Rough diamond prices up 10% on supply concerns
Rough diamond prices have risen about 10% owing to supply concerns amid a new Covid-19variant, Omicron, spreading in South Africa and Botswana. These two nations have some of the biggest mines of De Beers, the largest diamond miner in the world.
The surge in diamond prices coupled with a possible supply side constraint has sparked concerns among the diamond exporters of Surat and Mumbai, as they have robust orders in hand from the US, China and Far East.
Gems and jewellery comprise the second largest export earner for India, with diamonds accounting for more than 63% of this. India cuts and polishes 14 out of 15 diamonds in the world.