Yoram Dvash: Industry unity, producer leadership and marketing investment key to natural diamond's future

The natural diamond industry is navigating a period of significant transition, but there are increasing signs that the foundations for a stronger and more positive future are being built, according to the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB)...

29 june 2026

AWDC: First fully traceable artisanal diamonds from DRC sold on the international market in Antwerp

In a historic milestone for the diamond industry, fully traceable, artisanal diamonds from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been sold on the international market for the very first time in Antwerp. Below, Ine Tassignon, AWDC spokesperson, provides...

22 june 2026

Natural diamonds most desired luxury jewellery, Gen Z spending double baby boomers, reveals De Beers report

Natural diamonds remain the most desired jewellery item among US consumers, with Millennials and Gen Z driving demand value and spending, according to De Beers Group’s The Diamond Report, which draws on the biannual Diamond Acquisition Study of 18,500...

15 june 2026

Edahn Golan: India’s lab-grown diamond exports surpass natural diamonds by volume, yet value gap widens

India’s diamond industry has reached a historic turning point. In March and April 2026, the volume of lab‑grown diamond exports overtook that of natural diamonds, with lab‑grown stones accounting for 51% and 50.4% of total export volume respectively...

01 june 2026

Dr M’zée Fula-Ngenge: Kimberley Process failing Africa

The Kimberley Process (KP) is failing Africa, and the world's definition of a “conflict diamond” is a moral and legal absurdity, according to the African Diamond Council (ADC) chairperson M’zée Fula-Ngenge. The following exclusive...

18 may 2026

Wesley Tucker to step down as CEO of De Beers' Tracr platform in 2026

04 december 2025

De Beers has announced that Wesley Tucker will step down from his role as chief executive of Tracr, its blockchain traceability platform, at the end of February 2026.

Tucker joined De Beers in April 2021 as head of digital transformation before becoming CEO of Tracr. Under his leadership, the initiative has evolved from a pilot project into what the company describes as the diamond industry's leading digital traceability platform, setting new standards for provenance and transparency.

During his tenure, the platform has registered more than four million diamonds and gained global recognition, being listed three times on the Forbes Blockchain 50.

Tucker is credited with expanding Tracr's ecosystem through strategic partnerships with major industry players, including the Gemological Institute of America and Sarine Technologies, along with leading manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers.

He also oversaw the introduction of capabilities that enable full lifecycle provenance, including country-of-origin certification for polished diamonds over half a carat sourced from De Beers Group.

“With Tracr now past its formative stage and accelerating into its scaling phase, this is a natural point for Wes to step back after very successfully guiding the platform through its foundational journey,” said Executive Vice President for Diamond Trading at De Beers, Paul Rowley.

“His leadership, vision and commitment have positioned Tracr strongly for the future and we wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”

Tucker’s successor is yet to be announced.

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished