A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
De Beers or Alrosa, who’s first?
As a journalist who follows the jewelry industry pretty carefully, it's always interesting for me to read articles by the non-trade press on topics as complicated as the diamond market. Case in point this week: This now-infamous article about Russia...
As a journalist who follows the jewelry industry pretty carefully, it's always interesting for me to read articles by the non-trade press on topics as complicated as the diamond market.
Case in point this week: This now-infamous article about Russia and diamonds from The New York Times.
In the article, the writer states that “Russia quietly passed a milestone this year: surpassing De Beers as the world’s largest diamond producer.”
That’s an interesting statement, and one that certainly caught our attention over here at National Jeweler.
But it also raised a number of questions, including, based on what? The article provides no hard data of any kind from Alrosa, or De Beers for that matter.
In the story, the writer does mention that while De Beers shut down production at a number of its mines because of low demand, the state-owned Alrosa kept its mines open to keep workers on the payroll and avoid unrest. (What the article doesn’t mention, however, is that De Beers paid its workers their full salaries during mine shutdowns.)
It's unclear if the writer is giving this tidbit as an explanation for how Alrosa might have surpassed De Beers, though this doesn’t appear to be the case as the two statements aren’t linked together in the story.
We asked De Beers spokeswoman Lynette Gould what De Beers had to say about this article, and here’s her response.
“No, it’s not correct,” she said when asked if Alrosa has surpassed De Beers in terms of being the world’s largest diamond producer.
She went on to say that she believes this statement stemmed from a “misunderstanding that De Beers production is ‘down 90 percent’ which, although true for the first quarter because Debswana was closed for most of that, is misleading if they think that production for the full year is down 90 percent."
Gould said De Beers plans to reduce its 2009 production by more than 50 percent (more than 25 million carats) versus 2008, noting, “This could be increased if trading conditions merit it.”
In any case, it's an article that certainly got the industry talking, and the issue of which companies are gaining on De Beers--which is no longer the undisputed king of the diamond jungle--is worth keeping an eye on in the future.
The Latest
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.