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

Sodiam to conduct ninth rough diamond tender on April 19

10 april 2024

Angolan national diamond trading company, Sodiam is set to conduct an online rough diamond tender in collaboration with Trans-Atlantic Gem Sales on April 19.

It has scheduled viewings from April 11 to 18 at its Luanda office in Angola.

The sale is specifically aimed at customers who are registered with Sodiam and have extensive knowledge of diamonds.

The lots being offered for tender consist of 18 diamonds weighing over 10.8 carats, which include three pink diamonds.

This will be Sodiam's ninth tender, which has proven to be successful in the past, generating a total revenue of $211 million.

Sodiam offers a wide range of assortments that come from various production operations, including kimberlite and alluvial sources.

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