David Johnson: De Beers charts cautious Angola return amid industry transformation

De Beers is rebuilding its presence in Angola through government partnerships and community engagement, marking a strategic comeback following its difficult exit years ago from the diamond-rich nation. However, De Beers spokesperson David Johnson cautioned...

24 november 2025

Maria Krasnova: Colored gemstones are a serious investment

Maria Krasnova, Executive Director of the renowned company “Samotsvety ot Sokolov” (Gems by Sokolov), spoke to Rough&Polished about the Gemstone project aimed at selling precious stones, as well as about current market trends, new challenges...

17 november 2025

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

GJEPC hosts Ratnakalakar Samriddhi Samrambh seminar for 800+ artisans

01 february 2024

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC) hosted the 'Ratnakalakar Samriddhi Samarambh' seminar at Saurashtra Bhavan-Surat last week aimed at providing valuable insights to over 800 diamond and Bengali artisans associated with the jewellery industry.

During the seminar, Vijay Mangukiya, Regional Chairman-Gujarat, GJEPC, introduced the Parichay Card and highlighted the associated free medical policy to support artisans. Special guest Assistant Labor Commissioner S S Dubey informed about various government schemes, ensuring artisans were aware of their privileges.

Jignesh Desai of NJ Finance emphasised the significance of a systematic investment plan (SIP) and shared essential rules to follow before taking loans, while Dr Nimesh Ramoliya of Radha Hospital provided insights into mandatory medical reports and advised on health maintenance with tips on regular breaks during the day. Sohail Savani of Savani Foundation stressed the importance of schemes such as PF and ESIC, urging artisans to avail these services for their well-being.

The seminar garnered widespread support from associations including the Indian Diamond Institute, Surat Diamond Association, Surat Jewelry Manufacturers Association, Ratnakalakar Vikas Sangh, Diamond Worker Union Gujarat, and Bengali Manufacturers Welfare Association.

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