SourcingOct 26, 2022
De Beers Names Lupita Nyong’o as First Global AmbassadorSourcingOct 28, 2022
De Beers Q3 Rough Diamond Production Up 4%
It’s due to higher-grade ore at Orapa in Botswana and in South Africa, as well as “continued strong performance” in Namibia.
De Beers reported Thursday that rough diamond production increased by 4 percent in the third quarter to 9.6 million carats.
London—Rough diamond production swung back to the positive in De Beers’ third quarter, the company announced Thursday.
Production rose 4 percent to 9.6 million carats during the period, following a decrease in Q2 of 4 percent.
The rise in the latest quarter was attributed to the treatment of higher-grade ore at Orapa in Botswana and in South Africa, as well as “continued strong performance” in Namibia, said De Beers.
In Botswana, production was up 4 percent to 6.6 million carats in the quarter, driven mostly by higher-grade ore from Orapa, which was partly offset by processing lower-grade ore at Jwaneng.
Namibia’s production was also up, rising 33 percent to 0.5 million carats, boosted by a strong performance from the Benguela Gem vessel, the company’s new diamond recovery vessel that started operations in March.
South Africa’s production was up 5 percent to 1.7 million carats thanks to the treatment of higher-grade ore and plant upgrades, according to De Beers. Production in Canada, meanwhile, was down 7 percent to 0.7 million carats due to the treatment of lower-grade ore and “the impact of tight labor markets,” the diamond miner said.
Related stories will be right here …
Production rose 4 percent to 9.6 million carats during the period, following a decrease in Q2 of 4 percent.
The rise in the latest quarter was attributed to the treatment of higher-grade ore at Orapa in Botswana and in South Africa, as well as “continued strong performance” in Namibia, said De Beers.
In Botswana, production was up 4 percent to 6.6 million carats in the quarter, driven mostly by higher-grade ore from Orapa, which was partly offset by processing lower-grade ore at Jwaneng.
Namibia’s production was also up, rising 33 percent to 0.5 million carats, boosted by a strong performance from the Benguela Gem vessel, the company’s new diamond recovery vessel that started operations in March.
South Africa’s production was up 5 percent to 1.7 million carats thanks to the treatment of higher-grade ore and plant upgrades, according to De Beers. Production in Canada, meanwhile, was down 7 percent to 0.7 million carats due to the treatment of lower-grade ore and “the impact of tight labor markets,” the diamond miner said.
De Beers also touched on demand for rough diamonds in its reporting, noting that it was steady in the third quarter.
The company reported rough diamond sales of 9.1 million from three sights held during the quarter, compared with 7.8 million carats from two sights in the year-earlier period and 9.4 million carats from three sights in this year’s second quarter.
The miner also noted that while consumer demand for natural diamonds continues to be “robust,” current economic conditions, reduced consumer spending, and continued COVID-19 lockdowns in China could potentially impact demand for diamond jewelry.
De Beers said production guidance for the year remains at 32-34 million carats, adding that it anticipates sales in the fourth quarter being affected by normal temporary closures of the cutting and polishing factories in India for holidays.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
