News
De Beers transfers initial BWP 1 billion contribution to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund
De Beers has transferred its initial BWP 1 billion ($73 million) contribution to the Diamonds for Development Fund, marking a major milestone for the initiative designed to support Botswana’s long-term economic diversification.
Today
Valterra Platinum's refined PGM output falls 41%, sales decline 27%
Valterra Platinum's refined platinum group metal (PGM) production decreased by 41% to 576,900 ounces for the third quarter ending 30 September 2026.
Today
Swiss watch exports rise 11.7% in September, driven by sharp U.S. shipments increase
In September, the value of Swiss watch exports grew by 11.7% compared to the same period last year, reaching 2.226 billion Swiss francs ($2.74 billion). This marks the fourth consecutive month of growth.
Today
New $1.8bn copper smelter under construction in Kazakhstan
Construction of the Aktogay copper smelter has begun in the Abai Region of eastern Kazakhstan. The $1.8 billion project is being implemented by the KAZ Minerals group.
Today
Anglo American appoints Anne Wade as senior independent director
Anglo American has appointed Anne Wade as senior independent director, effective immediately.
Today
Diamonds Rapidly Gaining Popularity in India
23 september 2009
The Economic Times states that India’s domestic market is bolstering the recession-hit Indian diamond industry. According to the newspaper, diamond jewelry sales in India are expected to demonstrate significant growth this fiscal year.
As Shoppers Reduce Spending Jewelers Stock Lower-Priced Merchandise
22 september 2009
A discreet sign outside the Birks jewelry store in the Eaton Centre advises couples they can get up to $1,000 off their wedding bands if they buy a diamond engagement ring at least 0.7 carats in size. In the worst economic downturn in decades, even emotion-laden purchases such as wedding rings are being discounted. Stores of all kinds across the U.S. and Canada are feeling the impact of rising unemployment and sagging stock portfolios. An unseasonably cool, wet summer hasn't helped.
Diamonds begin to sparkle again
21 september 2009
Ken Gassman, the former Wall Street analyst and founder of the Jewelry Industry Research Institute in Virginia, is convinced that the diamond market will recover – he is just not sure that they should uncork the champagne in Hatton Garden just yet.
Namibia set to supply uranium, diamonds direct to India
18 september 2009
The Namibian government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on geology and mineral resources and an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy with its Indian counterpart, which will see the African country supplying uranium to the South Asian country to power the latter’s civilian nuclear power plants. The MoU, which was signed in New Delhi by Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the former’s State visit to the Asian giant, also covers diamonds and, reportedly, copper.
Alternative materials give jolt to fine jewelry
17 september 2009
The contemporary art world's contention that the recession may actually fuel creativity even as it stifles sales is equally relevant to the jewelry industry. To wit: High-end designers, forced to reinvent themselves for a more price-conscious consumer, can no longer afford to strictly deal with precious materials, so they've expanded their repertoires to include a vast, eclectic and imminently more affordable array of items such as cobalt, drusy and wood, giving fine jewelry its first major jolt in decades.
