Yoram Dvash: Industry unity, producer leadership and marketing investment key to natural diamond's future

The natural diamond industry is navigating a period of significant transition, but there are increasing signs that the foundations for a stronger and more positive future are being built, according to the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB)...

29 june 2026

AWDC: First fully traceable artisanal diamonds from DRC sold on the international market in Antwerp

In a historic milestone for the diamond industry, fully traceable, artisanal diamonds from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been sold on the international market for the very first time in Antwerp. Below, Ine Tassignon, AWDC spokesperson, provides...

22 june 2026

Natural diamonds most desired luxury jewellery, Gen Z spending double baby boomers, reveals De Beers report

Natural diamonds remain the most desired jewellery item among US consumers, with Millennials and Gen Z driving demand value and spending, according to De Beers Group’s The Diamond Report, which draws on the biannual Diamond Acquisition Study of 18,500...

15 june 2026

Edahn Golan: India’s lab-grown diamond exports surpass natural diamonds by volume, yet value gap widens

India’s diamond industry has reached a historic turning point. In March and April 2026, the volume of lab‑grown diamond exports overtook that of natural diamonds, with lab‑grown stones accounting for 51% and 50.4% of total export volume respectively...

01 june 2026

Dr M’zée Fula-Ngenge: Kimberley Process failing Africa

The Kimberley Process (KP) is failing Africa, and the world's definition of a “conflict diamond” is a moral and legal absurdity, according to the African Diamond Council (ADC) chairperson M’zée Fula-Ngenge. The following exclusive...

18 may 2026

I. Hennig launched the new Virtual Broker platform

16 january 2020

hennig_logo.pngI. Hennig announced the launch of its innovative state-of-the-art online rough trading platform: “Virtual Broker”. 
Virtual Broker (VB) provides a secure environment for rough diamond trading where sellers and buyers negotiate online directly between themselves on a wide range of goods. Viewings of goods will take place at the Hennig Tenders offices in Antwerp and transactions will take place online through the new VB platform. 
VB sales events will operate with a new format where suppliers and buyers can negotiate and close deals online at any given time without having to wait until the end of an event. Any bids made on the platform are transmitted directly in real time to the sellers who can then decide how to respond. While the sellers remain anonymous, I. Hennig will handle all transactions with its secure, independent and reliable systems. 
VB provides an increased level of transparency and control for all participants, offering unfiltered access to buyers all over the world and providing additional features such as the “Buy-It-Now” function, the opportunity for selling/purchasing with credit terms, as well as mobile device accessibility.  
I. Hennig will provide full training to registered buyers on how to use the platform and its new and exclusive bidding tools during their viewing appointments or on request. 
The first sales event on Virtual Broker is planned for January 20th-24th 2020. 

Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough & Polished European Bureau