Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge: Demand for considerable-sized diamonds stronger than ever

The African Diamond Council (ADC) chairperson Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge told Rough & Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that although overall global diamond prices have been somewhat soft, the demand for considerable-sized diamonds...

02 september 2024

Amplats sees prospects as a standalone company

Anglo has revealed its plans to demerge Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), which has operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, to optimise shareholder value. Rough&Polished contacted Amplats to comment on this and other issues but was referred...

19 august 2024

WFDB President Yoram Dvash Remains Confident Despite Global Diamond Challenges

Yoram Dvash is President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) having been elected in 2020. He found time in his busy schedule to speak to Rough&Polished about the state of the diamond industry around the world and some of the major...

12 august 2024

Lyudmila Vysotskaya: Amber is a mystical stone, a living substance

Lyudmila Vysotskaya is a Kaliningrad-based amber artist and designer, expert, chairwoman of the Amber Academy and member of the Creative Union of Artists in Decorative and Applied Arts. This summer, visitors could admire the art works by Lyudmila Vysotskaya...

30 july 2024

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

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