Latest news with #DeBeersGroup
Fashion Value Chain
19-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Tanishq Launches Diamond Expertise Centre with De Beers
Tanishq, India's leading jewellery brand, has partnered with De Beers Group to introduce the Tanishq Diamonds Expertise Centre — a pioneering initiative designed to revolutionize diamond retail by placing knowledge, trust, and transparency at the forefront of the buying experience. This in-store centre empowers customers to evaluate natural diamonds using cutting-edge technology, addressing a long-standing need for clarity and assurance in diamond purchasing. Through this initiative, Tanishq is reshaping how diamonds are understood and chosen, ensuring that every customer engages with the gem's brilliance, authenticity, and craftsmanship on their own terms. The centre uses five advanced tools to assess key diamond characteristics such as light performance, origin, inclusions, and laser markings. Tools like Lightscope and SynthDetect offer scientific insights into a diamond's sparkle and authenticity, eliminating ambiguity from the buying process. By making gemological data visually accessible and easy to understand, Tanishq ensures customers make informed, confident decisions. The launch was celebrated with a gala in Mumbai attended by over 150 guests, including celebrities Sushmita Sen, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sapna Pabbi. Guests explored Tanishq's signature collections including Ethereal Wonders and Radiance In Rhythm, the latter of which debuted at Paris Couture Week. The evening culminated in a striking fashion showcase, presenting the evolution of Tanishq's craftsmanship and design legacy. Ajoy Chawla, CEO of Tanishq, Titan Company Ltd., remarked, 'This launch sets a new standard in diamond retail. We're committed to making diamond buying transparent, educational, and empowering through real-time data and expert guidance.' Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, De Beers India, added, 'This collaboration is a milestone in creating an authentic diamond experience — one that is real, rare, and responsible. With advanced tech now in stores, we aim to build lasting trust and elevate the natural diamond journey for Indian consumers.'
CBC
27-06-2025
- General
- CBC
'Hard to comprehend': Inspector flags widespread fuel staining, spills near Gahcho Kué Mine
Social Sharing A recent inspection of the Margaret Lake camp near Gahcho Kué Mine found the site "in disarray," according to an N.W.T. resource officer. In an inspection report from June 19, an officer with the department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) found the camp had significant hydrocarbon staining — meaning, petroleum or natural gas marks — on roadsides, open areas and around buildings, and that garbage had piled up around the site. "It was apparent while on approach to the site via helicopter that the condition of the site was in disarray!" inspector Tom Bradbury wrote in the report. "It was hard to comprehend the sheer amount of hydrocarbon staining and spillage observed throughout the site without having completed the inspection!" De Beers Group operates the mine, and one of their contractors, Nuna Logistics, manages the Margaret Lake camp. It's around 40 kilometres northwest of Gahcho Kué mine, and Nuna Logistics uses it to build and maintain the winter road that connects the mine to the Tibbitt to Contwoyto winter road. Bradbury wrote that site staff are not doing enough to prevent or clean up spills or to remove scrap materials. He pointed to extensive spillage near the spur road, which he said had a strong odour. He said there seemed to be a lack of attention and action in preventing and cleaning up leaks. He added there was a lot of scrap material and miscellaneous waste piles that should have been removed during the winter road season. He has directed De Beers and Nuna to submit regular reports with photos and data over the summer. If the companies don't take proper steps, they could face fines of up to $100,000. Bradbury said a follow-up inspection would be conducted at the site at the end of the summer. In an email to CBC, ECC wrote that a thorough cleanup should address most of the staining and waste piles, but better fuel handling is needed going forward. Internal investigation A De Beers spokesperson said in an email they take this matter seriously, and that "the protection of the land and water where we operate is of the utmost importance." De Beers wrote they have initiated an internal investigation and instructed Nuna Logistics to address the situation. Jarda Slavik, Nuna's president and chief operating officer, said the site condition does not reflect their high environmental standards. "We will be developing a plan to actively remediate the contaminated areas … and will take immediate corrective action," Slavik wrote in an email. Concern from Indigenous governments Ernest Betsina, chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, said he's "surprised and disturbed" by the inspection report. He said he thinks both companies should have acted sooner. Betsina said he is concerned for future land use as well. He said better land use practices are expected from mining companies so they can continue to use the land after the mines are gone. "The land has to be brought back to its original state or close to its original state," he said. Betsina said the First Nation will also follow up with De Beers and Nuna to ensure proper cleanup. Brett Wheler is the senior adviser with the Tłı̨chǫ Government's department of culture and lands protection. In an email, he said it is good to see the land use inspector's diligence in documenting these issues and requiring immediate remedial actions from the company, but he said the Tłı̨chǫ Government expects the companies to take steps to protect the land. If the land is impacted, he said the companies should take urgent action to remediate.
Fashion Value Chain
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Value Chain
Arjun & Myra Rampal Celebrate Fatherhood with Diamonds
This Father's Day, De Beers Group brings forth a heartfelt tribute to the evolving father-daughter dynamic through an intimate campaign featuring actor Arjun Rampal and his daughter Myra Rampal. Titled 'She Raised Me Too,' the campaign captures the nuances of modern fatherhood — where love, trust, and individuality flourish in equal measure. The campaign centers around a symbolic moment: Myra's second ear piercing, adorned with a natural diamond solitaire, representing self-expression, independence, and shared growth. What once was considered a sign of rebellion now becomes a celebration of autonomy, with fathers like Arjun proudly supporting their daughters' choices. 'She's always been her own person,' shares Arjun. 'But what's beautiful is how she lets me be part of her journey — not just as a dad, but as a friend, a student, and sometimes, a little lost until she shows me the way.' In a tender reel titled 'Raising Dads', the duo reflects on the ways daughters shape their fathers — from decoding nude lipstick shades to understanding emotional space. It ends with a heartfelt gesture: Arjun gifting Myra natural diamonds for her piercing, turning a moment of choice into one of cherished memory. The campaign, launched via @HeeraHaiSadaKeLiye on Instagram, highlights De Beers' ethos of capturing personal milestones through natural diamonds — eternal tokens of love, legacy, and transformation. This Father's Day, De Beers invites families to celebrate love that evolves, sparkles, and grows — naturally.
NDTV
13-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Is The Lab-Grown Diamond Era Over?
Are diamonds really forever? South African and British diamonds corporation, De Beers Group announced its decision to close its lab-grown diamonds (LGD) brand, Lightbox in May 2025. This has led to a shift of focus back to the OG natural diamonds within the industry and consumers. While a girl's got to know all about her diamonds, but if you are living under a rock, LGDs are chemically produced diamonds that look just like naturally mined diamonds but cost a fraction of the latter. View this post on Instagram A post shared by De Beers (@debeersofficial) According to Statista (Statista is a global data and business intelligence platform that specialises in compiling, gathering and visualising statistics and market research data), this move by De Beers is in sharp contrast to the lab-grown diamonds industry steadily growing over the past decade. However, in a statement released in their official website the company highlighted that Lightbox's LGD's have seen a fall in prices by 90 per cent at wholesale, since the brand's inception back in 2018. Given this stark drop in prices and the resultant decline in market, the company has decided to discontinue the brand. This strategic move by the leading diamonds producer now shifts their attention back to natural diamonds. In an official statement by De Beers, it was made clear that this will lead to streamlining the business and concentrating energies towards high-return operations instead. Given this turn in the industry, NDTV spoke to De Beers Group, industry experts and other brands in the business to understand their take on the fall of lab-grown diamonds and the resultant resurgence of naturally mined diamonds. De Beers's Comment On Rolling Back Its Lab Grown Diamond Line, Lightbox Amit Pratihari, MD, De Beers India, spoke to NDTV, "The proposed closure of the Lightbox business reflects a key executional milestone in De Beers Group's Origins Strategy, as set out in May 2024, to focus on high-return activities and streamline the business. The closure will enable De Beers Group to reallocate investment to initiatives focused on reinvigorating desire for natural diamonds through category marketing." He further said, "As we move towards becoming a standalone company, we continue to optimise our business, reduce costs and build a focused De Beers that is positioned for profitable growth." It was conclusively added by the diamonds giant, "The planned closure of Lightbox reflects our commitment to natural diamonds. We are also excited at the growing commercial potential for synthetic diamonds in the technology and industrial space." De Beers Group's Take On Their Strategic Move Towards Focusing On Natural Diamonds Amit Pratihari highlighted the De Beers Group India's view, "The De Beers Group's strategic move to close its lab-grown diamond ("LGD") jewellery brand, Lightbox, reinforces De Beers Group's commitment to natural diamonds in the jewellery sector." He further told NDTV, "Natural diamonds, in that context, become more than adornment in India. They become symbols of support, of acknowledgment, of love that adapts and evolves. By linking this deeply personal rite of passage to the timelessness of diamonds, we aimed to elevate the moment - and remind people that diamonds can be everyday expressions of meaning, not just occasion-driven luxuries." Did Falling Prices Make De Beers Close Down Their Lab Grown Diamonds Line? Industry Experts Weigh In Mr. Ankur Daga, Founder and CEO, Angara (Angara is a US based fine jewellery with a 300-year gemstone legacy that has entered the Indian market with a digital first direct-to-customer market to reshape the luxury jewellery industry) told NDTV, "De Beers' exit needs to be seen through the right lens." To throw light on the renowned diamonds industry giant he added, "When they launched Lightbox in 2018, which was the same year when the U.S. FTC officially declared lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds in line with which their strategy was to position lab-grown diamonds as fashion or fun jewellery, while keeping natural diamonds for "serious" milestones. But over time, that divide didn't hold." The perspective of the consumers was also brought forth by Ankur Daga, "They didn't see them as separate categories. But they saw two options that looked the same, felt the same, and were chemically identical. Without a pricing or scale advantage in the lab-grown segment, it made sense for them to double down on what drives their core business." Putting a fair point of view across he added, "That said, their exit isn't a reflection of the lab-grown category's health. If anything, lab-grown has never been stronger. It's simply that the market evolved faster than a legacy brand could adapt. This is a space where nimble, consumer-first brands, especially in the D2C space, are leading the way." Richa Singh, MD, India and Middle East, Natural Diamond Council offers a contrasting opinion on the closing down of lab De Beers's lab grown diamonds line, "The closure of Lightbox marks a clear inflection point in the diamonds industry. When De Beers launched the brand, the intent was to create a visible distinction between lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) and natural diamonds, positioning LGDs as a lower-priced option for less significant, everyday moments." However, this saw a change, "As the prices for LGDs have fallen by nearly 90 percent, the category has been challenged not just economically, but in terms of consumer perception. This shift has made it increasingly clear that in a market where consumer trust and clarity matter more than ever, natural diamonds continue to hold their place as heirlooms, memory carriers, and investments with meaning." Is The De Beers Case A Model Of How The Industry Is Functioning? Richa Singh further agreed that this will be a model of how the diamonds industry will function at large, "Yes, the De Beers decision is indicative of broader shifts within the diamonds industry. As consumer expectations evolve, there is a renewed emphasis on transparency, traceability, and intrinsic value. The closure of Lightbox was not simply a financial decision; it underlined the growing divide between short-term alternatives and enduring legacy. This development reinforces what discerning consumers have always known: that natural diamonds, with their rarity, cultural significance, and emotional depth, offer something that cannot be replicated. Their value lies not just in the product, but in what they represent over time." Ankur Daga on the contrary is of another opinion, "Not at all. Across the global jewellery industry, lab-grown diamonds are gaining ground rapidly, not as a 'fashion' offshoot, but as a core category. Today, most mainstream jewellers, especially in the U.S., offer both lab-grown and natural diamonds side by side. The only exceptions are ultra-luxury houses that focus exclusively on natural stones due to their high price points." He further told NDTV, "So while De Beers stepped away, the rest of the industry has embraced lab-grown (diamonds). Not as a niche, but as a growth engine, one that's bringing aspirational fine jewellery to a far wider audience than ever before." Are Natural Diamonds Regaining Their Charm? Richa Singh is all in for natural diamonds regaining their old charm. She tells NDTV, "The association between natural diamonds and emotional milestones is not only growing stronger but also becoming deeply personal. Today, one in every three women is choosing to buy a diamond for herself. This shift reflects a powerful cultural evolution, where women are not waiting to be gifted diamonds, but are claiming them as expressions of self-worth, independence, and celebration. They are not just adornments. They are heirlooms in the making." Ankur gave NDTV an alternative perspective which points towards a no real move back towards the natural diamonds. "There's no real data to suggest that natural diamonds are regaining charm in a way that reflects a broad market shift. In fact, the momentum clearly lies with lab-grown diamonds, which are growing significantly faster in retail sales, both globally and in India. That's not to say natural diamonds don't have their place. They still hold emotional value for many, particularly when heritage or tradition is part of the story. But the idea that women are uniformly returning to natural diamonds for milestone moments doesn't hold up to market reality." The Effect Of Circling Back To Natural Diamonds In The Face Of Easy On The Pocket Lab grown Ones? The move to and fro between natural diamonds and lab grown ones has polarised the industry. According to Ankur Daga, "Honestly, I don't think there is a pendulum swinging back. That narrative keeps coming up, but if you look at the numbers, they tell a very different story." Richa Singh is of the opinion, "The love for natural diamonds stems from something deeper, the emotional and intrinsic value they uniquely hold. Formed over millions of years, they are rare, real, and carry a lasting significance that simply cannot be replicated." Market Trends And Future Outlook. Are Customers Moving Towards Buying Lab Grown Diamonds Or The Natural Ones? Ankur Daga clearly mentions their customer's preference towards lab grown diamonds, "Our customers are clearly moving toward lab-grown diamonds. If you fast-forward five to 10 years, I believe we'll see lab-grown account for 80 percent of centre stones in engagement rings, up from just 2% in 2018 and 55% today. That number will plateau eventually, simply because it's already a majority, but the direction is very clear." Richa Singh gives NDTV a contrasting view. "Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are fundamentally different. One is a billion-year-old legacy, shaped by the earth and time. The other is a mass produced, created in a matter of weeks. While they may appear visually similar, the differences in origin, rarity, and intrinsic value set them apart." She further added, "No two pieces are alike, similar to fingerprints making each one as unique and one-of-a-kind just like yours." Industry Experts Take On Luxury Diamonds Market Trends Frankly, different sections of the diamonds industry have different opinions on this matter. Ankur Daga told NDTV, "We're seeing a major shift in how luxury in jewellery is expressed. Thanks to lab-grown, larger diamonds have become much more accessible, and that's giving people the freedom to explore bolder styles. You'll start to see more people wearing two-, three, even four-carat diamonds, not because they've suddenly changed their taste, but because it's now within reach." Richa Singh said on the question the market trends (rephrase this), "India has always been the soul of the diamond world, from being the first home of diamonds to leading the global cutting and polishing trade. Today, it continues to shape the future of fine jewellery." She further added, "The future of luxury lies at the intersection of tradition and individuality and that's where natural diamonds shine." Industry Insider's Take On If 'Diamonds Are Forever'? Ankur Daga who helms Angara is of the opinion, "Yes. Diamonds are forever, but not just natural ones. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical, and increasingly, they carry the same emotional significance. And I'd say coloured gemstones are equally forever. They're becoming modern heirlooms; deeply personal, versatile, and in many cases, appreciating in value." Richa Singh agrees that diamonds are certainly forever and are a symbol of love and bonds that make their heirloom worthy, "Natural diamonds carry a history that spans billions of years. Even the youngest among them predates the dinosaurs by over 40 million years. Formed deep within the Earth, each diamond is entirely unique, like a fingerprint of nature. That individuality mirrors every relationship we cherish. Their journey to the surface is one of strength and resilience, making them powerful symbols of enduring love and connection." She further added, "They're not just timeless, they're deeply personal, memory carriers that evolve with us and endure beyond us." Conclusive Take: Is The Era Of Lab Grown Diamonds Over? Just like the rest, the industry opinion is divided on this pivotal question too. But Ankur Daga kept his take short and sweet, "Far from it. It's only just beginning." Richa Singh, on the contrary, said, "For those of us who are passionate advocates of natural diamonds, this moment is not about competing origins but about deeper meaning. Consumers today are choosing fewer, better things; pieces that carry emotional weight, generational value, and a story worth telling." So, who is to say whether the era of lab grown diamonds is over or not? Opinions remain divided and only time will tell.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
De Beers launches ‘Ombré Desert Diamonds' jewellery beacon and ‘Origin, De Beers Group' polished diamonds
LAS VEGAS, US - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 June 2025 - De Beers Group today unveiled compelling new downstream propositions focused on driving desire for natural diamonds as a category and on differentiating polished diamonds sourced from De Beers Group. At the annual JCK Las Vegas Show – the largest jewellery event in the global calendar – De Beers Group revealed its first 'beacon' product (a jewellery concept that enables various industry businesses to participate in a category marketing idea) in over a decade. The Ombré Desert Diamonds initiative draws inspiration from the desert landscapes from which many natural diamonds originate. These environments bring to life an array of colours, from warm whites to champagne tones and amber hues. Inspired by the rarity and authenticity of these precious stones, the Ombré Desert Diamonds beacon introduces a fresh, emotionally resonant way of evoking the enduring beauty and value of natural diamonds. De Beers Group beacons, which have previously included the eternity ring and three-stone ring, are focused on driving desire for natural diamond jewellery by introducing new emotionally compelling retail propositions. At the JCK Show, De Beers Group unveiled new design concepts as part of the Ombré Desert Diamonds beacon including multi-stone ombre designs. Retailers across the industry will have the opportunity to participate in the programme. To support the success of Ombré Desert Diamonds, De Beers Group is investing significantly in media and digital campaigns to drive consumer demand at the point of sale. De Beers Group will also be making marketing collateral available to beacon participants. Alongside the new beacon product, the business also formally launched Origin, De Beers Group. First unveiled at the 2024 JCK Show, Origin, De Beers Group is a new branded polished diamond offering designed to enable retailers to tell the individual stories of natural diamonds sourced by De Beers Group, strengthening the connection between a diamond and the individual who wears it. As a loose polished diamond programme, Origin, De Beers Group will enable consumers to explore the details of their diamond's country of origin and journey through the value chain, supported by the Tracr blockchain platform. Moreover, consumers will be able to access a range of information about their unique purchase, including its rarity score and the social impact programmes it has supported. Origin, De Beers Group will provide retailers with advanced digital tools, enhancing consumer engagement through seamless access to provenance information and brand storytelling. Origin, De Beers Group will provide consumers with the opportunity to purchase diamonds sourced from De Beers Group with enhanced assurance, reinforcing their ethical provenance as part of the marketing mix. During its keynote presentation at the JCK Show, De Beers Group also provided a series of updates on its delivery against other areas of its Origins strategy. In the upstream, De Beers Group highlighted progress across its asset portfolio, with the completion of all airborne geophysical surveying in Angola representing a key recent milestone in its exploration activities. In the midstream, De Beers Group reiterated it is doubling down on its commitment to traceability. Earlier this year, the business announced that single country of origin data is now available on Tracr and DiamondProof was launched in US retail stores. Both announcements reflect De Beers Group's focus on leveraging technology to provide an enhanced consumer proposition by connecting diamonds to their source. In the synthetics space, De Beers Group announced the first production of technology diamonds from its Element Six Oregon Centre. This is a key milestone in Element Six's $130 million investment in its Portland, Oregon facility, and its progress with synthetic diamond technology solutions for industrial use. Theannouncement follows De Beers Group's communication of its plans to close its Lightbox lab-grown diamond jewellery business. Al Cook, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group, said: 'One year on from announcing our Origins strategy, we have made fast and meaningful progress in delivering our vision. We have met every target that we announced back in 2024. Every part of De Beers is evolving to create lasting value, benefitting shareholders, the industry and consumers. The launch of our first beacon in over a decade marks an exciting new era in showcasing the magic of natural diamonds, while Origin, De Beers Group connects people with the powerful stories behind natural diamonds – the communities they help support, the landscapes they come from, and the meaningful impact they create. With innovation across the value chain – from provenance to synthetic diamond technology – De Beers is reinforcing its leadership in an evolving marketplace.' De Beers Group also reinforced its commitment to sustainability, in line with its Building Forever programme, with key advancements in renewable energy. Recent agreements, including Namdeb's partnership with Namibia's NamPower, and Debswana's collaboration with Botswana Power Corporation, pave the way for increased renewable energy integration across the De Beers Group business. De Beers Group also confirmed that Envusa Energy has commissioned on its renewable energy projects in South Africa, set to power Venetia Mine from 2026.
