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
Events & AwardsOct 17, 2025
An Edit of Italian Jewels Is Coming to NYCThe new showcase dedicated to Italian jewelry design is set for Oct. 29-30.
TrendsOct 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Judi Powers Jewelry’s ‘Stella’ EarringsTake a gaze at the sky with this pair of platinum diamond-set star earrings with blue lace agate drops.
IndependentsOct 17, 2025
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer will celebrate a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
IndependentsOct 16, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Jeffrey Zimmer Jeffrey Zimmer's decades of leadership at Reeds Jewelers are defined by integrity, a love of sourcing gemstones, and a heart for community.
Weekly QuizOct 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsOct 16, 2025
Sotheby’s Introduces Custom Jewelry ServiceThe new high jewelry design and production process takes 30 days or less from concept to completion, the auction house said.
MajorsOct 16, 2025
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Catalog Is Out, and It’s SpectacularThe holiday catalog for 2025 features never-before-seen images of more than 100 one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
CollectionsOct 16, 2025
Foundrae Adds To ‘United in Love’ CollectionThe brand has released a second installment of its collection of traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsOct 15, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Kathy CoreyCorey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.
CrimeOct 15, 2025
Men Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences for 2023 Murder of Colorado JewelerCharles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.
Events & AwardsOct 15, 2025
‘Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture’ Opens at MADThe Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.
Events & AwardsOct 15, 2025
JCK, Luxury to Debut New Watch Section in Vegas Next YearTimepieces at Luxury will take place at The Venetian and, like Luxury, will be invitation-only for the first two days.
AuctionsOct 15, 2025
Christie's Announces New Jewelry Department LeadershipThe auction house named a new global head of jewelry, as well as a new head of the jewelry department for the Americas.
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Tom DixonAs chairman of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon has been tasked with honoring the past and shaping the future of the family-run store.
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2025
Here Are the Winners of the BIJC, JA ‘Emerging Jewelers’ Grant Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher received a $10,000 grant for their business, Shimmer Culture LLC.
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Day’s Jewelers Crafts Custom Jewelry for No.1 NBA Draft Pick Cooper FlaggThe parents of the Dallas Mavericks rookie bought their engagement ring at a Day’s store in Bangor, Maine, in 1997.
SourcingOct 14, 2025
Pragnell Debuts Kitulo Garnet Jewelry The UK-based brand sourced the gemstones, which are fully traceable, from an artisanal mining community in Tanzania.
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent CalendarsThe trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.
MajorsOct 10, 2025
Frederick Goldman Names New VP of SalesJewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s CollectionThe line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11MThe rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
