1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role as Special Adviser to DMCC’s Precious Stones Ecosystem? I spent 34 years at De Beers and Anglo American, and most of the last decade as an Executive Vice President and member of the Executive Committee, with responsibility for group Strategy and Innovation from mining to retail. … Read more
1. What were some of the most interesting issues you dealt with during your long career at De Beers? There is hardly a chapter in the modern story of diamonds that De Beers has not touched, and I have been fortunate to be part of many of them. From ethical assurance and traceability to inclusion … Read more
Dear Friends, As we usher in the Jewish New Year, I want to share with you several positive developments in the diamond industry that inspire both encouragement and optimism. To begin, I extend sincere congratulations to the AWDC and the European Union for successfully securing a zero-tariff agreement on diamonds polished within the EU upon … Read more
Dear Friends, The diamond industry is undergoing a very challenging time, with demand, especially for natural diamonds, declining significantly. The Chinese market has slowed down almost to a standstill and economic developments in the United States have raised the cost of living and left many with less disposable income. Moreover, natural diamonds are being challenged … Read more
Dear Friends, Summer is upon us, and as we contemplate our annual holidays, we are in the midst of a slow business season. There is always a seasonal slowdown over the summer, but the situation for most of us in the diamond industry is problematic for additional reasons. Demand in the US is fairly weak … Read more
Dear friends, I just completed a month-long visit to the United States, which included meetings and discussions with colleagues in New York and Los Angeles, as well as participation in the JCK Show in Las Vegas. Many of the WFDB bourse presidents attended the show and it was great to meet up with them again. … Read more
Q. Feriel Zerouki, tell us about your journey in the diamond industry, how you began and where you are now. My journey in the diamond industry started 17 years ago as an analyst in De Beers and looking back I have had a wonderful journey. I fell in love with the product and the people … Read more
