State Department and European Commission Engage Diamond Industry to Discuss Next Steps on Russian Diamonds
Today, Ambassador James O’Brien joined Deputy Director General and Chief Trade Enforcement Officer Denis Redonnet of the European Commission to discuss with the U.S. and European offices of leading diamond retailers, manufacturers, laboratories, and industry trade associations the importance of the diamond industry’s engagement on future Russia-related import measures, including on polished diamonds, as noted in the recent G7 Leaders’ Statement.
Russia continues to earn billions of dollars from the diamond trade, and the discussion centered on the most effective and impactful ways to disrupt that revenue stream.
The United States and European Union remain committed to imposing economic consequences on Russia for its unprovoked war in Ukraine.
Botswana’s finance ministry disclosed that the diamond trade in Botswana is set to fall back in 2023, due to reduced demand. This is as opposed to 2022 when Botswana’s total mining production increased by 8.2%. Botswana anticipates that the production of diamonds would fall by 1% in 2023, and growth in the diamond trade will decrease to 7%. An official from Botswana’s finance ministry stated on Wednesday that Botswana anticipates its mining sector’s production to remain flat this year as the diamond business loses its luster as a result of a decline in consumer spending and reduced demand for diamond jewelry.
In 2022, the total mining production increased by 8.2%. Although Botswana is the continent’s biggest producer of diamonds, this year’s improvements in copper and coal will not make up for the fall in this commodity.
About the majority of Botswana’s diamonds are produced by Debswana, a joint venture between the government of Botswana and De Beers, a division of Anglo American Plc (AAL.L). In 2022, production increased by 8% to 24.1 million carats.
Trading in diamonds increased 41% in the last year, with Botswana also benefiting from Western consumers avoiding Russian stones as a result of its invasion of Ukraine.
Botswana anticipates that the production of diamonds would fall by 1% in 2023 and that growth in the diamond trade will decrease to 7% from 41% in 2018.
Botswana’s finance ministry senior policy advisor, Keith Jefferis expressed the same sentiments in a statement to the American-based news agency, Reuters.
He noted that the diamond trade would face a major setback during the year, due to a slowdown in consumer demand, particularly in the USA.
He stated, “We see the diamond sector having a bit of a tough year due to an expected slowdown in consumer demand particularly in the USA, because of pressure on real income and consumption.”
High demand for coal and anticipated increases in copper mine production will somewhat offset this.
The Motheo copper mine, owned by Sandfire Resources (SFR.AX), is scheduled to begin operations this year, while the Kalahari Copperbelt’s Khoemacau copper mine is ramping up production to reach its nominal capacity of 60,000 tonnes annually.
The two active coal mines in Botswana the state-owned Morupule and Minergy’s (MIN.BT) Masama mine saw record exports in 2017 and are now considering increasing output to keep up with the country’s high demand for coal internationally.
According to forecasts from the finance ministry, the government anticipates mining royalties to decrease from 6.1 billion pula ($3.41 billion) last year to 4,5 billion pula ($3.41 billion) in 2023. The amount of dividends owed to the state would likewise decrease, from 15 billion to 11,3 billion pesos, in 2022.
Diamond Colour is one of the 4c’s used to calculated diamond value
Polished diamond prices are derived from a variety of factors, including supply and demand, the quality and characteristics of the individual diamond, and market conditions.
The prices of polished diamonds are primarily determined by the 4Cs: carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut. These factors are assessed by gemologists and other experts who evaluate the diamond’s physical properties, such as its size, colour, clarity, and overall quality of cut.
Other factors that may influence the price of polished diamonds include the type of diamond, such as whether it is a natural or lab-grown diamond, the country of origin, and the overall market conditions for diamonds. Additionally, the reputation and credibility of the seller or the dealer can also affect the price of the polished diamond.
Overall, polished diamond prices are determined by a complex combination of factors, and can fluctuate over time based on changes in supply and demand, market conditions, and other economic and industry factors. There is no single diamond price list that accurately reflects the prices of all diamonds. This is because the price of a diamond depends on a number of factors, including its size, shape, colour, clarity, and other characteristics.
That being said, there are various industry-standard diamond price lists that are commonly used as references by professionals in the diamond trade. These lists are typically based on a standardized grading system and provide price ranges for diamonds of different sizes, shapes, and quality grades.
The most commonly used diamond price list is the Rapaport Diamond Report, which provides a benchmark price for diamonds based on their 4Cs grading (carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut). However, it is important to note that the Rapaport price list only reflects the wholesale price of diamonds and may not necessarily reflect the retail price that consumers will pay.
Other diamond price lists include the International Diamond Exchange Price List, the Idex Diamond Price Report, and the Polished Prices Diamond Index, among others. These price lists may differ in their methodologies and grading systems, and the prices they list may vary slightly from one another.
Ultimately, when buying or selling a diamond, it is important to work with a reputable and knowledgeable diamond professional who can help you evaluate the diamond’s characteristics and provide you with an accurate price estimate based on current market conditions. Source: Michael Cohen DCLA
Diamond traceability refers to the ability to track the journey of a diamond from its source to the market. This includes tracing the diamond’s origin, the path it takes through the supply chain, and the ultimate destination where it is sold to consumers.
Diamond traceability is important for a number of reasons. For one, it can help ensure the ethical and sustainable sourcing of diamonds, by allowing for greater transparency and accountability in the supply chain. This can help prevent the trade of conflict diamonds, which are used to finance armed conflict and human rights abuses. Additionally, diamond traceability can help provide assurance to consumers that the diamonds they purchase are of high quality and have been sourced responsibly.
The diamond industry has established various initiatives to promote diamond traceability, including the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds, and the Responsible Jewellery Council, which sets standards for responsible sourcing practices in the industry. Additionally, some diamond producers have implemented blockchain technology to enable the secure tracking of diamonds throughout the supply chain.
Certification is another key aspect of diamond traceability. By obtaining a diamond certificate, which includes a record of the diamond’s characteristics and its journey through the supply chain, consumers can be assured that the diamond they are purchasing is of high quality and has been sourced responsibly. Overall, diamond traceability is an important aspect of the diamond industry, as it can help promote responsible sourcing practices and provide assurance to consumers about the quality and authenticity of the diamonds they purchase.
While it may not be possible for an individual to physically track a diamond from the source, certification and other industry initiatives can help ensure the ethical and sustainable sourcing of diamonds, as well as provide assurance to consumers about the quality and authenticity of the diamonds they purchase.
One technique used to determine the origin of diamonds is through the analysis of their chemical composition. Diamonds from different geographic locations can have different trace elements and isotopic compositions, which can be used to identify their origin. For example, diamonds from different mines in South Africa can have different isotopic signatures.
Another method to determine the origin of a diamond is through the use of spectroscopy, which involves analyzing the unique spectral characteristics of a diamond. This can provide clues about its origin and the geological conditions under which it formed.
It’s worth noting that while these techniques can provide clues about a diamond’s origin, they are not foolproof and may not provide a definitive answer in every case. Nonetheless, advances in technology and the diamond industry’s commitment to responsible sourcing have made it increasingly possible to track and trace diamonds from their source.
Conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, are diamonds that have been mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. These diamonds are typically mined under inhumane conditions by workers who are often forced to work in dangerous and exploitative conditions. The profits from the sale of these diamonds are then used to fund armed conflicts, which often involve violence, human rights abuses, and forced labor. This cycle of violence and exploitation is known as the “diamond curse.” To combat the trade in conflict diamonds, the international community has established the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which requires that all rough diamonds be certified as conflict-free before they can be sold on the international market. The Kimberley Process has helped to significantly reduce the trade in conflict diamonds, but concerns remain about the effectiveness of the scheme and the ongoing trade in illicit diamonds.
What percentage of diamond production are conflict diamonds The percentage of diamond production that can be considered conflict or blood diamonds has decreased significantly since the introduction of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003. According to the Kimberley Process, the percentage of conflict diamonds in the global diamond trade has fallen from approximately 15% in the 1990s to less than 1% today. However, it is important to note that some critics have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process in preventing the trade in conflict diamonds. They argue that the definition of conflict diamonds used by the Kimberley Process is too narrow, and that some diamonds mined in areas of conflict may still be entering the market through illegal channels. Furthermore, there have been reports of human rights abuses and unethical practices in diamond mining in countries that are not considered conflict zones. So while the percentage of conflict diamonds in the global diamond trade is believed to be low, it is important to remain vigilant and continue efforts to ensure that all diamonds are mined and traded ethically and responsibly.
How do i ensure the diamond i buy is conflict free To ensure that the diamond you buy is conflict-free, you should look for a diamond that has been certified as such by a reputable organization. The most widely recognized certification scheme for conflict-free diamonds is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), which was established in 2003 to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that the diamond you buy is conflict-free:
Buy from a reputable jeweller: Look for a jeweller that is committed to selling conflict-free diamonds and has a policy in place to verify the origin of their diamonds. Many jewelers are members of organizations that promote ethical and responsible diamond sourcing, such as the Responsible Jewellery Council or the Jewelers of America.
Ask for a certificate of authenticity: Ask your jeweller for a certificate of authenticity that verifies the origin of the diamond you are interested in buying. The certificate should state that the diamond is conflict-free and has been mined and traded in compliance with the Kimberley Process.
Look for laser inscriptions: Some diamonds may have a laser inscription on the girdle that indicates the origin of the diamond and its certification number. This can be a helpful way to verify the diamond’s origin and ensure that it is conflict-free.
Consider buying a lab-grown diamond: Lab-grown diamonds are an ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. They are produced in a laboratory using advanced technology and do not have the same environmental or social impacts as mined diamonds.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that the diamond you buy is conflict-free and has been mined and traded in a responsible and ethical manner.
Argyle pink diamonds are extremely rare and highly sought-after, making them some of the most valuable diamonds in the world. The Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia is the primary source of pink diamonds, and it is estimated that only 0.01% of the diamonds recovered from the mine are pink in colour, with an even smaller percentage being of the highest quality.
The Argyle mine ceased operations in 2020, which has led to speculation that the prices of pink diamonds, including argyle pink diamonds, may increase in the coming years. With the mine no longer producing new stones, the limited supply of these rare diamonds is expected to drive up demand and prices. However, like any investment, it’s important to carefully consider market trends and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions.
The largest pink argyle diamond found to date is the Argyle Pink Jubilee, which was discovered at the Argyle mine in Western Australia in 2011. The diamond weighs 12.76 carats and is a vivid pink colour, making it one of the largest and most valuable pink diamonds ever found. The Pink Jubilee was cut and polished over a period of ten months, during which time the rough diamond was studied and analyzed extensively to determine the best way to bring out its natural beauty and maximize its value. The diamond was sold at auction in 2013 for an undisclosed sum, but it is believed to have fetched a record-breaking price per carat for a pink diamond.
Red diamonds are extremely rare, even more so than pink diamonds. It is estimated that only a handful of natural red diamonds are found each year, and most of them are less than half a carat in size. Red diamonds are so rare that many jewelers and gemologists may go their entire careers without ever seeing one.
The red colour in diamonds is caused by the presence of a rare mineral which causes “graining,”, This occurs when the crystal structure of the diamond is distorted during its formation. The graining causes the diamond to absorb green light and reflect red light, resulting in a beautiful and distinctive red hue. Because of their rarity, red diamonds are among the most valuable and expensive gemstones in the world. They are highly sought-after by collectors and investors, and prices for top-quality stones can reach millions of dollars per carat at auction.
Blue diamonds are also quite rare, but not as rare as pink or red diamonds. Blue diamonds account for only about 0.02% of all diamonds mined worldwide. The blue colour in diamonds is caused by the presence of trace amounts of boron during their formation, which causes the diamond to absorb red, yellow, and green light, resulting in a blue hue.
Blue diamonds are highly prized for their unique colour and rarity, and they can command very high prices at auction. The value of a blue diamond depends on a variety of factors, including its size, colour intensity, clarity, and overall quality. Blue diamonds range in colour from pale blue to vivid blue, with the most valuable stones being those with a deep, rich blue colour.
One of the most famous blue diamonds is the Hope Diamond, which is a 45.52-carat blue diamond that is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection of natural history specimens.
The most expensive diamond ever sold is the Pink Star, a 59.60-carat oval-cut pink diamond that was sold for $71.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in 2017. The diamond, which is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), was mined in Africa in 1999 and took two years to cut and polish.
The Pink Star was originally sold at auction in 2013 for a record-breaking $83 million, but the sale was later cancelled after the buyer defaulted on the payment. The diamond was put back up for auction in 2017 and sold to a jewelry retailer in Hong Kong for $71.2 million, setting a new world record for the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction.
Yellow diamonds are not as rare as pink, red, or blue diamonds, but they are still considered rare and highly prized. Yellow diamonds are formed when nitrogen atoms are trapped in the crystal lattice structure of the diamond during its formation, causing it to absorb blue light and reflect yellow light.
The intensity of the yellow colour in a diamond can vary widely, ranging from a pale yellow or light lemon colour to a deep, intense yellow. The most valuable yellow diamonds are those with a deep, rich colour that is evenly distributed throughout the stone.
Yellow diamonds are mined in various parts of the world, including South Africa, Australia, and Canada. While yellow diamonds are not as rare as some other coloured diamonds, high-quality yellow diamonds can still command very high prices at auction, especially those with a large carat weight and intense colour.
Orange diamonds are considered rare and highly valuable. The orange colour in diamonds is caused by the presence of nitrogen and other impurities in the crystal lattice structure of the diamond, which absorb blue and green light, resulting in an orange hue.
Orange diamonds can range in colour from pale orange to a deep, vivid orange, with the most valuable stones being those with a pure and intense colour. Orange diamonds are not as commonly found as white or yellow diamonds and are considered much rarer than brown or gray diamonds.
The most famous orange diamond is the Pumpkin Diamond, a 5.54-carat fancy vivid orange diamond that was mined in South Africa. The Pumpkin Diamond was sold at auction in 1997 for over $1.3 million, and it is now part of the collection at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Group of Seven nations and the European Union are discussing ways to track Russian diamonds across borders, a move that could pave the way for restrictions on their trade in future, according to people familiar with the matter.
Previous EU attempts to sanction Russian gems have run into resistance from importer nations such as Belgium who argue that the effort would be futile because transactions will simply shift elsewhere without a mechanism to trace precious stones.
A diamond’s origin is clear at the start of the supply chain when it is issued a certificate under the Kimberley Process, which was designed to end the sale of so-called blood diamonds that financed wars. But after that they can become difficult to track.
Cut and polished stones are often intermingled at trading houses and the original certificate will be replaced with “mixed origin” documentation, making it near-impossible to keep track of where Russian diamonds are eventually sold.
The US has sanctioned the Russian mining giant, Alrosa PJSC, which accounts for about a third of the $80 billion global trade in rough diamonds. But the measures have had limited impact as much of the trade flows through other markets such as India.
The people with knowledge of the G-7 and EU discussions said a solution is not imminent, because tracing polished diamonds in a global market is extremely complicated. Still, two of the people said the G-7 could issue a statement on the matter as early as next week as part of the effort to maintain pressure on Russia as its war in Ukraine approaches the one-year mark.
Two large high-quality diamonds – each larger than 50 carats – were unearthed in Yakutia on December 2, 2022, Bankers Day, “when Russian bankers celebrated their professional holiday,” according to Rough & Polished.
The two stones were extracted at Processing Plant No. 12 from the ore mined at the Udachnaya diamond pipe. One weighs over 67 carats, while the second diamond, a type IIa, weighs more than 52 carats,
Dmitry Amelkin, Alrosa’s Strategy Director, commented: “Finding two of these rare gem-quality diamonds on one and the same day is a unique coincidence. It is symbolic that this happened precisely on the Udachnaya diamond pipe, which has been accompanied by good luck since its discovery.
Sarine Technologies has agreed to acquire a majority share in New York-based Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL) amid a push to expand in the American market.
“At the beginning of last year, we started ramping up our activities in the US,” Sarine CEO David Block told Rapaport News on Thursday. “Due to that, the discussions with regard to this [deal] ramped up along with our involvement in the US market. This [deal] should be quite a significant jump in the scope of our business in the US.”
Israel-based Sarine has signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to purchase the stake for an all-cash consideration, it announced in a statement on Wednesday. The parties plan to reach a final agreement in a few months once due diligence is complete, Block said. The companies have not disclosed the sale price or the size of the share.
GCAL will continue to offer its customers the same products and services as before the deal, and its executives will remain in charge, Sarine said.
However, while currently operating out of a single location in New York, GCAL will be able to implement Sarine’s e-Grading — an automated grading service using artificial intelligence (AI) — to develop the lab’s capabilities across the US and globally. The companies will begin integrating their technology and services even before the deal closes, Block explained. Sarine will continue to offer its services independently outside the US.
Founded in 2001 by Don Palmieri, family-owned GCAL is known for providing diamond certificates carrying a guarantee, rather than just reports that act as a description of grades. In 2021, it launched 8X, a cut-grading standard that it claims is more exacting than the industry’s triple Ex score.
“Sarine’s technologies will allow us to continue to abide by [our] key code of ethics while still expanding our services to meet the growing demand by consumers seeking confidence that their acquired products and services meet all norms of quality and sustainability,” said GCAL chief operating officer Angelo Palmieri.
Alrosa CEO Sergey Ivanov is stepping down from the position, a Russian news outlet reported.
The executive has decided to resign before the termination of his contract, according to a Google-translated version of an RBC article. He might move into a role at Volga Group, which controls gas and petrochemicals assets, the report added, citing an unnamed source.
An Alrosa spokesperson declined to comment to Rapaport News on Sunday.
Ivanov joined the Russian diamond miner in the top job in 2017, succeeding Andrey Zharkov. Earlier this year, the US named Ivanov as a sanctioned person following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
