MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
SourcingNov 11, 2013
De Beers holds first sight in Botswana
This week marks De Beers’ inaugural sight in Gaborone following the relocation of its sales activities from London to Botswana, a move that has been two years in the making.
Gaborone, Botswana--This week marks De Beers’ inaugural sight in Gaborone following the relocation of its sales activities from London to Botswana, a move that has been two years in the making.
De Beers first announced that it would be moving its sorting operations some 5,400 miles south in September 2011 when it inked a new 10-year sales agreement with the Botswana government.
The move impacted about 120 members of De Beers’ London-based staff and about 80 of them opted to make the move, with Batswanas accounting for the other 50 percent of the 160-member Botswana-based team.
Among those who won’t be making Gaborone a permanent home is Varda Shine. About two weeks ago, news surfaced that Shine, the executive vice president of global sightholder sales, would be stepping down at the end of January to “explore other opportunities.”
Paul Rowley, the senior vice president of midstream operations for global sightholder sales at De Beers, will replace Shine, who was with the company for more than 30 years.
Rumors about Shine’s imminent departure had been circulating for some time, citing conflict between her and De Beers Group CEO Philippe Mellier. On Thursday, Diamond Intelligence Briefs (DIB) reported that De Beers chose not to renew Shine’s contract even after she had asked to stay on board for another two years.
A De Beers spokeswoman called the DIB report “inaccurate.”
“After completing the migration of De Beers’ sales activities from London to Gaborone, Varda took the decision that after a 30-year career with De Beers, and eight heading up the DTC /global sightholder sales, the relocation of the organization provided a clear point of transition for the business and her career,” spokeswoman Lynette Gould said. “Varda has been grooming a highly experienced leadership team for a number of years and her successor Paul Rowley comes into the role with decades of experience and strong relationships with both sightholders and governments built over years.”
Ben Janowski, a New York-based diamond industry analyst who heads Janos Consultants, said Shine’s departure did not surprise him in the least.
He said it is probably the result of a combination of factors: a new CEO with different ideas about how to run the business--Mellier joined the company in July 2011 from Alstom Transport--and the prospect of relocating to a city with a completely different lifestyle with a company that has a somewhat limited future.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Janowski said De Beers encompasses its diamond mines in Botswana, a few mines in other locations and the Forevermark program. This, perhaps, is not enough to convince executives like Shine and other employees that it’s worth their while to uproot their lives, he said.
Shine’s not the first high-ranking executive to not make the transition to Botswana. Over the summer, news surfaced that Mahiar Borhanjoo, De Beers vice president of global sightholder sales, wouldn’t be relocating. Industry sources tell National Jeweler that the resignation of another top executive is expected in the next couple of weeks.
“Is this really a future for De Beers?” Janowski said of the mines and Forevermark. “It doesn’t sound like much.”
He added that it was not a new topic. “There’s been an issue for years about where De Beers is going.”
De Beers’ first sight in Botswana runs through Thursday.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
