MajorsMar 15, 2022
How the Jewelry Industry Is Helping UkrainePolicies & IssuesMar 08, 2022
De Beers Parent Company Speaks Out Against Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Anglo American is also donating $5 million for humanitarian relief in Ukraine, it said in a statement.
De Beers parent company Anglo American has spoken out in a statement, condemning Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine. (Photo courtesy of De Beers Group)
London—De Beers parent company Anglo American has released a statement condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressing its support for the Ukrainian people.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and we all want a rapid and peaceful resolution and an immediate end to loss of life,” said CEO Mark Cutifani.
He added that in order to support those affected by the war, the Anglo American Foundation will donate $5 million to one or more charities involved in providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
The foundation, established in 2005, will also match donations made by employees, up to £1,000 per person per year, through the Employee Match Funding scheme, open to all permanent employees at the company.
Anglo American owns 85 percent of De Beers Group and mines copper, platinum group metals, coal, iron ore, and other materials.
In its statement, the company said the conflict doesn’t have any direct impact on its business since there are no Anglo operations or offices in Ukraine or Russia, though it did note there is potential for “broader markets and supply chains to be affected.”
It added: “We are working with our partners and industry bodies to monitor the situation and prepare for any disruption.”
A De Beers spokesperson said there is a De Beers Jewellers store in Moscow that it does not directly operate—a franchise partner runs it—but the company has stopped all shipments to the store nonetheless.
News of Anglo American’s statement condemning Russia’s actions is noteworthy, given that most of the jewelry industry’s major players have said little to nothing publicly about the conflict in Ukraine as they watch and wait to see how it could impact the industry, which counts on Russia for about 30 percent of the supply in the diamond market.
Russian diamond miner Alrosa, meanwhile, is stepping back from two major industry organizations as the Russian assault on Ukraine continues.
It voluntarily stepped down as vice chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council and suspended its Natural Diamond Council membership and halted financial contributions to the organization.
The U.S. government sanctioned the company and its CEO after Russia invaded Ukraine Feb. 24.
Related stories will be right here …
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and we all want a rapid and peaceful resolution and an immediate end to loss of life,” said CEO Mark Cutifani.
He added that in order to support those affected by the war, the Anglo American Foundation will donate $5 million to one or more charities involved in providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
The foundation, established in 2005, will also match donations made by employees, up to £1,000 per person per year, through the Employee Match Funding scheme, open to all permanent employees at the company.
Anglo American owns 85 percent of De Beers Group and mines copper, platinum group metals, coal, iron ore, and other materials.
In its statement, the company said the conflict doesn’t have any direct impact on its business since there are no Anglo operations or offices in Ukraine or Russia, though it did note there is potential for “broader markets and supply chains to be affected.”
It added: “We are working with our partners and industry bodies to monitor the situation and prepare for any disruption.”
A De Beers spokesperson said there is a De Beers Jewellers store in Moscow that it does not directly operate—a franchise partner runs it—but the company has stopped all shipments to the store nonetheless.
News of Anglo American’s statement condemning Russia’s actions is noteworthy, given that most of the jewelry industry’s major players have said little to nothing publicly about the conflict in Ukraine as they watch and wait to see how it could impact the industry, which counts on Russia for about 30 percent of the supply in the diamond market.
Russian diamond miner Alrosa, meanwhile, is stepping back from two major industry organizations as the Russian assault on Ukraine continues.
It voluntarily stepped down as vice chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council and suspended its Natural Diamond Council membership and halted financial contributions to the organization.
The U.S. government sanctioned the company and its CEO after Russia invaded Ukraine Feb. 24.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
