Mmegi

De Beers thrown a curveball on synthetics

Friday, March 01, 2024 | 1250 Views |

Real deal: De Beers wants to see a clear distinction in the market between lab grown and natural diamonds PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Diamond giant De Beers has dropped its traditional stonewall dismissal of lab grown diamonds and in its recent commentary on the 2023 financial performance, admitted that the synthetics pinched the group’s numbers.

Despite being amongst the pioneers of synthetics, through its Element Six firm which was established in 1946, De Beers has consistently been dismissive of any argument that these lab grown stones could pose any kind of threat at retail level. Element Six focussed on synthetics’ industrial use, but the fake stones have since exploded onto the retail market.

Sales of natural rough diamonds traditionally go through a series of ups and downs, periods of strong demand and the lows associated with oversupply and uncertain economic conditions.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Striding back: Kutlwano volleyball women’s team PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Kutlwano targets league title

Calistus Kolantsho | 2d ago

GU Stadium bears the brunt of venue shortages

Mqondisi Dube | 2d ago

Boko’s unfinished media battle

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 2d ago

Can Chiefs compound Rollers’ problems?

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | 2d ago

Remembering Mma Stompi

Sharon Mathala | 2d ago

Fare thee well Onty

Staff Writer | 2d ago

I don't have a lawyer yet -Seretse

Larona Makhaiza | 2d ago

The Makhenes Are Coming to Mzansi Magic

correspondent | 09 Mar 2026

Let's show compassion to baby Asli

Her story is heartbreaking not only because she is fighting for her life at such a tender age, but because her parents have spent months navigating a medical journey filled with uncertainty, delays, and rising fear.What began as something that seemed as simple as jaundice has escalated into a life-threatening condition that now requires an urgent liver transplant.For Asli’s parents, the reality is devastating. They are not asking for luxuries...

Mmegi Editor | 06 March 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More