De Beers Group extends Desert diamonds into bridal with a new palette of lighter hues

 

De Beers Group today announces the next chapter of Desert diamonds: an extension of the industry-wide beacon concept into the bridal market, bringing a fresh interpretation of natural diamond engagement and wedding jewellery through a refined spectrum of warm, nature-made hues that reflect enduring love and personal expression.

First launched to consumers in 2025 as De Beers Group’s first new beacon in over a decade, Desert diamonds is supported by De Beers’ largest category marketing investment in more than ten years. Developed to galvanise the industry around a central idea, Desert diamonds celebrates the wild, natural origin of natural diamonds and the distinctive spectrum of tones that occur in nature — from warm whites to champagne hues — offering consumers a compelling, authentic story of individuality and connection.

A natural evolution into bridal

The new bridal-focused chapter builds on the strong cultural momentum Desert diamonds has generated since launch, as warmer-toned diamonds become increasingly visible in popular culture and are worn by high‑profile figures across fashion, music and entertainment – including Bad Bunny, Doja Cat and Teyana Taylor.

This cultural momentum has also been reflected in some of the world’s most talked‑about bridal moments. Taylor Swift’s engagement ring, crafted by Kindred Lubeck, widely noted for its warm, candlelight diamond tone, has become a powerful cultural reference point for consumers.

This cultural interest has also translated into retail impact. Independent retailers who were involved in the first Desert diamonds campaign across the US reported increased foot traffic during the campaign’s initial run in 2025 and a rise in bridal‑led enquiries, with consumers increasingly interested in how these naturally warm tones could be applied to life’s most meaningful milestones — particularly engagement and wedding jewellery.

A lighter desert palette for modern bridal

Launching 13 April 2026 across the United States, Desert diamonds bridal is designed to meet growing interest in a more versatile, accessible spectrum of diamond colours — a softer, lighter desert palette that testing indicates resonates strongly with bridal audiences seeking authenticity and individuality in their choice of engagement and wedding jewellery.

The campaign will feature design archetypes including solitaire rings, three-stone rings and diamond bands and eternity-style pieces, created to highlight the natural variation and character of each stone.

An industry‑wide programme to inspire renewed desire

As with previous De Beers beacons — from the diamond bands to the tennis bracelet — Desert diamonds is designed as an industry‑wide programme with the goal of celebrating natural diamonds and reigniting consumer desire. De Beers has collaborated with over 60 designers across the industry to develop collections that interpret the desert‑inspired palette across both engagement and bridal jewellery, including Kindred Lubeck, designer of Taylor Swift’s engagement ring, with pieces available for future brides and couples to purchase.

Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands & Diamond Desirability, said: “The success of Desert diamonds has reaffirmed something we’ve long believed: today’s consumers are drawn to what is real, rare and deeply personal. By celebrating the naturally occurring beauty and individuality of natural diamonds, the campaign struck a chord culturally and at retail, inviting a new generation to reconnect with the story behind their diamond.

Extending Desert diamonds into bridal is a natural next step. When people choose an engagement or wedding ring, they’re looking for authenticity — a symbol that feels true to who they are and the love they share. With this lighter, desert‑inspired palette, we’re offering couples a diamond that reflects their own story: shaped by nature, rich in character, and unlike anything else.”

De Beers’ Desert diamonds bridal campaign is supported by an integrated marketing programme across digital, social, outdoor and experiential channels. Through evocative storytelling, the campaign brings the Desert diamonds story into the context of love and commitment, drawing parallels between the individuality of each diamond and the unique journeys of the people who wear them. The creative spotlights how every diamond is shaped by nature and time, inviting brides to celebrate a commitment that is truly their own.

Source: DCLA

World Diamond Day: The Most Valuable Diamonds Ever Sold at Auction

In recognition of World Diamond Day, we reflect on some of the most extraordinary diamonds ever offered at auction stones that not only achieved record-breaking prices but also represent the pinnacle of rarity, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.

Established by the Natural Diamond Council, World Diamond Day celebrates the enduring significance of natural diamonds, highlighting their provenance, emotional value, and the moments they commemorate. It is also an opportunity to examine the exceptional stones that continue to define the upper limits of the global diamond market.

Below is a selection of some of the most important diamonds ever sold at auction.

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The CTF Pink Star

The CTF Pink Star remains the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. This 59.60 carat oval-shaped, fancy vivid pink diamond achieved US$71.2 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2017.

Internally flawless and cut from a 132.5 carat rough discovered in 1999, the stone required over two years of meticulous planning and craftsmanship to realise its final form. It was acquired by Chow Tai Fook, setting a benchmark for coloured diamonds globally.

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The Williamson Pink Star

Achieving US$57.7 million in 2022, this 11.15 carat cushion-cut fancy vivid pink diamond is among the finest ever graded.

Originating from a 32.32 carat rough from Tanzania’s Williamson mine, it was classified as internally flawless by the Gemological Institute of America, placing it among the rarest gemstones known.

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The Oppenheimer Blue

This 14.62 carat emerald-cut vivid blue diamond sold for US$57.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2016.

Named after its former owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, the diamond drew intense global attention and was ultimately secured after a competitive international bidding process.

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The Blue Moon of Josephine

Cut from a 29.62 carat rough discovered in South Africa in 2014, this 12.03 carat fancy vivid blue diamond achieved US$48.4 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2015.

Purchased by Hong Kong collector Joseph Lau, it was renamed in honour of his daughter, further cementing its place in modern diamond history.

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The Graff Pink

This 24.78 carat fancy intense pink diamond sold for over US$46 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010.

Acquired by Laurence Graff, the stone had not appeared on the market for more than 60 years prior to its sale, adding to its provenance and desirability.

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The Princie Diamond

Selling for US$39.3 million at Christie’s New York in 2013, the Princie Diamond carries remarkable historical significance.

Originating from India’s famed Golconda mines and once owned by the Nizams of Hyderabad, the diamond reflects the rich heritage of some of the world’s most celebrated diamond sources.

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The The Orange

Weighing 14.82 carats, this pear-shaped fancy vivid orange diamond remains the largest of its kind ever recorded.

It achieved US$35.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2013, significantly exceeding pre-sale expectations and reinforcing the rarity of orange diamonds.

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The Magnificent Oval Diamond

One of the largest D-colour flawless diamonds ever to appear at auction, this 118.28 carat oval-cut stone sold for US$30.8 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2013.

Its exceptional colour and clarity grading underscore the importance of strict laboratory standards in determining value—an area where independent certification remains critical.

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A Reflection on Rarity and Value

These diamonds are more than record-breaking assets—they are geological miracles shaped over billions of years and refined through exceptional human skill. Their value lies not only in carat weight or colour grading, but in rarity, provenance, and the precision of their cutting and certification.

As World Diamond Day highlights, natural diamonds continue to occupy a unique position in both the luxury and investment landscape. For laboratories such as the Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia, the role of accurate and independent grading remains fundamental in preserving confidence and transparency within the global diamond market.

Source: DCLA

Godfather of All Watches: $1.2m Tribute to Mafia Boss

 

Jacob & Co.’s Opera Godfather Baguette is more than a luxury watch set with almost 1,100 diamonds.

It boasts a miniature music box, that plays a 30-second clip of the haunting theme tune, and a tiny rotating figurine of Don Corleone, the mafia crime boss at the center the iconic 1972 movie, played by Marlon Brando.

The newly-launched Opera Godfather Baguette is an update to the 2022 Opera Godfather 50th Anniversary. It is set with many more diamonds, and a $1.2 million price tag.

The 18K rose‑gold case is invisibly set with 447 white baguette‑cut diamonds (approx. 28.68 carats), and the music‑box cylinders are set with 666 brilliant‑cut white diamonds (approx. 1.85 carats).

The entire movement assembly (including the triple axis tourbillon, music box cylinders, Don Corleone figurine, and the off center hour and minute dial all rotate counterclockwise as a single unit when the wearer presses a pusher at 10 o’clock.

The watch is part of an official licensing and creative partnership with Paramount Pictures, the studio that owns The Godfather film and its music.

Source: DCLA

What Will Become of the Final Diavik Diamond?

 

Earlier this month, the Diavik Diamond Mine officially ceased operations, drawing to a close a remarkable 23-year chapter in Canada’s diamond history. Over its lifespan, the mine produced approximately 150 million carats, earning a reputation for consistent output and high-quality stones. Now, attention turns to a symbolic question: what will become of the final diamond recovered from this iconic deposit?

As processing of the last ore continues, the ultimate stone has yet to be identified. According to Matt Breen, it may take several weeks to fully clear the system and assess the final production. Diavik was particularly known for its 3 to 4 carat octahedral diamonds, and there is cautious optimism that the last parcel may still yield notable stones.

Any exceptional diamonds recovered during this final phase are likely to be preserved due to their historical significance. Potential outcomes include placement in a regional museum or retention by Rio Tinto as part of its corporate heritage collection.

A Mine at the End of Its Natural Life

While broader softness in the diamond market has led some to speculate on the timing of the closure, Breen emphasised that Diavik has simply reached the end of its economic life. Operating in Canada’s remote north presents unique challenges, including extreme weather, seasonal access via ice roads, and substantial energy requirements. Maintaining profitability required sustained production levels of 300,000 to 350,000 carats per month thresholds no longer achievable at the site.

Despite this, the closure does not necessarily signal the end of diamond development in the region. Infrastructure remains the key constraint. Future viability will depend heavily on reduced logistical costs, particularly through potential government-backed initiatives such as the Arctic Economic & Security Corridor, which could unlock access to known but undeveloped deposits.

The Human Legacy of Diavik

Beyond production figures, Diavik’s legacy is fundamentally a human story. From its discovery by Eira Thomas and her father Grenville Thomas, to the thousands of workers who operated under some of the harshest conditions in the mining world, the project stands as a testament to resilience and ingenuity.

Breen reflected on the unique culture forged at the mine, where extreme conditions were part of daily life. In one instance, during a rescue operation in temperatures nearing minus 30 degrees Celsius, a worker remarked: “For you, it’s cold, dark, and windy. For us, it’s Thursday.” The comment encapsulates the spirit that defined Diavik’s workforce.

Importantly, the mine also leaves behind a strong economic and social contribution to Northern communities. Of the approximately CAD 11 billion spent over its lifetime, CAD 8 billion was directed to Northern businesses, with around half benefiting Indigenous enterprises.

Closure and Beyond

The formal closure process for Diavik is expected to take approximately four years, involving site rehabilitation and environmental management. As the final diamond emerges from the last ore processed, it will serve not only as a geological artefact but as a symbol of one of Canada’s most significant modern mining achievements.

In the end, the true legacy of Diavik may not rest in a single stone, but in the enduring impact it has had on the industry, the region, and the people who brought it to life.

Source: DCLA

Demand is "Resilient" as Phillips Hong Kong Raises $5.4m

 

Phillips raised $5.4 million from its Hong Kong Jewels Auction yesterday (30 March), reflecting what it described as “resilient demand”, especially from Mainland China and Hong Kong.

More than a quarter of the 85 lots (28%) were unsold, but all the Signed Jewels included in the sale – among them items by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari – found buyers.

Overall, the auction achieved 75% by value – hammer price as a percentage of pre-sale estimates.

The sale was led by a 9.22-carat no-oil Colombian emerald and diamond ring, which sold for HKD 5.4 million (USD 691,879). The estimate was HKD 4.8 million to HKD 6.5m (USD 640,000 to USD 833,000).

Another highlight was a 4.05 carat fancy light pink diamond ring (round-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut), which sold for HKD 3.4m (USD 435,000) against an estimate of HKD 2.0m to HKD 4.5m (USD 250,000 to USD 580,000).

Bidders from Mainland China and Hong Kong accounted for 71% of the overall sale value.

Source: DCLA

Botswana to Settle for Smaller De Beers' Stake?

 

Botswana may now settle for a minority stake in De Beers rather than seeking majority control, according to a report in The Economist.

It says the government is now pursuing at “least 25%,” which would indicate a significant softening in President Duma Boko’s position.

He has previously insisted, on many occasions, that he wants a controlling stake in the company, framing such a move as a matter of “economic sovereignty”.

The Economist also quotes an unnamed executive at Debswana – the government’s joint venture with De Beers, as saying: “It probably doesn’t make sense to go all out.”

Botswana currently owns 15% of the loss-making diamond miner, which is being sold by parent company Anglo American.

In December 2025, the IMF cautioned against Botswana’s plans to increase its stake, given the country’s struggling economy.

The president rejected that call in no uncertain terms saying it was for the people of Botswana to decide, not the IMF.

“It’s our people who are running this country, and we said we want De Beers, and we are going to take it,” he said.

Angola’s government has also expressed an interest in acquiring a significant stake in De Beers, and Namibia is also a potential bidder.

Experts believe the most likely outcome will be that a consortium or private investors will buy a controlling stake, and African governments including Botswana will hold minority shares.

Source: DCLA

Tiffany's Flagship Beijing Store Honors Elsa Peretti

 

Tiffany & Co has officially opened its flagship store in Beijing – an imposing four-story building with a facade of translucent glass fins inspired by Elsa Peretti’s bone cuff jewelry designs.

It underscores Tiffany’s confidence in China as a long-term core diamond market. The New York-based jeweler opened its first retail outlet on the Chinese mainland in 2001 and now has over 40 stores there.

Tiffany held a grand opening ceremony on 14 March to mark the opening of its new store, at Taikoo Li Sanlitun, a high‑end shopping complex in Beijing’s Chaoyang District.

The 1,000m² store was designed by Dutch architects MVRDV, the fifth in a series of facades created for Tiffany. 

It honors Elsa Peretti, the Italian fashion model turned iconic jewelry designer who died in March 2021, aged 80.

She was probably best known for her signature bone cuff bracelet, and for making silver popular again during her long tenure at Tiffany.

Source: DCLA