De Beers shines light on budding jewellery designers

Diamond giant De Beers will this year conduct its bi-annual Shining Light Awards jewellery design competition. De Beers beneficiation manager Kagiso Fredericks told Rough & Polished's Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview they set aside 4.5 carats...

22 july 2024

DiaMondaine Diamantaires Club mulls diamond safari tours in southern Africa

DiaMondaine Diamantaires Club (DDC) is set to organise diamond safari tours in southern Africa, home to major diamond-producing countries. DDC founder Agnes Abdulahu told Rough&Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa that the launch of the first diamond safari...

15 july 2024

Vladislav Zhdanov: Questions of efficiency and investment potential of diamond mining versus diamond growing pique keen interest

Vladislav Zhdanov is Professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE). He told Rough&Polished about new researches into the effectiveness of diamond production methods.

02 july 2024

Why it's expensive to cut and polish diamonds in Africa? ADMA president António Oliveira has the answer

The African Diamond Manufacturers Association (ADMA) president António Oliveira told Rough&Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that the lack of a robust infrastructure in Africa fails to accelerate and encourage manufacturing...

24 june 2024

Edahn Golan: IPO feasible but not Anglo’s preferred way to sell De Beers

Edahn Golan, owner of the eponymous Edahn Golan Diamond Research and Data, told Rough&Polished's Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that while an IPO of De Beers is “feasible,"  he does not think this is a route Anglo American...

17 june 2024

PGI positions platinum as the preferred jewellery business differentiator

14 december 2023

At the 2023 China Platinum Jewellery Summit in end-November 2023, Platinum Guild International-China unveiled an ambitious five-year ambition to position platinum as the preferred business differentiator within the jewellery sector.

Through programmes that target both consumers and trade partners, PGI aims to enhance consumer demand and awareness while garnering support and cooperation from partners and retail brands.

Ben Tan, who was appointed PGI’s director of Strategic and Consumer Marketing in August 2023 said: “Platinum is not just traditionally recognised as a symbol of love but also carries emotional significance. Through PGI’s efforts, consumers have become more knowledgeable about platinum. The purchase conversion rate of consumers with platinum knowledge is five times higher than those unfamiliar with the metal."

Tan also underscored the importance of effective communication and understanding consumer needs in bolstering platinum’s position in the market.

A recent survey pointed to growing awareness of platinum’s unique value in enhancing brand image and attracting younger consumers. Platinum not only rejuvenates brands but also offers consumers an unparalleled fresh experience. Its value therefore lies not just in its inherent substance but also in its capacity to offer innovative and unique choices to consumers, positively influencing the development of the entire jewellery industry.

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