SourcingAug 29, 2024
De Beers Looks to India to Boost Demand for Natural Diamonds SourcingSep 20, 2024
Sally Morrison Takes on Larger Role as De Beers Zeros In On Category Marketing
The company is poised to make a big push for natural diamonds this holiday season.
Veteran marketer Sally Morrison has taken on a new, expanded role with De Beers Group as natural diamonds market lead for the U.S.
London—De Beers Group has tapped an industry veteran to head its return to large-scale category marketing in the United States after more than a decade.
Sally Morrison will spearhead the effort in her new role as natural diamonds market lead for the U.S., while also taking charge of category marketing efforts globally on an interim basis.
An extension of her duties as De Beers’ director of public relations for natural diamonds, this new, larger role will see Morrison continue to lead De Beers’ joint campaign with Signet, which she said will launch shortly.
She’s also heading development of a new fourth-quarter natural diamond advertising campaign for the industry at large, building on what De Beers did in Q4 2023.
The goal of both campaigns is to inspire people to fall in love with natural diamond jewelry.
“There are some things, historically, that we think De Beers has done really well and one of them is understanding deep consumer insights and how to map them against consumers in a modern and relevant way,” Morrison said.
“We’re going to continue to do that in close partnership with people in the trade, whether it’s Signet or other retailers.”
Related stories will be right here …
Sally Morrison will spearhead the effort in her new role as natural diamonds market lead for the U.S., while also taking charge of category marketing efforts globally on an interim basis.
An extension of her duties as De Beers’ director of public relations for natural diamonds, this new, larger role will see Morrison continue to lead De Beers’ joint campaign with Signet, which she said will launch shortly.
She’s also heading development of a new fourth-quarter natural diamond advertising campaign for the industry at large, building on what De Beers did in Q4 2023.
The goal of both campaigns is to inspire people to fall in love with natural diamond jewelry.
“There are some things, historically, that we think De Beers has done really well and one of them is understanding deep consumer insights and how to map them against consumers in a modern and relevant way,” Morrison said.
“We’re going to continue to do that in close partnership with people in the trade, whether it’s Signet or other retailers.”
De Beers focus on generic category marketing is a reprise of the activity the company did years ago via the Diamond Promotion Service/Diamond Information Center accounts at advertising agency J. Walter Thompson (JWT).
Around 2011, the company abandoned category advertising in favor of promoting its own brand, Forevermark.
Morrison, who had been with JWT for nearly a decade, left to join De Beers as chief marketing officer for Forevermark.
Morrison also has category marketing experience outside of diamonds.
She worked as colored gemstone miner Gemfields’ director of marketing and sales for a little over a year and spent three years with the World Gold Council as managing director for jewelry.
She also was the first managing director of marketing for the Diamond Producers Association, the predecessor to the Natural Diamond Council.
“Sally’s unrivalled experience and deep understanding of the natural diamond landscape will help us to accelerate our ambitions as we continue to roll out our ‘Origins’ strategy and demonstrate how nature’s most extraordinary creations can fulfill our greatest aspirations,” De Beers Brands CEO Sandrine Conseiller said.
“I’m looking forward to working with Sally and our partners to connect the modern consumer to the beautiful, unique and rare qualities of these most precious stones and grow the diamond dream in the U.S. and beyond.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
