RAPAPORT... With the US imposing sanctions on Alrosa and other Russian entities, there is rising concern about the impact on the diamond market, considering the vast rough supplies from the country. The following is a resource center to help the trade gain clarity on the crisis and its effects on the industry. Rapaport Trade AlertUS Department of the Treasury announces sanctions against Russi...Read More
RAPAPORT... Douglas Hucker has left his position as CEO of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) after 24 years.During his time with the organization, Hucker upped AGTA's focus on education and key issues such as treatment disclosure and the origin of gemstones, the AGTA said last week. He also formed affiliations with other industry groups, including the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO),...Read More
RAPAPORT... Hong Kong's hard-luxury market saw its weakest growth in a year as the government implemented stronger limitations on business operations during the fifth wave of Covid-19.Revenue from jewelry, watches, clocks and valuable gifts rose 7% year on year to HKD 3.61 billion ($462.7 million) in January, the municipality's Census and Statistics Department reported last week. After the categor...Read More
RAPAPORT... Alrosa has left the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) amid the fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine."The board of directors of the [NDC] has today received Alrosa's decision to suspend its membership," the council said in a statement Friday. "In suspending its membership, Alrosa has stepped down from the board and will cease all financial contributions."The NDC carries out catego...Read More
US sanctions Russia, including Alrosa and its CEO. No sanctions on doing business with Alrosa but banking system shut down. Significant supply disruptions expected to impact market. Alrosa is the largest rough producer with 2021 sales of 45.5M cts. for $4B, profits of $834M. Diamond trading robust, but sentiment weakened by economic and geopolitical uncertainty. 1 ct. RAPI +5.6% in Feb. despite co...Read More
RAPAPORT... Alrosa has voluntarily stepped down as vice chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) in light of Russia's war in Ukraine, the standards authority announced Thursday.The diamond miner will also leave the organization's board of directors temporarily, the RJC noted. The decision was "communicated" to the board during a meeting on Thursday, it added. Alrosa declined to commen...Read More
The first in a series of webinars on the future of diamonds looks at sustainability: What is it, and why does it matter?...RAPAPORT... Sustainability has emerged as a key driver of business strategy in recent years, growing from the need to protect the planet, uplift communities and ensure that products and services make a positive contribution to society. But what is driving this interest? A...Read More
RAPAPORT... Lucapa Diamond Company has upped its total revenue forecast for the Merlin mine over the next 14 years amid the increase in rough prices.The Australian miner reevaluated its outlook based on the strong demand and low supply scenario currently playing out in the market, which has led to a 42% surge in the price of rough diamonds, it said Thursday.Revenue for the life of mine will come t...Read More
RAPAPORT... Alrosa has highlighted concerns about the impact of the US's punitive measures after reporting its strongest annual earnings in five years.Revenue jumped 51% to RUB 326.97 billion ($2.99 billion) in 2021 as the diamond market recovered from the previous year's downturn, the Russian miner reported Wednesday. This drove net profit to RUB 91.32 billion ($834 million), almost triple 2...Read More
RAPAPORT... Australian miner Odessa Minerals has applied for two licenses to explore an alluvial deposit south of the defunct Argyle mine, believing it holds diamond "runoff" from the famed site.The Argyle South area is a 40-kilometer channel that carried diamonds from eroded Argyle kimberlite pipes through multiple drainage systems toward Lake Argyle, Odessa said last week. Previous exploration o...Read More