GradingFeb 21, 2024
GIA’s Same-Day Service Now Available EverywhereSourcingFeb 22, 2024
Lucara, HB Group Partnership Revived
It is another 10-year sales agreement in which all the larger rough recovered from the Karowe mine will go to HB Group for manufacturing.
The 813-carat “Constellation” diamond, recovered from Lucara’s Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana. Lucara has revived its partnership with manufacturer HB Group, less than six months after calling off their previous 10-year big-diamond deal. (Photo courtesy of Lucara Diamond Corp.)
Vancouver, British Columbia—Mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. and Antwerp-based HB Group are getting back together.
Earlier this week, Lucara announced that the two companies had signed another 10-year sales agreement, less than six months after severing the previous agreement inked in November 2022.
As with the companies’ past agreements, the new diamond sales agreement means HB Group will purchase all 10.8-carat or larger rough diamonds that come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine in Botswana.
The price will be based on an agreed-upon estimate of the diamonds’ polished outcome with a “top-up” paid to Lucara based on how much the polished actually sells for (if applicable), less a fixed margin paid to HB Group.
“This pricing mechanism is expected to deliver regular cash flow for this important segment of the company’s production profile at better-than-conventional diamond industry tender prices,” Lucara said.
The cash flow will help the mining company continue to fund Karowe’s underground expansion, which is expected to cost an estimated $683 million.
Related stories will be right here …
Earlier this week, Lucara announced that the two companies had signed another 10-year sales agreement, less than six months after severing the previous agreement inked in November 2022.
As with the companies’ past agreements, the new diamond sales agreement means HB Group will purchase all 10.8-carat or larger rough diamonds that come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine in Botswana.
The price will be based on an agreed-upon estimate of the diamonds’ polished outcome with a “top-up” paid to Lucara based on how much the polished actually sells for (if applicable), less a fixed margin paid to HB Group.
“This pricing mechanism is expected to deliver regular cash flow for this important segment of the company’s production profile at better-than-conventional diamond industry tender prices,” Lucara said.
The cash flow will help the mining company continue to fund Karowe’s underground expansion, which is expected to cost an estimated $683 million.
The revival of the deal follows a rough year for Lucara.
Sales fell 17 percent year-over-year in 2023 amid a slowdown in the diamond market. The company recorded a net loss of $20.2 million, compared with net income of $40.4 million in 2022.
Commenting on the new agreement, Lucara President and CEO William Lamb said, “As we navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of the diamond industry, I’m pleased to announce Lucara’s strategic decision to re-enter into a long-term supply agreement with HB Antwerp.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring stability and sustainability in our operations.”
Lucara and HB Antwerp first entered into a sales partnership in July 2020, agreeing that HB would purchase and manufacture all Karowe’s 10.8-carat or larger rough for the remainder of the year.
Lucara announced a 24-month extension to the partnership in April 2021.
In November 2022, the two entered into a 10-year sales agreement, the agreement Lucara then terminated in September 2023 citing HB Group’s “material breach of financial commitments.”
More on Sourcing
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.
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.
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.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
