Forging a new legacy: Tshenolo Ntshekang on building a black-owned diamond beneficiation business in South Africa

In an industry historically defined by limited access and foreign dominance, Tshenolo Ntshekang is carving a new path. The founder of Banzi and Karolo Projects, a black-owned diamond beneficiation business, Ntshekang, represents a growing wave of...

03 november 2025

Mahiar Borhanjoo returns to ‘The Heart Of The Diamond Business’

Having started his career in the diamond trade at De Beers in London, Mahiar Borhanjoo returned to the diamond giant last year as Chief Commercial Officer after working for a decade for other diamond companies. Mahiar explains why he returned to De Beers...

27 october 2025

Mubri president Ali Pastorini: You just need to play a transparent game and do everything possible to attract clients

Ali Pastorini, co-owner of the DEL LIMA JEWERLY and president of the Mubri International Association, which unites more than 2,500 wholesalers, retailers, and designers from 18 countries. In this interview with Rough&Polished Ali Pastorini talks about...

20 october 2025

Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge: Diamond industry must embrace transparency, new sales models to survive

The global diamond industry must fundamentally overhaul its opaque and inefficient sales systems to survive a severe price slump and compete with lab-grown stones, according to Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge, Chairman of the African Diamond Council (ADC)...

13 october 2025

There will continue to be a bifurcation between natural and synthetic diamonds, and people will return to natural stones, Billiton Diamond Auctions Director Antony Dear believes

Antony Dear began his career in the diamond business in 1991 and is experienced in all the available diamond trading systems to date. In an exclusive interview with Rough&Polished, Antony Dear speaks about the current state of diamond auctions and tenders...

06 october 2025

The ‘Jewels of Emirates’ Show ends on a successful note

07 june 2023
The fourth edition of the "Jewels of Emirates" show in Sharjah concluded successfully, attracting a significant number of visitors and establishing itself as a prominent platform in the world of luxury jewellery.
It featured renowned local brands specializing in gold, silver, diamonds, and precious stones, alongside talented Emirati gold and jewellery designers. Attendees had the opportunity to explore exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs, including the highly acclaimed "burqa collection" that received international recognition and a one-of-a-kind ruby valued at $1mn. The event also celebrated Emirati heritage through the display of traditional gold works and jewellery, showcasing the authenticity and artistic creativity of young Emirati designers.
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said, “Another successful edition of the 'Jewels of Emirates' show has concluded, building on its previous success and reflecting its pivotal role in fostering the sustainability of our local gold industry and trade."
“The remarkable turnout of visitors at the exhibition this year is yet another testament to its success in meeting public expectations and its significance in supporting the local gold market, enabling it to keep pace with the rising demand for gold consumption, which saw a remarkable 33 percent increase to 55.3 tonnes in 2022, compared to 41.6 tonnes in 2021," Al Midfa added.

Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished