EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
SourcingNov 17, 2020
De Beers Group Shuffles Departments with Focus on Social Responsibility
The diamond company is combining its marketing and sustainable impact teams.
London—De Beers Group is shuffling up some of its key departments in an effort to show the diamond mining and jewelry company is focused on promoting its corporate social responsibility measures.
The London-based diamantaire is combining its “Consumer & Brands” team with its “Corporate Affairs” team into a new group called “Brands & Consumer Markets.”
The new department combines brand marketing with social purpose, De Beers explained, underlining the importance today’s consumer gives to shopping with companies that align with their values.
The Brands & Consumer Markets group will showcase the “beauty of a De Beers diamond and the beauty of its story,” per a press release.
This means a number of De Beers execs find themselves in new roles.
Stephen Lussier, chairman of De Beers Jewellers and chairman of Forevermark, in charge of De Beers’ consumer business long-term vision, sees his previous position as executive vice president of consumer and brands shift into executive vice president of consumer markets.
Lussier remains on the De Beers Group Executive Committee, as does David Prager, previously executive vice president of corporate affairs, who is now executive vice president and chief brand officer at De Beers.
Prager is tasked with De Beers’ marketing, showcasing its sustainability practices and commitment to creating a positive impact for people and the planet under the umbrella of a new program, called “Building Forever.”
Joining Prager in the development of the sustainability initiative, Building Forever, is Katie Fergusson.
Previously, Fergusson was senior vice president of social impact. Now, she is senior vice president of sustainable impact.
Feriel Zerouki, formerly senior vice president of international relations and ethical initiatives, is now senior vice president of corporate affairs.
Feriel and her team will be responsible for creating ethical and sustainable value chains, as well as international relations, industry engagement and corporate and employee communications.
Feriel built De Beers’ “Best Practice Principles,” a pipeline assurance program, as well as GemFair, as part of its efforts to bolster human rights in the artisanal mining community.
Colby Shergalis, former senior vice president of group brand in London and vice president of marketing and communications at Forevermark, is now senior vice president of brand marketing.
Shergalis has created consumer-facing campaigns for De Beers Group and Forevermark, and even “A Diamond is Forever” through her previous agency.
Now, Shergalis will focus on advertising that underscores social responsibility.
Lastly, Martha Velando, who joined De Beers in 2020 as Forevermark CEO, has now been
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
appointed to senior vice president of global marketing.
She will head up the global marketing team emphasizing consumer communication throughout their entire diamond purchasing journey.
Previously, Velando was a senior marketer for companies like Yves Saint Laurent, Lancôme, Kiehl’s and Victoria’s Secret while working for P&G, L’Oreal and Coty.
The executives will work closely with De Beers Jewellers CEO Céline Assimon and Forevermark CEO Nancy Liu.
De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver commented: “As new generations of consumers look to express not just their love, but their values, through the purchases they make for others and the things they buy for themselves, the transformation and appointments we have announced reflect our conviction that compelling and meaningful brands will shape the future of diamonds.
“The combination of Stephen’s unparalleled experience in the diamond industry, Nancy and Céline’s leadership of Forevermark and De Beers Jewellers respectively and our new holistic brand team that will bring together our efforts to protect, lend purpose to and promote our brands under David’s leadership, will deliver purpose-led and growth-focused propositions for our partners.”
She will head up the global marketing team emphasizing consumer communication throughout their entire diamond purchasing journey.
Previously, Velando was a senior marketer for companies like Yves Saint Laurent, Lancôme, Kiehl’s and Victoria’s Secret while working for P&G, L’Oreal and Coty.
The executives will work closely with De Beers Jewellers CEO Céline Assimon and Forevermark CEO Nancy Liu.
De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver commented: “As new generations of consumers look to express not just their love, but their values, through the purchases they make for others and the things they buy for themselves, the transformation and appointments we have announced reflect our conviction that compelling and meaningful brands will shape the future of diamonds.
“The combination of Stephen’s unparalleled experience in the diamond industry, Nancy and Céline’s leadership of Forevermark and De Beers Jewellers respectively and our new holistic brand team that will bring together our efforts to protect, lend purpose to and promote our brands under David’s leadership, will deliver purpose-led and growth-focused propositions for our partners.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
