What is your opinion about the International Diamond Board (IDB) including ALROSA, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and De Beers?
In my mind this was never going to work. Each of the companies has its own philosophy regarding marketing. De Beers in particular has never been able to work closely with other producers in a creative and responsible way. The fact is that, at this stage, IDB has not taken off. While enthusiastic at first, ALROSA, as the second-largest diamond miner in the world, now appears not to be interested in the idea. Yet it must be accommodated due to its importance. How do you believe the idea can be revived? It is difficult. All these companies have different priorities and other problems to consider. Do you think India and China will be able to increase their diamond jewelry consumption in any significant way in the coming five years or so? It is well known that India and China are growing fast as consumers of diamond jewellery. These countries, as well as the Middle East and South East Asia will undoubtedly be the engine of growth in the next few years. However, India (which is a bigger cons
