EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsMar 05, 2014
Who in jewelry is a billionaire?
The Oppenheimer family and diamantaire Laurence Graff still rank among the world’s richest while the founder of Firestar Diamond is a “new billionaire,” according to Forbes’ annual list of the world’s wealthiest people, which was released this week.
New York--The Oppenheimer family and diamantaire Laurence Graff still rank among the world’s richest while the founder of Firestar Diamond is a “new billionaire,” according to Forbes’ annual list of the world’s wealthiest people, which was released this week.
Nicky Oppenheimer and family are No. 205 on the list, worth an estimated $6.7 billion. After more than eight decades in the diamond business, the Oppenheimers sold their remaining stake in De Beers to Anglo American in 2012.
Graff ranks No. 305 on the Forbes’ list. The 75-year-old, a United Kingdom citizen whose residence is listed as Gstaad, Switzerland, has an estimated fortune of $4.8 billion. The source of his wealth is described by Forbes as “diamond jewelry, Self Made.”
Graff dropped out of school at age 14 and began his career in the jewelry industry as an apprentice in London’s Hatton Garden, where he scrubbed toilets as part of his job, according to Forbes.
Today, he is the modern-day equivalent of Harry Winston, buying some of the world’s most impressive diamonds, including the 35.56-carat blue Wittelsbach diamond, which he recut and renamed the Wittelsbach-Graff, and a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond that he called the “Graff Pink.”
New to Forbes’ list this year is Nirav Modi, nephew of Gitanjali Gems’ Mehul Choksi and founder of diamond company Firestar International. Modi, a resident of Mumbai, came in at No. 1,372 with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.
The heads of three of the world’s largest luxury conglomerates also made the list: Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, came in at No. 15 with an estimated fortune of $33.5 billion. François Pinault and family, head of Kering (formerly PPR), ranks as No. 58 with a fortune of $15.5 billion, while South African citizen Johann Rupert, the chairman of Richemont, is No. 173 with $7.6 billion.
Others with a jewelry (or watch) connection making the list include Esther Grether and family at No. 731 with an estimated net worth of $2.4 billion. A resident of Basel, Grether is the second-largest shareholder in the Swatch Group.
Brothers Nicola and Paolo Bulgari tied at No. 1,210 with an estimated net worth of $2.4 billion. Indian jeweler, T.S. Kalyanaraman, founder and chairman of Kalyan Jewellers, a chain of jewelry stores in Indian that advertises itself as a “gold supermarket,” is No. 1,565 with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.
Topping the list again was Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates, 58, with an estimated net worth of $76 billion. Mexican telecom giant Carlos Slim Helu and family came in second, with an estimated net worth of $72 billion.
Spain’s Amancio Ortega, the 77-year-old founder of the company that owns clothing retailer Zara, is the world’s third richest man, according to the list, with an estimated net worth of $64 billion. Business magnate and Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett is No. 4 and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison ranks as No. 5 with a $48 billion fortune.
View the entire list at Forbes.com.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
