News
Indian jewellers promote natural diamonds amid competition from lab-grown stones
Falling prices for lab-grown diamonds and their resulting rise in market share are transforming India’s diamond jewellery market and prompting jewellers to take proactive measures.
Today
Ethiopia opens first gold refinery to serve region
Ethiopia has inaugurated its first gold refinery, a $50 million joint venture that the government hopes will establish the country as a regional hub for precious metals processing, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced over the weekend, according to Reuters...
Today
Anglo American bets R11.2B on South African mining's future
Anglo American has reaffirmed South Africa's potential as a premier mining investment destination, even as the company commits R11.2 billion ($677 million) to an ultra-high dense media separation iron-ore project at Sishen in the Northern...
Today
Nornickel forecasts $4 billion in precious metals revenue for 2026 - report
A senior Nornickel representative noted that the company expects to generate $4 billion in revenue from precious metals sales this year.
Today
Russia to build first permanent REM magnet plant
In 2028, Russia is set to start the construction of its first plant for manufacturing permanent magnets from rare-earth metals (REM) in the city of Glazov, to be commissioned in 2029 with an initial capacity of 500 tonnes per year, said Andrey...
Today
SDT: Empowering youth to shape the future of South Africa's diamond industry
30 june 2025
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 in an exclusive interview that the youth bring innovation through ethical sourcing, digital trading platforms, and AI-driven tools, while also demanding transparency and sustainability.
Diamond entrepreneur on passion, challenges, and the future of African beneficiation
23 june 2025
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 beneficiator shares insights on entering the industry, overcoming challenges, and the critical role of local diamond manufacturing in South Africa’s future.
Andrey Yanchevsky: A brand is much more than just a name
09 june 2025
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 industry. He answered the Rough&Polished’s questions about the importance of developing an own brand and the ways to promote it.
Jonathan Kendall: Industry must focus on the diamond dream
26 may 2025
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 to Rough&Polished about his many roles at De Beers and the experiences he has had in the diamond trade.
Dr. M’zée Fula Ngenge: How De Beers’ Lightbox undermined natural diamonds
19 may 2025
De Beers’ venture into the lab-grown diamond (LGD) market through its subsidiary Lightbox backfired, undermining its century-old luxury positioning around natural diamonds, according to the African Diamond Council (ADC) Chairperson Dr. M’zée Fula Ngenge.
LDB’s David Troostwyk: London still has major role to play in global diamond trade
12 may 2025
London Diamond Bourse (LDB) President David Troostwyk has had a varied career in the diamond business. David sat down with Rough&Polished to discuss how his love of diamonds started, his career, the state of the diamond trade in the UK and globally, his involvement with the Young Diamantaires organization and his plans for the London Diamond Bourse.
David Johnson: De Beers balancing lab-grown and natural diamonds rarity while pioneering ethical transparency
28 april 2025
De Beers has been differentiating its lab-grown diamond brand, Lightbox, by positioning it as an affordable, fashion-focused product. Group spokesperson David Johnson told Rough & Polished that this is in contrast to how De Beers promotes natural diamonds, with a focus on their rarity and emotional value, with a long-term strategy to redirect lab-grown diamonds towards industrial applications.
Who will bear the cost? Paul Zimnisky weighs in on U.S. jewellery tariff impact
14 april 2025
The United States jewellery industry is facing a complex balancing act as new tariffs on diamonds force wholesalers and retailers to decide whether to absorb costs, negotiate with overseas suppliers (particularly India), or pass them on to consumers. Paul Zimnisky, an independent diamond and jewellery analyst and consultant based in the New York City metro area, told Rough&Polished in an exclusive interview that the situation is very fluid, but the industry is going to have to deal with this in one way or another at the end of the day.
Thataitsile Moremedi: South Africa's State Diamond Trader providing market access, exposure for nascent manufacturers
31 march 2025
Although it is challenging for previously disadvantaged individuals to enter the diamond industry due to the financial barriers, South Africa's State Diamond Trader is providing nascent entrepreneurs with exposure, market access, and other support. This had been the experience of Kukame Diamonds and Projects founder and director Thataitsile Moremedi who exhibited at the country's inaugural diamond show in Cape Town last February.
Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge: KP has failed to adapt to contemporary challenges
17 march 2025
The United Nations-backed Kimberley Process (KP), established in 2003 to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream rough diamond market, has failed to adapt to contemporary challenges, such as state-sponsored violence and sophisticated smuggling networks, according to the African Diamond Council (ADC) and African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) chairperson Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge.
