CEO of Diamond Miner Lucapa Stepping Down
Stephen Wetherall, who has been with the company for nearly a decade, will exit at the end of July.

The board has appointed Nick Selby, executive director of operations, as interim CEO while the company searches for Wetherall’s replacement.
After working at De Beers, Gem Diamonds and Kimberley Diamonds Ltd., Wetherall joined Lucapa in 2014 when it was still in the exploration phase.
Today, the company has interest in two active diamond mines, the Lulo mine in Angola (40 percent stake), which has been in commercial production since 2015, and the Mothae mine in Lesotho (70 percent stake), which opened in 2019.
The mines are known for producing 100-carat-plus colorless and natural color diamonds, including the 2022 discovery of the 170-carat “Lulo Rose,” said to be the largest pink diamond found in 300 years.
Through its subsidiary, Australian Natural Diamonds Pty. Ltd., Lucapa acquired the Merlin Diamond Project, a mine in Australia’s Northern Territory. The company expects to complete a feasibility study in the second quarter of this year.
Lucapa and its project partners also are exploring for primary source kimberlite or lamproite pipes at Lulo in Angola, the Brooking project in Australia, and the Orapa Area F project in Botswana.
In addition to overseeing its growth, Wetherall navigated the company through the COVID-19 pandemic and, earlier this month, announced it had repaid all its interest-bearing loans.
Lucapa did not give a reason for Wetherall’s departure, though he said in a statement, “This is an appropriate time for me to take on other challenges and whilst I step aside, it is with a lot of pride that I leave a group of exceptionally experienced and talented people to continue to advance Lucapa’s vision.
“I look forward to our continued association and watching them continue to deliver.”
The company said it plans to engage him as an independent consultant going forward.
The Latest

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.


Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.

Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.

Five dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.

Recently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.

The stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.






















