SourcingJun 01, 2022
Debswana Appoints New Managing DirectorSourcingJul 01, 2022
De Beers, Botswana Extend Sales Agreement for Third Time
The current agreement, originally set to expire in 2020, will now go through June 2023.
The Orapa diamond mine in Botswana. De Beers Group and the government of Botswana just extended their sales agreement for the third time, taking the current contract through June 2023. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films)
London—De Beers Group and the Government of the Republic of Botswana have agreed to extend their existing sales agreement for another year, De Beers announced Wednesday.
The current 10-year agreement dates back to Jan. 1, 2011 and dictates that Debswana, the mining company jointly owned by De Beers and the Botswana government, sell 75 percent of its rough diamond output to De Beers, with the remaining 25 percent sold through the Okavango Diamond Company.
The agreement also marked the start of the migration of De Beers’ sales and aggregation operations from London to Gaborone, Botswana.
The agreement originally was set to expire at the end of 2020 but was extended for a year to December 2021 because of travel complications associated with COVID-19.
It was then pushed back again, this time for six months.
In announcing the latest extension, De Beers said it will “enable the finalization of the ongoing discussions,” while noting “further positive progress” toward a new agreement.
The company declined further comment on the extension.
Related stories will be right here …
The current 10-year agreement dates back to Jan. 1, 2011 and dictates that Debswana, the mining company jointly owned by De Beers and the Botswana government, sell 75 percent of its rough diamond output to De Beers, with the remaining 25 percent sold through the Okavango Diamond Company.
The agreement also marked the start of the migration of De Beers’ sales and aggregation operations from London to Gaborone, Botswana.
The agreement originally was set to expire at the end of 2020 but was extended for a year to December 2021 because of travel complications associated with COVID-19.
It was then pushed back again, this time for six months.
In announcing the latest extension, De Beers said it will “enable the finalization of the ongoing discussions,” while noting “further positive progress” toward a new agreement.
The company declined further comment on the extension.
Retail sales of diamond jewelry have been breaking records worldwide since the onset of the pandemic, sending rough diamond sales soaring for De Beers.
The company saw rough diamond sales climb to $4.9 billion in 2021, a 75 percent year-over-year increase.
To date this year, De Beers’ sales are pacing 24 percent ahead of last year amid bullish sentiment coming out of the Las Vegas trade shows, though some analysts say diamond jewelry sales have begun to slow at the consumer level.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
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.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
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.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
