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

Dr. M’zée Fula Ngenge: How De Beers’ Lightbox undermined natural diamonds

De Beers’ venture into the lab-grown diamond (LGD) market through its subsidiary Lightbox backfired, undermining its century-old luxury positioning around natural diamonds, according to the African Diamond Council (ADC) Chairperson Dr...

19 may 2025

LDB’s David Troostwyk: London still has major role to play in global diamond trade

London Diamond Bourse (LDB) President David Troostwyk has had a varied career in the diamond business. David sat down with Rough&Polished to discuss how his love of diamonds started, his career, the state of the diamond trade in the UK and globally...

12 may 2025

David Johnson: De Beers balancing lab-grown and natural diamonds rarity while pioneering ethical transparency

De Beers has been differentiating its lab-grown diamond brand, Lightbox, by positioning it as an affordable, fashion-focused product. Group spokesperson David Johnson told Rough & Polished that this is in contrast to how De Beers promotes natural diamonds...

28 april 2025

Firestone offering a 215-carat diamond for sale

11 march 2024

Firestone Diamonds is set to sell a 215-carat rough diamond found at its Liqhobong diamond mine in Lesotho.

The white makeable diamond marks a significant achievement for Liqhobong, being the largest of its quality ever found at the mine, the company said.

The diamond is up for sale through a competitive bidding tender process with viewings available in Antwerp, Belgium, and Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

“This sale represents another milestone in our ongoing efforts to deliver value to stakeholders while maintaining the highest industry standards,” it said.

“This diamond is another shining example of the calibre of diamonds sourced from the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.”

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished