Sourcing

De Beers Looks to India to Boost Demand for Natural Diamonds

SourcingAug 29, 2024

De Beers Looks to India to Boost Demand for Natural Diamonds

It is partnering with retailer Tanishq on educating salespeople, shaping the in-store experience, and a “360-degree” marketing campaign.

Titan Company Ltd. executive Ajoy Chawla and De Beers Group executive Sandrine Conseiller
Ajoy Chawla, CEO of Titan Company Ltd.’s jewelry division, (left) and De Beers Brands CEO Sandrine Conseiller pose with diamonds at a joint press conference held Wednesday in Mumbai, India. De Beers and retailer Tanishq, which is owned by Titan, are teaming up in an effort to boost demand for natural diamonds in India.
Mumbai, India—With diamond jewelry demand facing headwinds in both the United States and China, De Beers Group is turning to another market to bolster demand, and it is partnering with the country’s largest jeweler to do it.

On Wednesday, De Beers Group announced a new strategic collaboration with Tanishq, a retail chain that is a household name in India, with nearly 500 stores nationwide.

The announcement came at a press conference held in Mumbai and attended by De Beers Brands CEO Sandrine Conseiller and Ajoy Chawla, CEO of the jewelry division of Titan Company Ltd., Tanishq’s parent company.

Modeled on the partnership De Beers formed with U.S. retailer Signet Jewelers earlier this year, the collaboration with Tanishq includes educating both Tanishq staff and consumers about natural diamonds; shaping customers’ experiences around the stones; and a “360-degree” marketing campaign aimed in part at first-time diamond buyers. 

The marketing campaign is still in the development phase, as Tanishq and De Beers work to identify the cities and towns where they should direct their focus. 

At the press conference, Chawla said that while diamond jewelry currently accounts for about 20 percent of total jewelry sales in India by value—a market where gold reigns supreme—Tanishq’s share is higher. 

Sales of diamond jewelry make up 30 percent of sales (in value terms) at Tanishq and its subsidiary, Carat Lane. And those sales are all natural diamonds; Tanishq does not sell lab-grown diamonds and has no plans to do so at present, Chawla said. 

“In an increasingly man-made world where virtual living is becoming the norm, people crave authentic brands, real experiences, and value natural, wholesome products,” Chawla said in the press release announcing the partnership. 

“All Tanishq diamonds are natural, rare, and valuable and have attracted our customers with innovative designs. The collaboration with De Beers will unlock new opportunity for both Tanishq and the diamond sector.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The collaboration comes at a time when De Beers is grappling with declining diamond jewelry demand in China, where consumers are turning to gold amid the country’s economic uncertainties, and increased competition from lab-grown diamonds in its largest market, the U.S.

These headwinds, coupled with a surge in demand for diamond jewelry among Indian consumers, have made India the second-largest market for diamond jewelry in the world, surpassing China.
 
A De Beers spokesperson said according to the company’s data, Indian consumers now account for 11 percent of global diamond jewelry demand in value terms, while China’s share of demand has slipped to a single-digit percentage.
 
The U.S. remains the largest market for diamond jewelry, accounting for more than half of global demand in value terms, the spokesperson said.   
 
In addition to marketing natural diamonds, De Beers and Tanishq are exploring supply chain agreements, “especially when there are requirements for large quantities of similar stones for special [jewelry] collections,” Chawla said at the press conference.

They are also cooperating on diamond traceability and lab-grown diamond detection technologies. 

Tanishq’s manufacturing arm already uses De Beers’ technology for detecting lab-grown diamonds. The company may start using De Beers’ new retail countertop diamond verification instrument at its stores, Chawla said.

Tanishq is part of Mumbai-headquartered conglomerate The Tata Group and has more than 475 stores in more than 270 cities across India.

The jeweler opened a store in the U.S. in New Jersey in 2023, and added two more later that same year.

It opened a fourth U.S. store in Chicago earlier this year.

Stephen Rego, a Mumbai-based journalist, contributed to this report.
 

The Latest

Watches on a table next to a coffee cup
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

Ophelia Eve Scroll Toggle Pendant
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your Secrets

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Tiffany & Co. Nathalie Verdeille
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic Officer

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jacob & Co. The Godfather II Musical Watch
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Jesse Itzler
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Oris CEO Rolf Studer and Oris CFO Claudine Gertiser
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFO

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

Hearts On Fire What’s Your Signature Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a Question

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

American Gem Society Confluence Logo
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability Sessions

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

Dennis Buzz Busby and Randy Welch
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller Employees

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

Isabel Delgado A necklace
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

QVC Group logo
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into Question

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace Culture

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

Retiring GIA CFO David Tearle and new GIA CFO John Cowley
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Gemology Geek Ignite collection tourmaline ring
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry Collection

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

Fope Golden Now Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Former Signet executive Kecia Caffie
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet Jewelers

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

Author Tanzy Ward and her book Precious Black Jewels The Bijou Material Culture of Black Victorians & Edwardians
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ Jewelry

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Screenshot of Taylor Swift's "Elizabeth Taylor" music video
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and Center

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

Neiman Marcus store in Fort Worth, Texas
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This Summer

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

NouvelleBox logo
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer Ballroom

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

Buddha Mama Moon Locket
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To Dallas

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

Pandora distribution facility Canada
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff Concerns

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy