Despite remaining the largest single diamond producer in the world and retaining the enormous prestige within the diamond industry that goes with that position, De Beers has experienced an uncomfortable past 18 months. It appears that size does not always bring advantages, with its recently published financial results for 2009 showing a huge decline in sales and a large loss for the year.

After dwindling diamond prices and reduced demand for rough diamonds and diamond jewelry in 2008 and 2009, these precious gemstones are making a steady comeback. In fact, as we ring in 2010, the diamond market is looking like an increasingly promising option for investors.

The third edition of Indian Jewellery Fair IIJS Signature was held at Kala Academy located in the capital of Goa, Panaji. Kala Academy is known as a large venue for annual musical and movies festivals and other cultural events and lately IIJS Signature is permanently held at this center.

A fresh privatization plan for Alrosa that includes the sale of the full 50.9% Government stake, is being considered by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov and Economic Development Minister Elvira Nabiullina, it has emerged, John Helmer says in his comment posted on Polished Prices.

Three shareholders recycle a billion dollars of dividends, received over the past four years, back into the world's biggest diamond digger.