De Beers’ rough diamond sales (Global Sightholder Sales and Auction Sales) for the ninth sales cycle of 2018 amounted to US$ 440 million (provisional). The Company’s actual sales for Cycle 8 2018 stood at US$ 482 million while sales for Cycle 9 2017, had amounted to US$ 466 million.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: "As the industry’s focus turns towards the key end of year retail selling season, rough diamond sales continued to be in line with expectation during the ninth cycle of the year. While demand for smaller, lower quality rough diamonds continues to see some challenges, the latest cycle saw some signs of improvement in this area as factories in India begin to reopen after Diwali."