuing rough diamonds for the purposes of buying these, sorting them into bespoke assortments and selling these directly to the manufacturers. Although the Diamdel staff complement was small, the impact these amazing individuals had on the market was exceptional as the results of the impact were visible. While working at Diamdel, I again received an amazing opportunity to work in Belgium, Antwerp, for almost two years and again met some amazing people who became friends.
In 2007, I had the opportunity to be part of the technical team from De Beers to work with the South African government to set up the State Diamond Trader as part of the country's beneficiation and transformation strategy. I was part of the strategy to access international markets like Hong Kong and also the development of a strategy breaking barriers of entry for the youth to enter the diamond industry through the entity's Enterprise Development Programme.
Beyond the opportunity to travel and the job promotions over the years, the most important and fondest memories are the amazing people from all different backgrounds that I have had the pleasure of working with within this unique industry. It cemented the fact that this amazing industry truly revolves around relationships and people.
You've said you entered the industry by chance, out of necessity. How did that evolve into a genuine passion for diamonds?
Necessity drew me by chance into this industry. This initially was a job for me with the primary purpose to support my family, however over the years with increased knowledge, understanding, exposure and appreciation contributed to the movement from just another job to a great passion for the diamond industry as it impacts lives positively. My passion moved to actions that hopefully contribute to my legacy.
What was the toughest obstacle you had to overcome in your career, and how did you navigate it?
The biggest challenges that I experienced in my career were gatekeepers who had the old belief that if knowledge isn't shared, it preserves the gatekeepers' position and eliminates potential threats to those gatekeepers. For me personally, I had to strengthen my mindset to not allow others to define what I can do and achieve. I continuously increased my knowledge and had a continuous hunger to learn.
Looking back, what achievement are you most proud of—whether at SDT or elsewhere in your career?
There are many, like the successful implementation of the EDP and the positive impact it has had on the youth who participated in the program. But the one that I am proud of is State Diamond Trader and the client's participation at the Hong Kong show, especially over the 10 years of reclaiming the South African brand of diamonds produced and manufactured in South Africa. To think this started with an information booth that was a 3x3 square meter stand with pamphlets.
State Diamond Trader in the early days deliberately took the decision when it came to building capacity within the operations that it would employ and train from outside the diamond industry. I am proud to see those professionals now having built up international credibility within the global industry sector. Seeing the growth that has happened over the years and that has continuously shaped these respected professionals.
What advice do you have for young people entering the diamond industry today, and what do you hope they will carry forward?
My advice would be to keep learning and growing your knowledge of the diamond industry. It's important to stay curious and always look for ways to improve yourself. At the same time, I understand that money plays a big role in our lives and we all need it to live.
But beyond that, try to find a balance. Ask yourself, what will your legacy be? What do you want to be remembered for?
In the end, it's not about material things like the car you drive or the size of your house. What truly lasts is the impact you have on others. People remember how you made them feel, how you helped them and the positive difference you made in their lives—and that's what really matters.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
