IndependentsOct 19, 2021
Jewelers Riding Out the StormsSourcingApr 26, 2022
De Beers Sinks $2M Into Startup That Grows Kelp Forests
It’s an environmental investment that De Beers hopes will help it reach its goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.
De Beers is investing in environmental startup Kelp Blue, which wants to grow and maintain forests of giant kelp off the coast of Namibia to capture carbon and help sustain the marine ecosystem. (Photo credit: Kelp Blue)
London—On Earth Day, De Beers Group announced it was investing $2 million in a company looking to grow giant kelp off the coast of one of the African countries where it operates.
Kelp Blue is a startup with offices in Amsterdam and Namibia that is focused on growing and maintaining large-scale forests of giant kelp.
The largest of all algae, giant kelp can grow to be 150 feet long. Underwater forests of them can lock away vast amount of CO2 in the ocean while also helping to sustain healthy marine ecosystems by providing food and shelter for countless species.
Kelp Blue was awarded a license to cultivate giant kelp off the coast of Namibia in 2021 and its program is currently in its pilot phase.
The business will contribute to infrastructure development and create employment and upskilling opportunities in kelp cultivation and processing in and around Lüdertiz, a coastal town in southwestern Namibia, De Beers said.
During the pilot phase, Kelp Blue is expected to generate direct and indirect jobs in biotechnology, engineering, processing, support services and logistics.
De Beers’ investment in Kelp Blue is line with its sustainability goals under its “Building Forever” initiative, as it supports a nature-based solution for capturing carbon and enhancing biodiversity. It also addresses another priority under Building Forever—bringing sustainable development to the countries where it mines.
In addition, the investment could help De Beers reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 by giving it access to potential carbon credits generated by Kelp Blue.
Carbon credits are purchased by companies to make up for greenhouse gas emissions, either on the open market or via investments in projects that involve the reduction, destruction or capture of CO2 emissions.
De Beers said its “primary focus” in becoming carbon neutral will be on increasing efficiency and replacing fossil fuel and fossil-based energy in its operations with “renewable alternatives.”
But that won’t be enough to become carbon neutral, so it will have to rely on carbon credits to make up the difference and would like to do so via investment in projects like Kelp Blue.
Executive Vice President of Strategy and Innovation Neil Ventura explained: “Instead of simply purchasing carbon credits on the market, we are looking to identify potential long-term, sustainable and innovative nature-based solutions for this, particularly those that can deliver additional carbon capture benefit beyond our business.
“While there is still work to be done to understand more about the scale of opportunity, Kelp Blue is an innovative startup with significant potential.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
