Failed embargo, new crises: the unintended consequences of CAR's diamond embargo

The Kimberley Process embargo on the Central African Republic (CAR) diamonds, while intended to sever the link between the precious stones and armed conflict, ultimately created a cascade of damaging consequences that hurt the very people it...

07 july 2025

SDT: Empowering youth to shape the future of South Africa's diamond industry

South Africa’s State Diamond Trader (SDT) has emphasised that young professionals are not only the industry's future but are already driving change today. SDT Marketing and Communication Manager Tsholofelo Tselapedi told Rough & Polished...

30 june 2025

Diamond entrepreneur on passion, challenges, and the future of African beneficiation

For Desmond Madumetja Ratsoma, the co-founder and director of OCGems, diamonds represent far more than sparkling gemstones—they symbolise Africa’s untapped potential, craftsmanship, and economic transformation. In an exclusive interview, the emerging...

23 june 2025

Andrey Yanchevsky: A brand is much more than just a name

Andrey Yanchevsky is the CEO and founder of the LA VIVION jewellery company. Over 20 years in this business, he has worked his way from a software programmer to a member of the board of directors, gaining experience in various sectors of the jewellery...

09 june 2025

Jonathan Kendall: Industry must focus on the diamond dream

From a lengthy career at the De Beers Group to playing a major role at CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, Jonathan (Jonnie) Kendall is enjoying his diamond journey as much as ever today. He took time out from his busy schedule to speak...

26 may 2025

Sarine's new planning software to boost polished diamond value by 5%

05 february 2024

Israel-based diamond tech company Sarine claims that its new planning software will revolutionize the process of rough diamond planning, potentially adding up to 5% to the value of the resulting polished stone.

Named Most Valuable Planning (MVP), this fully-automated cloud-based service will be introduced as an optional feature for Sarine’s Advisor 8.0 rough planning software package. Initially designed for diamonds under 0.50 carats, MVP is slated for expansion to cover the 50-90 points range later in 2024, with further extensions planned for 2025.

Sarine’s CEO, David Block, said: “The MVP is a development we have been working on for years, which has now reached maturity due also to advances in cloud computing. We are already running demos in India and have a backlog of interested customers through the end of the quarter and into Q2.”

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