ALROSA – Page 22 – The Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA)

Shift to Larger Diamonds Boosts Alrosa

Alrosa’s sales increased in the third quarter amid stronger demand and a move toward larger diamonds, the miner reported.

Revenue from rough stones rose 12% year on year to $949 million for the three months ending September 30, the Russian company said Monday. While sales volume fell 11% to 6.7 million carats, the average price grew 26% to $142 per carat. Prices have climbed 5.2% since the beginning of the year on a like-for-like basis, it added.

“Average realised prices for rough, gem quality diamonds grew, driven by both general demand growth and a higher share of large diamonds,” the miner explained.

Meanwhile, polished-diamond sales surged 83% to $24.1 million.

Production grew 2% to 10.5 million carats during the quarter as the miner increased ore processing at its Jubilee pipe, and raised output at the Udachny and Severalmaz divisions.

In the first nine months of the year, revenue from rough stones improved 9% to $3.59 billion, and polished revenue increased 9% to $74 million. By volume, sales for the period fell 9% to 29.1 million carats. Production dropped 11% to 26.4 million carats due to the shutdown of the miner’s Mir asset and the termination of open-pit mining at the Udachnaya pipe, Alrosa said.

Alrosa has offered some of its inventory for sale over the past year to offset the lower production. As a result, its stockpiles have decreased 11% to 15.5 million carats as of September 30, compared with a year earlier.

Alrosa maintained its forecast of an 8% decline in production to 36.6 million carats this year, compared with 39.6 million carats last year.

Image: Rough diamonds on a grader’s table. (Alrosa)

Source: diamonds.net

ALROSA Uncovers Largest Yellow Diamond Find So Far This Year

ALROSA subsidiary JSC Almazy Anabara has recovered a 28.59 carat rough diamond of deep greenish yellow hue the biggest yellow found so far this year.

ALROSA said that following an appraisal, the color of the stone has been determined as fancy intense yellow.

The diamond, discovered at Ebelyakh placer deposit in July, has dimensions of 11.40 x 19.00 x 17.50 mm, and has “insignificant colorless inclusions on the surface,” the miner said.

“This stone is unique because nature seemed to have prepared it for cutting in advance and gave it a pear-like shape,” said Evgeny Agureev, a Member of the Executive committee, and Director of the United Selling Organization of ALROSA.

The United Selling Organization and the company’s cutting division, DIAMONDS ALROSA, have yet to study the diamond and decide whether to auction it as a rough stone or to cut and polished it.

The Almazy Anabara is a leader in producing fancy colored stones. In 2017, it produced a 27.85 carat pure pink diamond the largest pink stone in ALROSA’s history, and a large 34.17 carat vivid yellow diamond.

ALROSA plans to focus its cutting division on the processing of large and colored diamonds and the subsequent sales. Starting this year, ALROSA has been sorting colored diamonds according to a new technology, that includes almost all hues and color grades. Most of these diamonds are processed by DIAMONDS ALROSA the company’s polished diamond unit.

ALROSA produces at least 7,000 carats of colored diamonds per year. In September, it held a True Colors auction in Hong Kong, where it showcased a collection of 250 diamonds of different shapes and hues. The company said it plans to run such auctions regularly.

Source: IDEX

ALROSA To Hold Auction Of Large Diamonds In Israel

Alrosa the world’s largest diamond miner, will hold an auction for the sale of special size rough diamonds weighing over 10.8 carats in Israel from August 19 to September 6.

The company will auction 202 gem quality rough diamonds with a total weight of 3,165 carats. About 100 companies from Israel, Belgium, India, Hong Kong and Russia were invited to participate in the auction.

“The end of summer is traditionally a good time for auctions the demand for rough diamonds is growing. It is also relevant for Israel where our goods are always in demand and most local companies specialize in large size rough diamonds. According to all these factors we made changes to our plans and increased the number of stones for the sale. Now we look forward to a high demand for our diamonds and good results of the auction,” said Evgeny Agureev, a Member of the Executive committee, Director of the USO ALROSA.

Under Russian law, diamonds of special sizes weighing over 10.8 carats can only be sold at auctions.

ALROSA will hold another auction in Israel in November.

Source: IDEX Online

Mouawad Group Buys 51.38 Carat Dynasty Diamond From ALROSA

The Mouawad Group has acquired the 51.38 carat Dynasty diamond, the central diamond in a collection offered for sale by ALROSA.

The total revenue from the sale of the Dynasty collection amounted to about $10 million.

Fred and Pascal Mouawad, co-guardians of the jewelry firm, said: “We’re very proud of this important acquisition. We will add it to our repertoire of historic diamonds. What attracted us to the Dynasty is not only its exceptional quality but the transparency of its history and the fact it’s the largest and most valuable diamond ever sold by ALROSA. It’s a rare gem with a remarkable record.”

ALROSA sold the Dynasty diamond at a public auction on its electronic trading platform on August 2. The miner said that the Dynasty stone, a traditional round brilliant-cut diamond, D color, VVS1 clarity was the best quality large diamond ever manufactured in Russia, and also the most expensive stone ever sold by ALROSA.

The Dynasty collection consisted of five diamonds manufactured from a 179-carat rough diamond. It took a year and a half to create the collection which was manufactured by the firm’s cutting and polishing division.

ALROSA held the first auction for the sale of the collection last November where four of the five stones were sold with final prices coming in at about 30% over reserve prices on average, the miner said.

Source: IDEX

Russia’s Alrosa says diamonds sales at $559.5 million in March

Russia’s diamond miner Alrosa said on Tuesday that its sales of rough and polished diamonds totaled $559.5 million in March.

There was a slight seasonal cooling off in demand in March,” Alrosa Deputy CEO Yury Okoemov said, according to a company statement.

Alrosa’s total diamond sales in the first quarter 2018 amounted to $1.606 billion, the company said.

Diamond Producers Association launches India operations

The Diamond Producers Association announced the launch of their operations in the country to build confidence among consumers.

India polishes 85 90 percent of the diamonds today accounts for only seven percent of the global polished diamond consumption. DPA believe this is a huge opportunity to build the India market by promoting the integrity and reputation of diamonds and ensuring the sustainability of the industry.

DPA has reached out to 3,000 retailers and will offer training and education in diamonds. DPA will expand training across the country.

The DPA is an alliance between ALROSA, De Beers, Dominion Diamond, Gem Diamonds, Lucara Diamond, Petra Diamonds and Rio Tinto. These are the leading diamond miners globally. Which together produce over 75 percent of the world’s rough diamond production.

DPA is also working with the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council to build trade relationships and best trade practices.

July, 2017February, 2025

Yellow Diamond

A yellow diamond is a coloured diamond characterised by its natural yellow body colour. Yellow must be the predominant colour in the diamond, though it can be modified by other hues, such as green, orange, or brown, which can influence the overall appearance of the stone.

Key Characteristics of Yellow Diamonds
Colour Origin:

The yellow colour in diamonds is primarily caused by the presence of nitrogen atoms within the diamond’s crystal structure. These nitrogen atoms absorb blue light, which results in a yellowish hue. The more nitrogen present, the more intense the yellow colour can become.
This unique characteristic makes yellow diamonds distinct from other coloured diamonds, such as blue diamonds, which gain their colour from the presence of boron.
Colour Variations:

While yellow diamonds are often uniformly yellow, the shade and intensity of the yellow can vary widely. Some may show a subtle, faint yellow, while others exhibit a vibrant, rich yellow that is striking and eye-catching.
The yellow can sometimes be modified by secondary hues. For instance, greenish-yellow diamonds might show a yellow-green tinge, while brownish-yellow diamonds can appear more earthy or muted. These variations in colour can affect the diamond’s overall value and appeal.
Canary Diamonds:

The term “canary diamond” refers to a particularly vivid, intense yellow diamond. These diamonds are much rarer than the more common yellow diamonds, and their colour can range from brilliant lemon yellow to golden hues.
Canary diamonds are highly prized in the market for their bright, vibrant appearance and often fetch higher prices due to their rarity and striking colour.
Rarity and Availability:

Natural yellow diamonds are relatively common compared to some other coloured diamonds, like pink or blue diamonds. However, the intensity and depth of the yellow colour can influence the rarity and desirability of a diamond.
Yellow diamonds are found in several regions around the world, including Africa, Australia, and South America.
Grading Yellow Diamonds:

Like all diamonds, yellow diamonds are graded on a combination of colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. However, when grading coloured diamonds, the hue, tone, and saturation are the primary focus.
Hue refers to the primary colour of the diamond (in this case, yellow), tone refers to the lightness or darkness of the colour, and saturation measures the intensity of the colour. A high saturation, deep yellow diamond will generally be more valuable than a pale or less saturated one.
The most sought-after yellow diamonds have a vivid yellow hue with high saturation and a pleasing, even colour distribution throughout the stone.
Symbolism and Use:

Yellow diamonds are often associated with happiness, wealth, and success due to their vibrant, sunny appearance. They can also symbolise optimism and joy, making them a popular choice for engagement rings, jewellery, and special gifts.
Due to their striking appearance, yellow diamonds are often used in high-end jewellery, where their bold colour can stand out and create a dramatic effect.
Price and Market Appeal:

The price of yellow diamonds can vary significantly depending on factors like colour intensity, clarity, and size. Vivid yellow diamonds, particularly those with a deep, rich hue, tend to fetch higher prices due to their rarity and the high demand in the luxury market.
However, the relative abundance of yellow diamonds compared to other coloured diamonds like pink or blue means they are often more affordable than rarer varieties.

Yellow diamonds are a beautiful and unique variety of coloured diamonds, with their colour arising from the presence of nitrogen in their crystal structure. While yellow diamonds are relatively common, those with intense yellow hues, such as canary diamonds, are rarer and more valuable. These diamonds are graded based on their hue, tone, and saturation, and are prized for their vivid and radiant appearance. They are a popular choice in fine jewellery, symbolising happiness, wealth, and success, while also offering an affordable yet striking alternative to more expensive coloured diamonds.

July, 2017February, 2025

Rough Diamond

A rough diamond is a diamond in its natural state, exactly as it is found deep within the Earth. It has not yet undergone any form of cutting, polishing, or alteration. Rough diamonds are typically irregular in shape, with a variety of textures, colours, and surface conditions, ranging from clear and transparent to opaque and coloured.

These diamonds are generally discovered in kimberlite pipes (volcanic formations) or alluvial deposits (water-worn areas), and they are extracted through a process of mining. Once found, rough diamonds are carefully sorted and graded based on their size, shape, colour, and clarity before they are sent to gem cutters for transformation into polished stones.

Key Characteristics of Rough Diamonds
Shape:

Rough diamonds are typically irregular, with shapes that can range from octahedral (two pyramidal shapes joined together) to dodecahedral (a 12-sided form). These shapes are determined by the crystal structure of the diamond and can vary widely.
The rough shape is not intended for jewellery, and the gem cutters will plan how to cut the stone based on its natural geometry to maximise yield and minimise waste.
Colour:

Rough diamonds can appear in a wide range of colours, from colourless and transparent to shades of yellow, brown, or even rare colours such as blue, green, or pink.
The final colour of the diamond will depend on its internal structure and any trace elements present in the rough material. Some rough diamonds are even tinted due to the presence of minerals or impurities.
Clarity:

In their natural form, rough diamonds may have a variety of inclusions and blemishes, such as tiny air bubbles or mineral inclusions trapped within the crystal. These internal flaws are often visible to the naked eye or under magnification, though they can be reduced or eliminated during the cutting and polishing processes.
Size:

Rough diamonds vary greatly in size, from small pebbles to large stones weighing several carats. Larger rough diamonds are often considered more valuable, especially if they possess good colour and clarity, as they can be cut into high-quality finished diamonds.
The Journey of a Rough Diamond
Extraction:

Rough diamonds are mined from the Earth, typically through open-pit mining, underground mining, or alluvial mining (searching for diamonds in riverbeds or coastal regions). Mining companies extract the rough stones from kimberlite pipes or riverbeds, often using advanced technology to locate diamond deposits deep underground.
Sorting and Grading:

Once extracted, rough diamonds are sorted based on their size, colour, clarity, and shape. Each diamond is examined to determine its potential for cutting and polishing. Some rough diamonds are too flawed or small to be cut into gem-quality stones and may be used for industrial purposes instead.
The DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia) offers rough diamond services to help classify and grade rough diamonds. They use their expertise to evaluate the quality of rough diamonds and assist in planning the best course of action for cutting and polishing.
Cutting and Polishing:

After sorting, the rough diamond is sent to skilled gem cutters, who use advanced techniques and tools to transform the stone into its finished form. The cutting process involves careful planning to maximise the yield (the amount of diamond produced from the rough stone) while aiming to enhance the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and overall appearance.
The diamond may be cut into a variety of shapes, such as round, emerald, princess, or cushion, depending on the rough stone’s shape and quality.
Grading:

Once the diamond is cut and polished, it is then graded according to the 4 Cs – Carat, Colour, Clarity, and Cut. This grade determines the diamond’s final value, and certificates from recognised laboratories such as DCLA are used to authenticate the quality of the diamond.
Uses of Rough Diamonds
Gem-quality Diamonds:

The primary use of rough diamonds is for gemstone production, where they are cut and polished into diamonds for use in engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and other high-end jewellery.
Industrial Diamonds:

Some rough diamonds, particularly those with significant imperfections, are not suitable for use in jewellery. These diamonds are used for industrial purposes, where their hardness is highly valued. Industrial diamonds are employed in applications such as cutting, grinding, drilling, and polishing, where the diamond’s extreme hardness makes it ideal for cutting or shaping other materials.

The rough diamond is the very first step in the life cycle of a diamond. Found in the earth in its natural form, it is then extracted, sorted, and carefully crafted into the sparkling gemstones that are valued in fine jewellery. Due to their rarity and the complexity of their transformation, rough diamonds represent both the mystery of nature and the skill of the craftsmen who shape them into stunning finished products.

July, 2017February, 2025

Red Diamond

A red diamond is an extremely rare and captivating coloured diamond with a natural red body colour. This distinctive hue is often considered the most rare of all diamond colours, with its unique shade being the result of an irregular crystal structure. Unlike other coloured diamonds, the red colour in red diamonds is not caused by the presence of impurities, but by specific structural defects within the crystal lattice, which affects how the diamond interacts with light.

Key Characteristics of Red Diamonds
Colour:

The red in red diamonds must be the predominant colour, and it may be modified by subtle undertones of pink or purple. These undertones add depth and complexity to the diamond’s overall appearance, creating a dynamic play of colour under different lighting conditions.
Red diamonds can range in tone from a light pinky-red to a deep, intense red, with the most prized examples exhibiting a vivid and saturated hue. The richness and intensity of the red are key factors in determining a red diamond’s rarity and value.
Colour Origin:

The distinct red colour of these diamonds is not due to traditional colouring agents like nitrogen or boron, which are often responsible for the hues of other coloured diamonds. Instead, the red colour arises from structural anomalies in the crystal lattice. These distortions cause light to bend in unique ways, giving the diamond its characteristic deep red shade.
The exact mechanism behind the creation of red diamonds is not entirely understood, which adds to their mystery and allure.
Rarity:

Natural red diamonds are the rarest of all coloured diamonds. They are so rare that they account for less than 0.1% of all natural diamonds. Their scarcity is due to the highly specific conditions required to form these diamonds. The majority of red diamonds come from a few select mines, particularly the Argyle Mine in Australia, which is one of the only sources of natural red diamonds.
As a result of their extreme rarity, red diamonds are often considered investment-grade stones, with prices escalating due to limited supply and growing demand.
Colour Grading:

The grading of red diamonds is somewhat different from other coloured diamonds. Red diamonds are typically graded on their colour saturation and intensity. Diamonds with a higher degree of vivid red colour and strong saturation are classified as fancy red diamonds, which are among the most valuable and sought-after types of coloured diamonds.
The Fancy Red classification is a coveted category, where the diamond displays a full, intense red hue with minimal interference from other colours.
Value and Investment
Investment Potential:
Due to their extreme rarity, high demand, and unique beauty, red diamonds are considered a valuable investment. As the supply of natural red diamonds continues to dwindle, especially with the closure of the Argyle Mine, prices are expected to rise steadily over time.
Red diamonds have become highly sought-after in the auction world, where they consistently fetch premium prices.

Pricing Factors:
The price of red diamonds is primarily determined by their colour quality, with the intensity and saturation of the red being the most important factors in determining value. Additionally, the size of the diamond also plays a role in its price, with larger red diamonds being exceptionally rare and significantly more expensive.

Red Diamond vs Other Coloured Diamonds
Diamond Colour Rarity Colour Tone Key Features
Red Extremely Rare Vivid Red, Deep Red Most rare, unique structural colour origin
Pink Rare Soft Pink to Vivid Pink Lighter hue, sometimes found with red undertones
Blue Rare Deep Blue to Light Blue Caused by boron, highly prized for its striking colour
Green Rare Light Green to Intense Green Natural radiation exposure causes the green hue
Yellow Common Light Yellow to Intense Yellow Caused by nitrogen, often brighter than other colours
Black Fairly Rare Deep, opaque black Intense colour, may have inclusions contributing to hue
Red Diamonds in Jewellery
Engagement Rings:

Red diamonds make a bold and captivating choice for engagement rings. Their rare and striking colour is perfect for individuals seeking something extraordinary and one-of-a-kind. When set in platinum or white gold, the red hue is often accentuated, creating a stunning contrast that is both elegant and memorable.
High-End Jewellery:

Due to their rarity and prestige, red diamonds are often featured in luxury jewellery collections and can be seen in high-end pieces, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches. Their striking appearance and scarcity make them a statement piece in any collection.
Fancy Settings:

Red diamonds are typically set in settings that showcase their vivid colour, such as halo settings (where smaller diamonds surround the central red diamond) or three-stone designs that highlight the rarity and beauty of the diamond.

The red diamond is one of the rarest and most beautiful gemstones in the world, prized for its deep, captivating red hue and its unique structural formation. With limited availability and high demand, red diamonds are not only a luxurious addition to any jewellery collection but also an investment asset. Whether used in engagement rings, necklaces, or other fine jewellery, red diamonds are a symbol of both rarity and elegance, making them one of the most sought-after coloured diamonds in the world.

July, 2017February, 2025

Point

In the diamond industry, a point is a unit of weight used to measure diamonds and other gemstones. One point is equal to one hundredth (1/100) of a carat, or 0.01 carats.

Understanding Points in Diamond Weight
Diamonds are weighed in carats (ct), with each carat divided into 100 points. This system allows for precise measurements, especially for smaller diamonds.

For example:

A 15-point diamond weighs 0.15 carats and is sometimes referred to as a “fifteen-pointer.”
A 50-point diamond weighs 0.50 carats, also called a “half-carat” diamond.
A 100-point diamond equals 1.00 carat, making it a one-carat diamond.
Why Points Matter
Precision – Points allow for highly accurate diamond weight measurement, especially for small diamonds where even minor differences in weight can affect value.
Pricing – Since diamond prices are calculated per carat, even a small difference in weight (e.g., 0.49 ct vs. 0.50 ct) can significantly impact the price.
Common Usage – Jewelers and gemologists frequently use the term “points” when referring to diamonds under one carat, as it simplifies communication of weight.
Example Diamond Sizes in Points
Points Carats Common Name
10 pts 0.10 ct Ten-pointer
25 pts 0.25 ct Quarter-carat
50 pts 0.50 ct Half-carat
75 pts 0.75 ct Three-quarter carat
100 pts 1.00 ct One-carat
While points are commonly used for diamonds below 1.00 carat, larger diamonds are generally described in carats rather than points (e.g., a 1.25-carat diamond rather than a 125-pointer).

The point system is an essential part of diamond grading and pricing, providing precise measurements that ensure accuracy in weight calculation. Whether buying or selling a diamond, understanding points can help in making informed decisions about size, value, and pricing.