Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
Alrosa’s 2014 forecast is ‘moderately optimistic’
Russian mining company Alrosa experienced an increase in both sales and production in 2013 and said it is “moderately optimistic” about the year ahead.
Moscow--Russian mining company Alrosa experienced an increase in both sales and production in 2013 and said it is “moderately optimistic” about the year ahead.
In the fourth quarter 2013, Alrosa produced 9.9 million carats of diamonds, a 10 percent increase year-over-year. Improved ore grade at the Jubilee pipe, the acquisition of OJSC Nizhne-Lenskoye, and Aikhal underground mining reaching its capacity contributed to the increase.
For the full year, production increased 7 percent to 36.9 million carats.
Fourth quarter sales for the Moscow-based diamond miner and manufacturer, which has operations in Russia and Angola, reached 10.8 million carats.
Of those, 62 percent (6.7 million carats) were gem quality, selling for an average price of $192 per carat. The remaining 4.1 million carats were industrial diamonds, with an average price of $7 per carat.
For the full year, Alrosa sold a total of 38.0 million carats, 70 percent of which were gem-quality diamonds (26.7 million carats) with an average price of $176 per carat. The remaining 11.3 million were industrial quality, selling for an average of $9 per carat.
The company said it expects its 2013 revenue, including non-diamond revenue, to increase 10 percent year-over-year, reaching at least 165 billion rubles ($4.73 billion).
In 2014, diamond production is expected to remain relatively flat at 36 million carats. The company said the dynamics of the diamond market in the fourth quarter were neutral, and that it is moderately optimistic about the year ahead.
The world’s other major diamond company, De Beers, also reported an increase in fourth quarter and full-year production in 2013, with the number of carats mined rising 13 percent and 12 percent, respectively.
De Beers is the No. 1 diamond miner in value terms while Alrosa is tops in volume terms, though the Russian miner has said in recent years that it plans to overtake De Beers by 2018.
The Latest

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.


The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.























